Hubb Fighting Through Shooting Slump
Six months ago, it was still in the air if Notre Dame point guard Prentiss Hubb was going to be able to give the Irish something this season as the 6-foot-3 freshman was coming off an ACL injury last winter.
Hubb didn’t play when the Irish made a trip to the Bahamas in August but was full go for fall practice.
In fact, Hubb has started 12 of 15 games this season for Notre Dame. The Upper Marlboro (Md.) native is averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, but it’s not a secret Hubb has struggled shooting the ball since the DePaul game on November 24th.
Hubb hasn’t made more than three field goals in a game over the last nine games and is a combined 11-for-68 from the field over the same stretch.
“It’s one of those where we have to help him,” stated head coach Mike Brey. “He’s playing and he’s got to play. Those eight guys are going to play.”
The freshman wall hits every player but Hubb is working hard to get out of his slump and that includes working on all areas of his game.
“I’m getting in the gym and getting a lot more shots up,” Hubb explained. “I’m being more solid with the ball. I had a few turnovers in the last game that shouldn’t have happened. I have to be more careful with the ball.”
Junior guard TJ Gibbs has been in Hubb’s shoes and has made sure he’s been there for the freshman over the last month.
“It’s similar to what I went through my freshman year,” Gibbs said. “Having Matt (Farrell) by my side was the biggest help and support I needed. That’s what I’m trying to do for Prentiss. We know he can play and make plays. We’re not worried about it and want him to keep shooting the ball.”
Hubb has felt the increased speed of the game, especially in ACC plays, and he’s making some adjustments to his game to help adjust.
“It’s kind of a different speed,” stated Hubb. “The more I play in the league, I can get used to it.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of people who have mentored me. I’m focusing on starting the game off shooting less threes and getting to the basket. I’m just playing that way to see the ball go in first.”
Brey knows his young point guard could use a few more to through the net for confidence and to help the offense, but he’s staying patient and encouraging Hubb to keep shooting.
“ I know he hasn’t shot it well for a while, but he’s shot it well for us early in the season,” said Brey. “He’s a better shooter than what he’s been lately.
“He was attacking and getting into the lane trying to make some plays. We have to try and build on it. He can’t turn shots down. He has to shoot for us.”