:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57297993/usa_today_9932958.0.jpg)
New year, new number, new T.J. Gibbs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After coming off the bench for limited minutes in his freshman season, the highly touted recruit out of Scotch Plains, New Jersey is poised to take on a much heavier role in Mike Brey’s offense as a sophomore. How has he prepared for the heavier role? By getting lighter.
3 Things to Know About T.J. Gibbs
- Gibbs shed over 15 pounds during the offseason to increase his endurance and prepare for what is certain to be a large increase in workload this season. Looking noticeably slimmer, Gibbs should also be able to drive the lane and shed defenders on the perimeter more effectively this season.
- Gibbs was an ESPN Top-100 recruit coming out of Seton Hall Prep, where he is the all-time leading scorer in school history.
- Expect Gibbs to be partnered with Matt Farrell in the backcourt, which should be an exciting duo to watch on the offensive end
YouTube Hot Fire
This is exactly what Brey will be looking for out of Gibbs this season: swarming defense, quickness with the ball, accelerate to the hoop and finish.
I, RyChi, Dub Thee:
T.J. Gibbs and the Temple of Doom. Temple for his real name. Doom for defenders that try and stop him once he gets a foot of steam.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9525037/usa_today_9952525.jpg)
2017 Outlook
We will be seeing a lot more of Gibbs this season, and he should be out there every night for the opening tip. Gibbs was making major strides early in the season and through the first batch of conference games before tailing off a bit down the stretch. Gibbs has chalked that up to his weight gain, which looks to be solved heading into this season.
Brey has said he doesn’t want Gibbs giving up open looks, given his shooting talent. That will be an interesting part of his game to keep an eye on. Gibbs shot just 38 percent from the field last season, but the limited minutes could have prevented him from getting in a rhythm. Gibbs will get his points at the basket, and his ability to penetrate will leave open looks for guys like Farrell and Rex Pflueger, but will Gibbs take some open looks from outside as well? Stay tuned.