NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — For second time in a week, Notre Dame has landed a player from the New York/New Jersey area.
Elijah Burns, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound four man from Blair (N.J.) Academy verbally pledged to the Irish. He told SNY.tv he also considered Seton Hall, Temple, VCU and George Washington.
Last week, Matt Ryan, a 6-6 small forward and sharpshooter from Iona Prep, also pledged to the Irish.
“I chose Notre Dame because of my relationship with the coaches and also what it does for you after basketball,” Burns said by phone. “That’s one of the main reasons, a degree from Notre Dame is second to none and it can set you up for life.”
Burns averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds for a Blair team that went 18-6 and won the New Jersey State Prep A tournament.
“He’s a super-versatile forward,” Blair coach Joe Mantegna said by phone. “We’re still trying to figure out what aspect of his skillset we need to emphasize on the high school level and that will be part of what Mike Brey will have to figure out because he’s so versatile.
“He’s a perfect character fit for a place for like Notre Dame, and a perfect academic fit.
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