Geben Making Steady Improvements For No. 23 Notre Dame
Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey has used the term “big four” this season, a reference to four of his five starters: seniors Steve Vasturia and V.J. Beachem and juniors Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson.
But after a 10-point, nine-rebound performance by junior forward Martinas Geben in a victory over Pittsburgh, Brey said the Irish now have a “big four-and-a-half.”
“That was a big step forward,” Brey said of Geben. “His progress has been slow and steady, upward trend, which is kind of who he is. He was extremely confident in a road atmosphere. He anchored us and gave us a great defensive rebounding presence. He slipped some screens at key times, he’s easy to play with. He’s joined the club.”
Geben played a career-high 28 minutes in the 78-77 overtime win over the Panthers, tallying more minutes in the single game than he did the entire Atlantic Coast Conference schedule last season combined (19).
The 6-foot-10 Lithuanian doesn’t give the Irish much offensively — Geben is averaging just 4.8 points per game — but Brey complimented the decision-making of the forward.
“He’s a great passer from the low post,” Brey said. “When we give him a low post touch, that’s where Steve and V.J., we get some cuts off of him and he’s really great with the basketball.”
Geben is playing an average of 16.6 minutes a game this season and is often on the bench during key situations, substituted for guards Rex Pflueger or T.J. Gibbs.
Geben said his outing against Pittsburgh was the most complete game he’s played for the Irish.
“That’s the most minutes I’ve played, more than all of last year in the ACC and the most this season and I was able to perform well,” Geben said. “The playing time isn’t choppy and I get into a better rhythm and get more momentum going not having to come out as often.”
According to Geben, his main responsibilities are rebounding and finishing around the basket. With the help of Geben, Notre Dame held its own on the glass against Pittsburgh, only losing the rebounding battle 45-39.
But Geben isn’t just a bruising forward for the Irish, who host No. 9 Louisville on Wednesday.
“He’s really smart as a big guy,” Brey said. “He almost has a little bit of a guard’s mentality basketball IQ wise. Handling the ball, passing the ball, dribble exchanging.”
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