New Haven forward V.J. Beachem was happy to hear that his future college coach gained a lot of security.
Notre Dame announced Tuesday that men's basketball coach Mike Brey agreed to a 10-year contract extension that will keep him with the Irish through the 2021-22 season.
"That's going to be a great feeling, signing that letter of intent, knowing that this is what I signed up for," said Beachem, who arrived at Notre Dame on Monday to take part in the program's youth basketball camp and look around the campus. "Now I know that the guy I'm playing for is going to be here for as long as I am for sure."
Beachem said he believes Brey earned the long extension because of everything the coach gives to the university and program. Brey has led Notre Dame to eight NCAA tournament appearances and is third on the school's all-time wins list with a 260-132 record.
Brey only trails Digger Phelps (393-197) and George Keogan (327-97) in victories at Notre Dame.
"The school knows that they are going to get his absolute best, and they know that he is going to do his best for the school and for the basketball program," Beachem said. "That's why I love him as well."
Beachem, who will be a senior at New Haventhis season, will join the Irish along with shooting guard Steve Vasturia next season.
Beachem, who is rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, said with the security of knowing the head coach will be in place at Notre Dame for the next decade means big things are in the Irish's basketball future.
Notre Dame made a surprise run to the NCAA tournament last season after losing All-Big East preseason selection Tim Abromaitis to a career-ending knee injury.
The Irish return all five of their starters from last year's 22-12 team and add center Garrick Sherman, who sat out last season after transferring from Michigan State, and top-100 freshmen Cameron Biedscheid and Zach Auguste as well as Austin Burgett to the mix.
"I think the sky is the limit, honestly," Beachem said. "I think we have a very bright future with me and the class ahead of me. But it's about us working hard every day and fulfilling our potential."
