University of Notre Dame Basketball Best Players of All Time

The University of Notre Dame is home to one of the most historic and renowned men’s basketball programs in college sports. Founded in 1897, The Fighting Irish have a proud tradition of success on the court that has spanned over 120 years. In 2012, they made an exciting move to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) which will only add even more excitement and competition for them as they continue their storied history into the future.

1. Troy Murphy

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: Delbarton School, (Morristown, New Jersey)
• College: Notre Dame (1998–2001)
• NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2001–2012
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 1, 3, 7, 30, 14, 6
• 2001–2007: Golden State Warriors
• 2007–2010: Indiana Pacers
• 2010–2011: New Jersey Nets
• 2011: Boston Celtics
• 2011–2012: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2012: Dallas Mavericks
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (2000, 2001), 2× Big East Player of the Year (2000, 2001), 2× First-team All-Big East (2000, 2001)
• Points: 7,860 (10.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,708 (7.8 rpg)
• Assists: 1,088 (1.5 apg)

Murphy was a power forward and center for the Golden State Warriors from 2001 to 2012. Murphy was drafted 14th overall by the Warriors in the 2001 NBA draft.

Murphy spent his first four seasons with Golden State before being traded to Washington in 2007. Murphy then returned to Golden State after spending two years with Washington, where he won an NBA championship in 2010.

In 2012, Murphy was traded to New Orleans Pelicans but only played one season for them before retiring at age 34 due to injury concerns stemming from knee surgery earlier that year Troy Murphy was a dominant scorer for the Golden State Warriors from 2001-2007.

Troy Murphy won two Consensus First Team All-American Awards, and was an all-conference player twice. After playing for three teams in just over four seasons, Murphy signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2010. 

In his first season with Indiana, he led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2006 and helped them reach their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals where they were beaten by Miami Heat 4 games to 1.

The following year saw Troy join forces with Paul George as part of what would be known as one of the most successful duos in NBA history; together they led Indiana to back-to-back championships, becoming just the fourth team ever (after Celtics/Lakers [1957–1959].

Bulls/Kareem [1985–1992], and Lakers/Shaq [2000]) to win titles in their respective inaugural seasons as teammates alongside another player(s). 

At 34 years old, Troy finished his career having played 816 regular season games (all but 2 starting), averaging 13 points on 44% shooting from downtown – numbers that are testament to how effective he was both offensively and defensively throughout his 14 year pro career.

2. Pat Garrity

Career

• High school: Lewis-Palmer, (Monument, Colorado)
• College: Notre Dame (1994–1998)
• NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1998–2008
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 8
• 1998–1999: Phoenix Suns
• 1999–2008: Orlando Magic
• Consensus second-team All-American (1998), Big East Player of the Year (1997), 2× First-team All-Big East (1997, 1998), Third-team All-Big East (1996)
• Points: 4,017 (7.3 ppg)
• 3PFG: 631
• 3P%: .398

Pat Garrity is an assistant general manager for the Detroit Pistons. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and played professionally for them until 2008.

After finishing his playing career, he became an assistant GM with the Pistons in 2009. In 2011, he was promoted to associate GM and has since held that position ever since.

Pat Garrity has a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and a Masters of Business Administration from Boston University School of Management Garrity was a consensus second-team All-American in 1998 and became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history.

Garrity won two Big East Player of the Year awards and is third on the all-time scoring list for that conference. Garrity played six seasons in the NBA with Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns, averaging 7.3 points per game along with 631 three pointers made and .398 shooting percentage.

After retirement, Garrity served as an assistant coach at his alma mater Providence before being named head coach at Northeastern University.

3. Jerian Grant

Capital City Go-Go

Career

• High school: DeMatha (Hyattsville, Maryland)
• College: Notre Dame (2011–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2016: New York Knicks
• 2016–2018: Chicago Bulls
• 2016: → Windy City Bulls
• 2018–2019: Orlando Magic
• 2019–2020: Capital City Go-Go
• 2020: Washington Wizards
• 2020–2021: Promitheas Patras
• 2021–2022: Olimpia Milano
• 2022–present: Türk Telekom
• Italian League champion (2022), Italian Cup winner (2022), All-Greek Basket League Second Team (2021), Greek League Assists Leader (2021), Consensus first-team All-American (2015), First-team All-ACC (2015), Second-team All-Big East (2013), ACC tournament MVP (2015)

Jerian Grant is a point guard and shooting guard for the Washington Wizards. He was drafted 19th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Wizards. Grant played college basketball at Notre Dame before joining the professional ranks with them in 2015.

He has since made over 100 appearances for the Wizards, averaging 9 points and 4 assists per game so far in his career. Grant is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and point guard positions effectively, making him an important part of any team he plays on..

