Class of 2022 forward Ven-Allen Lubin of Orlando Christian Prep (FL) and Southeast Elite (FL) has committed to Notre Dame, picking the Irish over the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech. The 6’8 prospect brings versatility and a high motor, the ability to guard multiple positions and turn defense into transition offense. While playing on the adidas 3SSB circuit this past summer, Lubin showcased his skills as a scorer, slasher and rebounder, vaulting himself into the top-75 in the country and ultimately catching the eye of Coach Mike Brey and the rest of the Notre Dame staff.
Over the summer, Lubin boosted his stock after a productive AAU season with Southeast Elite, where he more than held his own against other highly-touted competition. Additionally, he stood out at showcases such as The Circuit Championship and Pangos All-American Festival which brought much-deserved attention to the well-rounded forward. As he is set to begin his senior season, look for Lubin to lead Orlando Christian Prep (FL) at a run for a state championship.
Lubin spoke with Pro Insight’s Conrad Chow about his decision:
Pro Insight: First off — for those that don’t know you or haven’t read our first interview with you, how did you get to where you are today?
Ven-Allen Lubin: Hard work. Hard work got me where I’m at today. My motive of improving my craft and developing my game every day is what drives me to be the best that I can be.
PI: Describe this past summer — what were you able to show coaches and evaluators on the 3SSB circuit?
VL: I can say this past summer was the best summer I’ve ever had, hands down. I was able to have the opportunity to play in front of college coaches to showcase my talent and show them who I really am. I continued to be a leader on the court, score at all three levels on the floor, and defend all positions.
PI: What were the most important factors in your college decision?
VL: The most important factors in my college decision were having a safe and efficient environment, a great academic and athletic program, an opportunity to play right away, and building great relationships with coaches and players.
PI: Who did you turn to for guidance throughout the process? What advice did they share with you?
VL: My family was always there to support and guide me through my decision, Coach Treig, Coach Ricks, but most importantly, God definitely helped me walk through this process peacefully. Everyone told me to listen to my heart and follow God because he knows what’s right for me.
PI: Without further adieu, where will you be attending next fall?
VL: I will be Attending Notre Dame University!! Go Irish ☘️💯
PI: Congratulations! What set Notre Dame apart? What made them different from the rest of your options?
VL: I can’t really pinpoint what was different about them from the other schools, but it was just a different feeling that I had over at Notre Dame. I connected with all the coaches and players very well and the family culture was in the air. Everybody is very genuine and kind. I feel like I can really thrive and I can make an immediate impact at Notre Dame.
PI: What was Notre Dame’s most consistent message to you throughout the recruiting process? What did they try to convey?
VL: They continued to tell me that I have an immediate role in starting. They see me as a highly talented basketball player that can achieve a lot more in life at their school. But something that spoke out to me as well was they told me that wherever I go, I will make a big impact on their basketball team because of my work ethic.
PI: What was Coach Brey’s reaction when you told him?
VL: He was speechless. He was so thrilled to have me join the Irish family. He sent me a video of him waving a flag in the middle of their gym out of excitement.
PI: Did you get to know any of the current or former Notre Dame players during the recruiting process?
VL: Yessir, I did. Most of the coaching staff are former Notre Dame players and they are really cool and hard-working people.
PI: What is the Notre Dame program getting in Ven-Allen Lubin?
VL: A very versatile, athletic, and explosive forward who cares about winning more than anybody and will do whatever it takes to lead my team to success: whether it’s to get every defensive rebound, guarding their best player, making plays with the ball for others, or communicating, because at the end of the day, it’s a team win or a team loss. We are in it together as a family.
PI: Lastly, do you have any message for the Fighting Irish fans who are thrilled about your commitment?
VL: It’s done! Let’s go Notre Dame Fans! Time to wake everybody up and give them a show!