Niele Ivey just landed a massive commitment for her Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team, with 5-star shooting guard Avery Arije officially giving her word to the Fighting Irish on Friday. This isn’t just another recruit; it’s a statement move by a player who had the pick of the litter from across the country.
The Words From Arije That Say Everything
Arije didn’t just quietly commit, she dropped a statement on Instagram that tells you everything you need to know about her journey and who she is. “The time has come! I’m committed to the University of Notre Dame!” she wrote. She gave a huge shoutout to “every basketball coach, strength coach, teammate, and organization that has played a role in my journey and helped me get to this point.” And of course, she thanked her family for their “endless love, sacrifices, and support through it all,” noting that “None of this would be possible without you. THANK YOU GOD ALWAYS.” This isn’t some casual choice either. The 6’0″ guard, hailing from Toronto, Canada, picked the Irish over a seriously long list of other top-tier programs like the Arizona Wildcats, Duke Blue Devils, Baylor Bears, and Michigan Wolverines. That’s a powerhouse lineup she looked past to join Notre Dame.
Don’t Sleep On Her Game: What She Brings to South Bend
This isn’t just a 5-star name; Arije brings some serious skills to the table. According to 247’s scouting report, Arije was named the MVP of the adidas 3SSB 16-and-Under Division last year, which tells you she knows how to dominate. She’s got the ability to get downhill and attack the basket effectively, going in either direction. While she’s a left-handed jump shooter, she’s definitely looking to attack first, but don’t count out her open shots, because she can make ’em. Long-term, her athletic ability is going to be super valuable on defense too. That’s an area where she can still grow in terms of production and being more vocal over the next year, but the tools are all there. Seriously, she has everything needed to be an elite option on the perimeter.
This commitment is huge for Notre Dame, giving them a future star who turned down some of the biggest names in college basketball. Get ready, Fighting Irish fans, because Avery Arije has all the tools to light it up. We’re definitely going to be watching how her game evolves over the next 12 months.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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