Notre Dame’s football-to-basketball move raises an interesting idea for Greg Gard

Notre Dame basketball just did something that doesn't happen often in the FBS, but it has a handful of times. The Fighting Irish are welcoming Mark Zackery IV to the hoops squad after he finished his football season. While he spent the season preserving his redshirt, Zackery, a top hoops as well as a football recruit, will get to play for both teams. Should Greg Gard follow suit to bring help?

There is a player that may be able to help, Gard's frustration with his front court, offensive lineman Riley Mahlman. Evan Flood of On3.com suggested this idea, and while he may have been speaking tongue-in-cheek, it shouldn't be dismissed outright. There are three reasons to think this all the way through.

Riley Mahlman may have an answer to the problem that Greg Gard has uncovered this season

First, let's start with the obvious question: Was or is Riley Mahlman good at basketball? The short answer is, yes. In high school, he could have been a top recruit for either sport at 6'8 and over 300 pounds. He played for one of the top AAU teams and was a force inside. He was a better football recruit, but he could have played college basketball as well.

Second, Gard does have room on his team; he wouldn't even need to offer a scholarship to Mahlman; he could walk on due to his football scholarship. However, there's extra room anyway due to a lighter roster and forward Elijah Gray being dismissed before the season started.

Related: Frustrated Greg Gard says he may end up benching players in effort to find defense

Along the same point, Gard wants players who can play defense. He literally said in the last post-game press conference that some people may need to ride the pine, and others will be brought in based on their willingness to play defense and not be soft. Especially, you'd have to assume in the front court.

Which is the third point, the front court is soft lately. The most physically imposing big man so far has been a true freshman, Aleksas Bieliauskas, and even he has some work to do here. Bringing in a football player would send an obvious message and would immediately add the physicality needed.

The downside? Mahlman's injury risk is higher with multiple sports and may not work for football. Another thing is, he may not want to, Luke Fickell may not let him, and maybe most importantly, it would be surprising if Greg Gard even entertained this idea. Maybe he should, though.