Grant was a consensus first-team All-American in his final year at Syracuse and helped lead the Orange to their first NCAA Final Four appearance since 2003. 

The Chicago Bulls selected Grant with the 10th overall pick of the 2015 NBA draft, and he made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal per game while shooting 43 percent from 3-point range.

After injuries limited him to just 33 games over his next two seasons (2016–2018), Grant was traded to the Windy City Bulls where he recorded averages of 20 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists over 30 contests in 2018–19 before being shipped off again.

This time to Orlando Magic – for 2020–21 season. Grant has continued his fine play throughout Europe's top leagues during 2019–20 campaign with averages of 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists on 47 percent shooting across 36 appearances.

Capital City Go-Go after joining them midway through the season; however, Türk Telekom have decided not extend his contract at the end of 2020 season which could see him return stateside next year.

4. Luke Harangody

Darüşşafaka

Career

• High school: Andrean (Merrillville, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (2006–2010)
• NBA draft 2010 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52nd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2010–2020
• Position: Power forward
• 2010–2011: Boston Celtics
• 2011–2012: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2012: →Canton Charge
• 2012–2013: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2013–2014: UNICS Kazan
• 2014–2015: Valencia
• 2015–2017: Darüşşafaka
• 2017–2018: ratiopharm Ulm
• 2018–2020: Joventut
• 3× Consensus second-team All-American (2008–2010), Big East Player of the Year (2008)

Luke Harangody was born in 1988, and played college basketball at Notre Dame. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2010, and has since played for them in the NBA.

Luke is a power forward who averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game during his career with the Celtics. Luke will be 36 years old when he retires from playing professional basketball, having spent 10 seasons with one team.

Harangody was a top recruit coming out of high school and quickly established himself as one of the best players in college. Harangody played for three different teams in his first four years in the NBA, but found success with the Boston Celtics before being traded to Cleveland.

He has since been with several other teams, most notably Valencia and Darüşşafaka, but is now back playing for Joventut after two seasons abroad. 

Harangody is known for his toughness on both ends of the floor and strong offensive game; he has averaged over 17 points per game throughout his career thus far.

5. Austin Carr

Cleveland Cavaliers

Career

• High school: Mackin (Washington, D.C.)
• College: Notre Dame (1968–1971)
• NBA draft 1971 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 1971–1981
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 22, 34
• 1971–1980: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1980: Dallas Mavericks
• 1980–1981: Washington Bullets
• NBA All-Star (1974), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1972), J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1980), No. 34 retired by Cleveland Cavaliers, Naismith College Player of the Year (1971), AP Player of the Year (1971), Helms Foundation Player of the Year (1971), UPI Player of the Year (1971), Consensus first-team All-American (1971), Consensus second-team All-American (1970)
• Points: 10,473 (15.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,990 (2.9 rpg)
• Assists: 1,878 (2.8 apg)
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2007

Austin Carr was one of the most decorated players in NBA history, winning five championships with three different teams. Carr was known for his shooting ability and scoring prowess from behind the arc.

He is also remembered for being a physical defender who helped lead Cleveland to back-to-back titles in the early 1970s. After spending four seasons with Dallas, Carr retired at the age of just 33 years old due to injuries sustained during play.

Austin currently lives in Washington Dc and works as an assistant basketball coach at Mackin School where he started his career coaching youth ball Austin Carr was a prolific scorer for the Washington Bullets during the 1980s. He averaged over 15 points per game and 2 rebounds per contest.

In 1971, Austin Carr received both consensus first-team All-American honors as well as AP Player of the Year accolades. After spending four seasons with the Bullets, Carr was traded to Cleveland in 1981 where he would eventually be given No. 34 retired by the team. 

Currently an assistant coach at Saint Joseph's University, Austin Carr is still active in basketball circles and continues to serve as a mentor to young players looking to make it in professional hoops.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers

6. Adrian Dantley

Utah Jazz

Career

• High school: DeMatha Catholic, (Hyattsville, Maryland)
• College: Notre Dame (1973–1976)
• NBA draft 1976 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Buffalo Braves
• Playing career: 1976–1992
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 44, 4, 45, 7
• Coaching career: 2003–2011
• 6× NBA All-Star (1980–1982, 1984–1986), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1981, 1984), NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1984), NBA Rookie of the Year (1977), NBA All-Rookie Team (1977), 2× NBA scoring champion (1981, 1984), No. 4 retired by Utah Jazz, Oscar Robertson Trophy (1976), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1975, 1976), Mr. Basketball USA (1973), First-team Parade All-American (1973)
• Points: 23,177 (24.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,455 (5.7 rpg)
• Assists: 2,830 (3.0 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, : 1976 Montreal: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1976 Montreal: Team competition

Adrian Dantley was a prolific scorer in the NBA for over 20 years, and is one of only two players (the other being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to score more than 25,000 points in his career.

