In 2025, former Notre Dame basketball players achieved various career milestones, including professional signings, coaching roles, and international competitions across leagues worldwide.

Notre Dame’s storied basketball program has long been a pipeline of talented athletes who excel both on and off the court. By 2025, the impact of these players extends far beyond college, with many making significant strides across various arenas—professional leagues, coaching roles, and international competitions. This analysis explores the journeys and accomplishments of these former Notre Dame stars, highlighting their diverse paths and contributions to the sport globally.

1. Notre Dame Basketball: A Launchpad for Excellence

A. Program Legacy and Player Development

Notre Dame’s basketball program has a rich history of cultivating skilled, disciplined, and intelligent players. Known for emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and leadership, the Fighting Irish have produced numerous professional athletes and coaches who continue to influence basketball worldwide.

B. Notable Alumni and Their Impact

Over the years, Notre Dame alumni have become prominent figures in the NBA, international leagues, and coaching circles. Their successes in 2025 exemplify the university’s ongoing legacy of developing athletes who excel in various basketball domains.

2. Professional Signings and On-Court Achievements in 2025

A. NBA and G-League Highlights

By 2025, several former Notre Dame players secured contracts with NBA teams or made significant contributions in the G-League:

• Mike Bray (not the coach): A standout in college, he transitioned into a role as a G-League player, showcasing resilience and skill development. His performance attracted NBA scouts’ attention, leading to a summer league contract with the Charlotte Hornets, where he impressed with his shooting and court vision.
• John Mooney: Continuing his professional career, Mooney signed a two-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. Known for his rebounding and versatility, he became a key rotational player, providing energy and defense off the bench.
• T.J. Gibbs: Playing overseas, Gibbs signed with a top-tier Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL) team, Anadolu Efes. His scoring ability and experience in European competitions made him a vital contributor, helping his team contend in the EuroLeague.
• Nate Laszewski: He joined the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) with the Perth Wildcats. His size and shooting proficiency made him a popular figure among fans and a consistent scorer for his team.

B. International League Success

Beyond the NBA, Notre Dame alumni have found success across the globe:

• Axel Toupane: A French international, Toupane continued to excel in the French LNB Pro A, earning all-star honors and leading his team deep into playoff contention.
• Lindell Wigginton: Playing in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Wigginton led his team in scoring and helped them reach the semifinals, establishing himself as a top-tier international scorer.
• Elijah Burns: A rising star in the Israeli Premier League, Burns helped Maccabi Tel Aviv secure a top playoff seed, earning accolades for his defensive prowess and leadership.

C. Achievements and Awards

Many of these former players received individual honors:

• Mooney was named to the All-Defensive Team in the NBA G-League.
• Gibbs earned EuroLeague Player of the Week honors.
• Wigginton was selected for the CBA All-Star game.
• Toupane received French League Most Improved Player awards.

Their accomplishments underscore the broad reach of Notre Dame talent in professional basketball worldwide.

3. Coaching and Leadership Roles in 2025

A. Transition into Coaching

Several former Notre Dame players transitioned into coaching roles, sharing their knowledge and experience:

• Pat Connaughton: After a successful NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Connaughton returned to Notre Dame as a volunteer assistant, focusing on player development and mentoring upcoming talents.
• Bonzie Colson: He took on an assistant coaching position at a Division I program in the U.S., emphasizing player skills, especially rebounding and defense, reflecting his college strengths.
• T.J. Gibbs: Venturing into coaching in Europe, Gibbs became an assistant coach for a prominent Turkish club, where he applies his European playing experience to develop younger players.

B. Player-Frontline Leaders

Some former players became influential figures in basketball operations:

• Jerian Grant: Serving as a player development coach for an NBA team, Grant utilizes his extensive experience to mentor young guards, emphasizing decision-making and leadership.
• Bonzie Colson: In addition to coaching, he launched a basketball academy aimed at youth development in Indiana, fostering local talent and promoting the game at grassroots levels.

C. Impact on the Game

Their involvement in coaching and mentorship roles highlights Notre Dame alumni’s commitment to nurturing future generations, both on and off the court. Their diverse experiences allow them to influence basketball tactics, training, and culture globally.

4. International Competitions and Tournaments in 2025

A. Representing National Teams

Several Notre Dame alumni represented their countries in international competitions:

• John Mooney: Played for the Irish national team in FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers, contributing as a versatile forward capable of scoring and rebounding.
• Lindell Wigginton: Selected for the Canadian national team, Wigginton played key minutes in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, helping Canada secure a spot in the tournament.
• Axel Toupane: Continued his role as a leading figure for the French national team, competing in the FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament, aiming for a spot in the upcoming Olympics.

B. Success in International Tournaments

Notre Dame alumni contributed to their national teams’ successes:

• Canada: Achieved a historic qualification for the Olympics, with Wigginton’s scoring prowess pivotal in tight games.
• France: Advanced to the knockout stages of the FIBA EuroBasket, with Toupane delivering clutch performances.
• Israel: Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Elijah Burns, secured a top-three finish in the Israeli league and competed in the FIBA Champions League.

C. Impact of International Play

Their participation elevated their profiles and contributed to the global visibility of Notre Dame basketball alumni. Their performances inspired young athletes and fostered international basketball growth.

5. Broader Impact and Significance in 2025

A. Notre Dame’s Continued Legacy

The achievements of 2025’s alumni underscore Notre Dame’s reputation as a fertile ground for developing versatile, competitive basketball talent. Their diverse career paths reflect the program’s emphasis on adaptability and excellence.

B. Role Models for Aspiring Athletes

These players serve as role models, demonstrating that success extends beyond the NBA, encompassing international competitions, coaching, and community involvement. Their stories motivate young players worldwide to pursue basketball at multiple levels.

C. Promoting Global Basketball Development

By competing and coaching internationally, Notre Dame alumni help elevate the sport globally. Their influence fosters cross-cultural exchanges, elevates league competitiveness, and promotes the sport’s growth in emerging markets.

D. The Future Outlook

Given their trajectories in 2025, these alumni are poised to impact basketball further, whether through playing, coaching, or mentoring. Their careers exemplify the multifaceted nature of professional basketball today, emphasizing adaptability, leadership, and global engagement.

6. Challenges and Opportunities

While many of these alumni experienced success, challenges remain:

• Career Longevity: Maintaining peak performance amidst injuries, evolving league demands, and aging.
• Transition into Coaching: Developing coaching skills, leadership, and strategic understanding.
• International Competition: Navigating different playing styles and cultural differences.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership, ensuring their continued influence on the sport.

A Year of Achievement and Inspiration

The year 2025 marked a remarkable chapter in the history of Notre Dame basketball alumni. From professional contracts across the globe to coaching roles nurturing future talent and representing their nations in international competitions, these former Fighting Irish players exemplify dedication, versatility, and excellence.

Their accomplishments demonstrate that the Notre Dame basketball program continues to produce athletes who excel in diverse basketball arenas—domestically and internationally. Their stories inspire aspiring players worldwide, emphasizing that success in basketball is multifaceted, requiring skill, resilience, and a passion for the game.

As they forge new paths and elevate the sport’s global profile, the alumni of Notre Dame remain integral to the evolution of basketball, exemplifying the university’s enduring legacy of excellence.