Dec. 07--SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Early in Notre Dame's 75-57 victory Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday night, Jerian Grant drove to the hoop.
As the defense collapsed, Grant might have been able to put up a shot, but at the opposite side of the floor Grant spied an open Pat Connaughton just behind the 3-point line. Grant zipped the ball over to Connaughton and moments later the Irish had their first basket of the night.
It was a play that exemplified the type of dynamic offensive threat Grant is for the Irish -- lethal scorer but just as dangerous as a passer.
An overlooked part of Grant's game has been his ability to set up his teammates for good shots and his knack for straddling the line between scorer and distributor. That ability has enabled the Irish to build one of the most efficient offenses in the country, one ranking fifth in that category according to Kenpom.com.
"Right now he's doing it naturally," coach Mike Brey said. "He has a good feel of when to do it. I don't want to overcoach him in it because I think he has found a good balance point."
Grant had 15 points with two assists against the Knights. For the season he is averaging 19 points and 6.4 assists, which leads the Irish.
Grant has assumed a greater role in setting his teammates up since former point guard Eric Atkins graduated. Current starting point guard Demetrius Jackson is more of a scorer and still getting accustomed to running the offense.
"I definitely have to do a little bit more (passing)," Grant said. "Eric was a pass-first point guard and Demetrius is a little different. I have to pass the ball a bit more, but staying aggressive, shooting and passing is something I can do."
Yet as nice as his passing is, he is still Notre Dame's main scorer. If Brey senses Grant is having trouble doing so, he will call sets to get Grant a shot.
"No added pressure," said Grant, who scored a career-high 27 points against Michigan State on Wednesday. "My role on the team (includes being) one of those guys who scores when the team needs it."
Notre Dame needs Grant to do a little bit of everything, and this season he has been more than up to the challenge.
"His playmaking ability is something to really marvel at," Brey said. "How he finds people and involves his teammates is beautiful to watch."
chine@tribpub.com
Twitter @ChristopherHine
