Notre Dame And Matt Farrell Not Lacking Confidence
Notre Dame’s Matt Farrell might have been a surprise to many around the ACC last winter, but entering the 2017-18 campaign, the senior point guard will have all eyes on him.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder averaged 14.1 ppg and 5.6 apg last year and will look to build on that this season.
“I’m going to be the same guy,” said Farrell. “I am going to play with a chip on my shoulder. I want to be more vocal and talking to the guys after every play whether if it’s a mistake or a good play. I want to have a vocal presence, and that’s something I have worked on.”
The New Jersey native is also known for his high-effort and fiery play. Farrell made it clear he was playing with a chip on his shoulder and disliked some were labeling the surprise of the ACC a year ago.
Head coach Mike Brey loves the fire that comes from Farrell, but he also knows his point guard might have to dial it back at times with the calming voices of VJ Beachem and Steve Vasturia gone.
“They were like listening to jazz in the huddle,” Brey said of Beachem and Vasturia. “They brought everyone else down. I’m thinking I guess I’m the jazz guy right now and maybe Matt Farrell can join me.
“I don’t want to screw his game up, so maybe I’ll just do it. He’s conscious after being the quarterback for a year. We have him talking more. We couldn’t get him to say anything the first two years.
“He’s really grown into the talking leadership role of the point guard.”
Farrell is aware Brey might want him to dial things back a few notches at times during games, and it’s something he has worked on this offseason.
“It’s something I am definitely going to have to change this year,” laughed Farrell. “We lost two guys who were always calm no matter what was going on. Bonzie does a good job of that in the huddle. We take a lot of pride in our huddles.
“Coach Brey rarely says a lot of stuff in there. We’re usually talking to each other to figure things out, but it’s something we have to figure out moving forward. I play with a lot of emotions, but when it comes down to important situations, it’s something I’ll be able to do.”
Farrell’s team has taken on his supreme confidence this offseason. The Irish know they are good, but they have also put in the work since March.
“This group is very confident,” explained Farrell. “It’s something we don’t lack. Since I have been here, we’ve had guys that want to work hard and believe in each other. It’s something we’ve had in this program for a while. We’re excited to be here and get going.”
With Notre Dame success, Brey has not been bashful about the goals of the program. The Irish were once a program happy to make NCAA Tournament, but now it’s about making a Final Four.
“It means he believes in us,” stated Farrell. “We believe in the system, the coaches and what we’re doing here. We’re going to take it one day at a time. That’s our mindset going forward.
“The Final Four is the end goal of course, but we have to get better every day.”
The Final Four is definitely something Notre Dame can mention in the preseason, but Farrell is focused on actually making it to San Antonio in the spring.
“It’s something we know is there,” Farrell said. “We’ve come very close to it a couple of times. It’s not fun getting that close and not getting there. Bonzie, Marty, and I have one more year. We’re going to try to lead.
“We know we can get there. We have enough talent and have guys that can do it. We’re taking it day by day.”
The Irish are in the second week of practice, and Farrell has been focused on building chemistry with new starters Rex Pflueger and TJ Gibbs.
“I’m getting more comfortable with the guys every day,” explained Farrell. “A lot of people don’t’ really see how well Rex and TJ shoot the ball. They’re good shooters. I think they both know they have different roles this year.
“Rex is ready. I think our offense can be way more dynamic this year. I can’t wait to play with TJ and have Rex out there. It’s something I look forward to, and we can play fast.”
Notre Dame is counting on Farrell to bring the two new starters and freshman DJ Harvey up to speed quickly, as the schedule will include the Maui Invitational, Indiana and a trip to Michigan State.
“I like road games better than home games, to be honest,” said Farrell. “Road games are a lot of fun. It’s a chance to go in somewhere and make our presence known. We’re very excited about those games and our early tests on our non-conference schedule.”