Notre Dame – Fairfield Media Day Evaluation

<p>Coach Brian Kriftcher enters his first season as head coach at Notre Dame Fairfield. I’ve been able to get around the area recently and this is one of the deepest teams I’ve seen so far. The team is anchored by its two senior standouts Rassoul Abakar and [player_tooltip player_id="1081727" first="Akim" last="Joseph"].<br /> <br /> <strong>Rassoul Abakar, 6'9" Forward, 2021</strong> - Rassoul was the most dominant player during the practice. He has intriguing size, length, and skill to excel at the next level. He's fundamental sound, showing comfort on the post or stepping away from the basket. Rassoul has good touch on his midrange jumper, extending to the FT line. He runs the floor very well and has high-level footwork. <br /> <br /> [player_tooltip player_id="1081727" first="Akim" last="Joseph"]<strong> 6'6" Forward, 2021</strong> - Akim has a college-ready frame and the competitive nature to match. He's a big-time athlete who finishes well above the rim and is capable of knocking down the three. Rebounding comes naturally to Akim he seems to have a knack for the ball. <br /> <br /> <strong>Andrew Saint Louis, 6'1 Combo Guard, 2021</strong> - Andrew is a sturdily built combo guard who finishes through contact and competes at a high level. He's a fluid ball-handler and exceptionally quick. He utilizes his crossover to create as a playmaker. He walks into the gym in attack mode. <br /> <br /> <strong>Sean Lee, 6'1" Combo Guard, 2022</strong> - Sean is a steady guard with a good understanding of floor spacing. He plays with good balance on both ends. His upper body strength aides his ability to finish around the rim. Throughout the day he had a number of eye-catching passes. Sean was active on the defensive end as well anticipating passing lanes and guarding the ball.<br /> <br /> <strong>GariVonni Bennett, 6'4" Guard, 2022</strong> - Vonni is a versatile guard who is capable of defending multiple positions. He's a quick athletic guard who finishes well off the dribble. Vonni's ability to shoot from the catch compliments his overall game.<br /> <br /> <strong>Santana Sinvilcin, 6'4" Wing, 2023</strong> - Santana is a scoring wing with good size. He seems to have improved since the last time I've seen him in the fall. He knocked down a number of threes from the catch. He's a prospect to keep an eye on moving forward.<br /> <br /> <strong>Carmelo Ayala, 6'0" Point Guard, 2023</strong> - Melo is a talented guard who will be a regular in the rotation. He's an outstanding ball-handler with a solid court presence. Melo's court vision and passing ability were on display but I was more impressed with his ability to change direction. In addition, he will be a secondary scoring threat knocking down multiple threes.<br /> <br /> <strong>Additional Prospects to Watch</strong><br /> Gary Bennett '21<br /> Bailey Coleman '23<br /> Finn Miller '23<br /> Nate Charlton '24</p>