IrishIllustrated.com - Grant finds 'perfect fit'

September 9, 2009

Jake Brown
IrishIllustrated.com Recruiting Analyst

Jerian Grant knew the other schools recruiting him wouldn't compare after last weekend's official visit to Notre Dame.

As a result, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard from Hyattsville, Md., decided not to string out the recruiting process any longer than necessary, becoming Notre Dame's third commitment in the Class of 2010 on Wednesday.

"I just got home and talked to my parents and my brother about it," Grant said. "And just weighed the pros and cons from Notre Dame to the other schools that were recruiting me and Notre Dame just blew them out of the water. It was just the perfect fit for me basketball-wise. It was a perfect fit."

Grant had the unique opportunity of delivering the news to Irish head coach Mike Brey in person.

Brey had planned to make the trip to DeMatha Catholic High School, his alma mater, to watch Grant at an open gym.

Rather than just watching a workout, Brey had a chance to welcome another DeMatha player to the Notre Dame program. Grant, ranked as the No. 92 player overall in the Rivals150, said the DeMatha connection played a part in his ultimate decision.

"It definitely had a little bit to do with the decision," Grant said. "I think me being coach Brey's first DeMatha guy, I think we'll definitely have a strong relationship."

Grant joins two other guards in Notre Dame's recruiting class.

Four-star point guard Eric Atkins committed back in June and three-star shooting guard Alex Dragicevich did so in the first week of August. Grant maintains a close friendship with Atkins, who hails from the same area and has played some open gyms at DeMatha.

Having Atkins, the No. 58 player in the Rivals150, with him at Notre Dame also factored into Grant's decision.

But in the end it came down to a decision between Grant and his family, and the outcome quickly became clear.

"I talked to my mom mostly about the academics and the experience when I get there and how things are gonna go and things like that and getting a degree from Notre Dame," Grant said. "Then when I talked with my dad we talked mostly about basketball and my situation when I got there and how it would be, playing time and winning and things like that."

As it turned out, everything fit just right for Grant.

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