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Notre Dame & USA Basketball: A Growing Connection

Notre Dame Basketball's Evolving Connection to USA Basketball

In the pantheon of college basketball programs, Notre Dame has long been revered for its storied history, passionate fanbase, and iconic moments under the Golden Dome. Yet, when it comes to the intersection with USA Basketball—the governing body for the nation's international hoops endeavors—the Fighting Irish have not always been a household name. While powerhouses like Duke, Kentucky, and UCLA have churned out Olympians and World Championship stars with regularity, Notre Dame's ties to the red, white, and blue have been more sporadic, often overshadowed by the program's domestic achievements. This narrative, however, is shifting, as recent developments highlight a growing synergy between the South Bend institution and the global stage of basketball excellence.

To understand this evolution, one must delve into the historical context. Notre Dame's basketball legacy dates back to the early 20th century, with the program gaining national prominence under coaches like George Keogan in the 1920s and 1930s. During those formative years, international basketball was in its infancy, and USA Basketball as we know it today didn't exist until its formal establishment in 1974. Even then, the Olympic movement was amateur-driven, and college players were the backbone of Team USA. Notre Dame produced talented athletes, but few made the leap to represent the country on the world's biggest stage. For instance, in the post-World War II era, players like Leo Barnhorst and John Paxson (the elder) showcased skills that could have translated internationally, but opportunities were limited by the era's structures and the program's focus on NCAA success.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a turning point for college basketball's global footprint, yet Notre Dame remained somewhat on the periphery. Under legendary coach Digger Phelps, the Irish achieved upsets like the 1974 victory over UCLA that ended the Bruins' 88-game winning streak, but international representation was sparse. Adrian Dantley, one of Notre Dame's all-time greats, did compete for Team USA in the 1976 Olympics, earning a gold medal in Montreal. His performance—averaging double figures and providing tenacious defense—remains a highlight, but it was an exception rather than the rule. Dantley, drafted by the Buffalo Braves shortly after, transitioned to a Hall of Fame NBA career, leaving a void in Notre Dame's Olympic lineage. Meanwhile, contemporaries from other programs, such as those from Indiana or North Carolina, flooded USA rosters, underscoring Notre Dame's relative absence.

The women's side of Notre Dame basketball offers a contrasting and more robust narrative of USA Basketball involvement. Under the stewardship of Muffet McGraw, who coached from 1987 to 2020, the program ascended to elite status, winning national championships in 2001 and 2018. McGraw herself was deeply intertwined with USA Basketball, serving as an assistant coach for the 2000 Olympic team that claimed gold in Sydney. Her influence extended to players like Ruth Riley, who starred in the 2004 Athens Olympics, contributing to another gold medal with her post presence and shot-blocking. Riley's journey from Notre Dame's Purcell Pavilion to the Olympic podium exemplified how the women's program bridged the gap more effectively than the men's. Other alumnae, such as Natalie Achonwa, represented Canada internationally but also embodied the global mindset fostered at Notre Dame. This disparity between the men's and women's programs highlights broader trends in basketball: women's international play has often been more accessible for college stars, while the men's side became professionalized post-1992 Dream Team.

Entering the Mike Brey era (2000-2023), Notre Dame's men's program experienced a renaissance, with consistent NCAA Tournament appearances and ACC contention. Yet, USA Basketball connections remained intermittent. Players like Chris Thomas and Luke Harangody dazzled domestically but didn't crack Olympic or World Cup squads. The tide began to turn with the emergence of talents like Jerian Grant and Demetrius Jackson, who gained exposure through USA Basketball's developmental programs, such as the U19 or U23 teams. These experiences, while not always leading to senior-level play, planted seeds for future involvement. Brey himself advocated for international exposure, often scheduling overseas trips for his teams to build chemistry and global awareness.

The appointment of Micah Shrewsberry as head coach in 2023 has injected fresh energy into Notre Dame's international aspirations. Shrewsberry, with his background in player development from stints at Purdue and with the Boston Celtics, emphasizes a modern, analytics-driven approach that aligns with USA Basketball's philosophies. Under his guidance, the program has seen increased participation in USA Basketball events. For example, incoming recruits and current players have been invited to minicamps and trials, fostering a pipeline that could yield future Olympians. This shift coincides with USA Basketball's broader efforts to scout talent from non-traditional powerhouses, diversifying the talent pool beyond the blue-blood programs.

Recent years have amplified Notre Dame's visibility on the international stage. In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Notre Dame alumni and affiliates made notable contributions. On the women's side, former Irish standout Jewell Loyd, a key member of the Seattle Storm, suited up for Team USA, bringing her scoring prowess to the gold-medal effort. Loyd's journey from Notre Dame's 2015 Final Four team to Olympic glory underscores the program's role in producing world-class athletes. Meanwhile, the men's program saw indirect ties through coaching networks; assistants with USA Basketball experience have joined Shrewsberry's staff, infusing practices with elite-level drills.

Looking ahead, Notre Dame's trajectory suggests a deeper entrenchment with USA Basketball. The program's commitment to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has attracted top international prospects, such as European talents who view South Bend as a stepping stone to the NBA and Olympics. Initiatives like the USA Basketball Coach Academy, which Notre Dame staff have participated in, further strengthen these bonds. Moreover, the university's global brand—bolstered by its Catholic heritage and academic prestige—appeals to international recruits seeking a holistic experience.

Yet, challenges persist. Notre Dame must contend with recruiting battles against programs with entrenched USA Basketball pedigrees. The men's team, in particular, needs to produce more consistent NBA talent to elevate its international profile. Success stories like Pat Connaughton, who won gold with Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (delayed to 2021), provide blueprints. Connaughton, a Notre Dame product turned Milwaukee Buck, exemplified versatility and work ethic that translated seamlessly to the international game.

In essence, while Notre Dame basketball has not always been synonymous with USA Basketball, the program's rich history, evolving strategies, and recent breakthroughs signal a promising future. From Dantley's gold in 1976 to Loyd's contemporary triumphs, the Fighting Irish are carving out a niche in the global arena. As basketball continues to globalize, Notre Dame's blend of tradition and innovation positions it to become a more frequent contributor to Team USA's quests for glory. This ongoing story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence that defines both the program and the nation it increasingly represents. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full South Bend Tribune Article at:
[ https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2025/08/09/notre-dame-basketball-has-not-always-been-synonymous-with-usa-basketball/85590277007/ ]