Written by Jhett Garrett ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter/X: @JhettGarrett
Photo by Lehigh University Athletics
The Notre Dame Men’s basketball team has officially capped off its transfer portal additions for 2024, closing it out with Lehigh graduate transfer Burke Chebuhar this past Thursday. Chebuhar, a 6’8” forward from Marietta, Georgia started in 22 of 32 games for Lehigh, averaging 7.5 points per game, on 46.2% shooting, while also bringing in five rebounds per game.
After not seeing much playing time in his first two seasons at Lehigh following his transfer from Bowdoin College (D3) in Brunswick, Maine, Chebuhar averaged just under 23 minutes per game during his senior season.
“This past year I had more of an opportunity with some of the senior players graduating,” Chebuhar said. “I put a lot of time in learning from those guys.”
In nine games from January 27th to February 24th, Chebuhar averaged 14 points per game, on 64% shooting, and 7.1 rebounds. In the first round of the Patriot League Championship, Chebuhar put up 22 points on 8-11 shooting, seven rebounds, and six assists.
“Each year was a year of growth for me…I had confidence, but I also had some great teammates that trusted me.”
When touring Notre Dame on May 10th, Chebuhar highlighted the culture that is engrained in the campus.
“The campus is beautiful you guys know that,” Chebuhar said. “The community and culture feel are there with academics and sports. Notre Dame is Notre Dame. The name speaks for itself.”
In just his second season in South Bend, Micah Shrewsberry has been on a great run in bringing in impact players. His recruiting pitch has been simple: Buy in.
“You could just tell that everyone has really bought into what they’re trying to do,” Chebuhar said when asked about what he valued in his time with Shrewsberry. “Everyone has the same goals.”
It is an offense that is regarded as one of the more appealing in the ACC, especially after the progression during the latter part of Shrewsberry’s first season. An experienced player, Chebuhar is looking forward to the flexibility that is the Notre Dame offense.
“I’m excited to play his style of offense where it’s reading the game and having a lot of skilled players on the floor,” he said.
However, joining this young, developing team comes with a role that Chebuhar is excited to take on: Leadership. This past season, Matt Zona was the main leader in the locker room and shared his experiences with the rest of the team. With Zona graduating this past season, it will be important for someone to step up and take on that role.
“I’m definitely somebody who tries to lead by example,” Chebuhar said. “I carry a little bit more experience…I plan to help bring a different perspective.”
One of those players that Chebuhar is looking forward to playing with is reigning ACC Freshman Player of the Year, Markus Burton.
“I’m stoked…I haven’t met him yet so I’m looking forward to meeting him.” Chebuhar said. “Really excited to meet him, get to know him, and get to work.”
Chebuhar is a perfect player for the Shrewsberry system, and a player like Burton is only going to uplift everyone around him. He also touched on Burton’s ability to get downhill and kick out to shooters, something that Chebuhar was effective in at Lehigh.
With the roster officially set, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are looking to continue to improve during the 2024-25 season. Burke Chebuhar is what the Irish have needed not only on the floor but also in the locker room.
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