Jerian Grant: The Comeback

Dec 21, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) reacts after missing a shot against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the Gotham Classic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Last season in late December, Jerian Grant was ruled ineligible by Notre Dame due to an academic matter. His last game was in the Gotham Classic against Ohio State, in which they lost in the final minute of the game.

After losing Grant, Notre Dame’s season took a pretty steep tumble.

Off a cliff.

Into a ravine.

While on fire.

After starting a respectable 8-4, the Fighting Irish finished the season 15-17, with a 6-12 ACC record. However, in his first 12 games, the junior guard was averaging a 19 points, six assists and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 51.8 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from three, and 86.5 percent rate from the charity stripe. After only winning seven more games that season, it is easy to see that Grant was by far the biggest cog for success on the team. Even though the team had talented players like Eric Atkins, Pat Connaughton, Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste, the Irish were lacking scoring and leadership.

After being dismissed from Notre Dame, Grant came out with a statement saying he would return to school in the spring and play for Mike Brey again. So that leaves us with this simple question.

What will Jerian Grant be like this upcoming year?

Well, after being dismissed, we can only assume that Grant is going to come out with a chip on his shoulder. Adding to that chip, Notre Dame is unranked in the preseason poll for the first time in Grant’s career. Seeing how he has improved in all major statistical categories each year, there is a strong chance that he can further improve his stats and lead his team to more victories.

We might not be able to expect Grant to average 19 points all year, but something like 16 points a night would be manageable for him to achieve. This will be Grant’s first crack at ACC play as well, so it going to be interesting to see if he can put up the points in an efficient manner and further increase his draft stock.

With good returning players and new freshman entering the fold, Coach Brey and company should be able to make some noise in the ACC play this year. Grant should be the vital component of that team, and help lead the Irish to a potential NCAA Tournament berth.