By Andrew Coen
Basketball star Tyrone Nash chooses Fighting Irish
Playing big-time college basketball is something the top high school players always dream of - but for Lawrence Woodmere Academy's Tyrone Nash, the chance to take his game to the next level was worth being patient about.
In late October after many months of deliberation, Nash, a 2006 graduate of Lawrence Woodmere Academy (LWA), committed to sign with Notre Dame's basketball team to play next season.
Nash, a two-time All-Long Island selection from Jamaica, Queens, could have chosen several different Division I colleges including Kentucky, Stanford, Seton Hall and Providence, but ultimately decided on the Fighting Irish.
"There's nothing better than being able to play college basketball with 'Irish' across your chest," said Nash. Nash decided on Notre Dame not just because of its storied
basketball program but for the rigorous academics that the Catholic school in South Bend, Indiana offers. Nash was a gifted student as well as athlete at LWA graduating in the top 5 percent of his class and being inducted into the school's Cum Laude Society. Prior to blossoming into one of the top high school recruits in his senior year, Nash was sought after by Ivy League schools because of his strong academic record.
"He wanted the academic piece and the athletic piece and I think Notre Dame gives him that chance," said LWA head coach Jeff Weiss. "It gives him the best of both worlds."
Nash's college announcement was delayed because he decided after graduating from LWA at only 17 years old this past spring to enroll at Northfield Mount Hermon School, a college preparatory school in Massachusetts, for one more year of seasoning.
"It helps me mature mentally and physically," said Nash of why he decided to put his college basketball career on hold for a year. "I know I had to get stronger and wiser."
"He felt comfortable having the extra year," said Coach Weiss. "We're proud that he took his time in making a very intelligent decision."
Weiss said the opportunity to play road games close to his Queens home also played a factor in his decision to choose Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish compete in the Big East Conference which includes nearby colleges like St. John's, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Villanova, Connecticut and Providence.
Two days prior to announcing his intention to sport the Fighting Irish uniform, Nash returned to his alma mater on Oct. 21 to praise Coach Weiss, at the LWA Homecoming Celebration where the legendary coach was being honored with a basketball court dedication. When Nash made his decision two days later, Coach Weiss was one of the first he called to share the news.
Last season, Nash, who stands 6-feet-7 and 215 pounds, averaged 17 points and 14 rebounds. Weiss said Nash has versatile skills and can play a variety of positions but will likely fit in best as a small forward at the college level. "He has a great basketball IQ and can play all different positions," said Weiss. "He's an excellent defender, rebounds well and is just a really good basketball player."
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