Ryan Ayers was a three-star unrated recruit out of Pennsylvania.  He received scholarships from some good basketball schools, Maryland and Villanova. 

Out of high school Ryan was listed at 6'5", 195 lbs.  Who knew this little known player might be the key to a Notre Dame title run this season? 

At 6'7", 210 lbs., he is a threat on the offensive end with his perimeter shot, and ability to drive the lane.  On the defensive side of the ball, he can block shots with that expansive wing span and he almost averaged a steal a game last year.

My expectations for Ryan Ayers are extremely high.  He came into Notre Dame, primarily as a three-point shooter, and now he can drive the lane or pull up for the 15-foot jump shot. 

Last season he averaged 7.2 points in 25 minutes of work.  I am predicting Ayers to average 12 points a game and average 32 minutes. 

The only thing that can hold him back is that he might be a better player coming off the bench.  It’ll be interesting to see what starting lineup Brey goes with this season. 

I predict Ayers will be in the starting five, but he may be the first or second man off the bench in some games. 

Ayers will have a major impact on the Irish and will be a crucial piece of the puzzle if Notre Dame wants to make a real tournament run.  Don’t be shocked if you begin to hear his name a little more often when people speak of the Irish.