2019 Five-Star Isaiah Stewart Puts Notre Dame In Top 10
Mike Brey is going big game hunting in the 2019 class and La Lumiere School (Ind.) five-star forward Isaiah Stewart tops the list.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder is originally from Rochester (N.Y.) but decided to join the La Lumiere program last season.
On Wednesday, Stewart trimmed an impressive list of 41 offers down to 10. Notre Dame made the cut along with Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Texas, Villanova and Washington.
“I’ve been extremely blessed to have these types of opportunities before me,” stated Stewart. “I’m a better person because of the relationship I’ve built with each coaching staff I’ve been in contact with. No part of this process has been easy, and I thank each and every coach that has recruited me so far. With that being said, I will be moving forward with these 10 schools.”
Brey and assistant Ryan Ayers made a visit to see Stewart in April, and the message was a clear one from Notre Dame.
“Just that I’m their main priority for the 2019 class,” Stewart said. “They showed me what their game plan would be for me and showed me what they did with Bonzie (Colson) and the other big guys they have.
“I liked it, I really did. I know Notre Dame is a great place. Coach Brey is a great person. Outside of coaching, he has a great personality. I’m pretty cool with the whole entire staff.”
Duke is the favorite to land him as of now, but Stewart knows Notre Dame has him at the top of the board.
“I’ve been to Notre Dame a few times, and I love the campus,” he said. “Even before they offered me a scholarship, I went and got up on campus way back. It’s great. I’ve seen everything. For them to tell me I’m the number one recruit in this class is great because I know they really mean that.”
One X-factor Notre Dame is working with is Stewart’s City Rocks AAU teammate Joe Girard III, who averaged 50 points a game last season as a junior. The two players are good friends off the court, and the chance to play together has crossed their minds.
“Oh man, that would be great,” he said. “He’s a great guy, and I love playing with him. Outside of his shooting, he has a really good basketball IQ and can really pass the ball. He’s a great dude to play with. I love playing with him. Me and him are pretty tight, pretty close.”
Stewart will be in Colorado Springs in June to try out for the USA Basketball 17U team.