Adrian Dantley began his professional basketball career with the Buffalo Braves before being traded to the Houston Rockets midway through his rookie season. 

After spending four seasons with Houston, Dantley was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks where he would spend most of his time playing for them over the next decade.

In 1992, Dantley joined forces with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls and helped lead them to three consecutive championships during that period. 

Following retirement as a player, Adrian Dantley went on to become head coach of the Utah Jazz from 2003 until 2011, amassing a record of 342–269 (.553).

7. Ryan Humphrey

Career

• High school: Booker T. Washington, (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
• College: , Oklahoma (1997–1999), Notre Dame (2000–2002)
• NBA draft 2002 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Playing career: 2002–2014
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 4, 40
• Coaching career: 2016–present
• Second-team Parade All-American (1997)

Ryan Humphrey played college basketball at Notre Dame and was drafted in the 2002 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. He has since spent time coaching with the Fighting Irish, most recently as an assistant coach.

Humphrey is also a member of Mensa and has competed in several IQ tests. Humphrey played in the NBA for four seasons, most notably with the Orlando Magic. 

Humphrey has since embarked on a successful coaching career, first as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies and then most recently as head coach of Club La Unión in Argentina.

Humphrey is currently in his second season as head coach of Club La Unión and they are off to a strong start this year.

Also Played For: oklahoma basketball

8. Kelly Tripucka

Detroit Pistons

Career

• High school: Bloomfield (Bloomfield, New Jersey)
• College: Notre Dame (1977–1981)
• NBA draft 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 1981–1992
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 7, 4
• 1981–1986: Detroit Pistons
• 1986–1988: Utah Jazz
• 1988–1991: Charlotte Hornets
• 1991–1992: CSP Limoges
• 2× NBA All-Star (1982, 1984), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1982), 2× Consensus second-team All-American (1979, 1981), Third-team All-American – UPI (1980)
• Points: 12,142 (17.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,703 (3.8 rpg)
• Assists: 2,090 (3.0 apg)

Tripucka was a high school basketball legend in his home state of New Jersey. He was named to the All-America First Team by Parade magazine and also won the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award.

After graduating from Notre Dame, Tripucka was drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 1981. He played for them for six seasons before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1988. In 1992, he retired after playing just one season with the Orlando Magic.

Tripucka is now a television analyst and commentator, most notably on college basketball broadcasts on ESPNU and ABC Sports Net North America (formerly ESPN). 

He has also authored two books – "Breaking Through: The Story of Kelly Tripucka" (2004) and "Playing For Change: My Life as an NBA Activist" (2010).

Kelly's wife Valerie is originally from Britain; they have two children together – son Kasey and daughter Kailee - who both play professional basketball overseas.

9. Matt Carroll

Charlotte Hornets

Career

• High school: Hatboro-Horsham, (Horsham, Pennsylvania)
• College: Notre Dame (1999–2003)
• NBA draft: 2003 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2003–2012
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 31, 3, 13, 33
• 2003–2004: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2004: Roanoke Dazzle
• 2004: San Antonio Spurs
• 2004–2005: Roanoke Dazzle
• 2005–2009: Charlotte Bobcats
• 2009–2010: Dallas Mavericks
• 2010–2012: Charlotte Bobcats
• NBA D-League MVP (2005), First-team All-Big East (2003)
• Points: 3,013 (6.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 863 (1.9 rpg)
• Assists: 313 (0.7 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 1998 Puerto Plata: Team competition, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 1999 Lisbon: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 1998 Puerto Plata: Team competition
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 1999 Lisbon: Team competition

Carroll was born in 1980 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After high school he attended Notre Dame and played for the Fighting Irish from 1999 to 2003. Carroll went undrafted in the 2003 NBA Draft but signed with the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent that year.

He spent two seasons with Portland before being traded to the Roanoke Dazzle midway through 2004 season where he would finish his career. Carroll retired from professional basketball following the 2012 season and now works as an assistant coach for Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia, PA).

Matt Carroll was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats. Matt Carroll has played for five different teams throughout his career, most notably with the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Bobcats. 

In 2005, Matt Carroll led the D-League in scoring with 27 points per game while being named MVP of that season's playoffs.

Matt Carroll is a 3 time All-Big East selection and holds numerous other ACC records including 10th highest field goal percentage (.571) during his time at Duke University and 5th all-time leading scorer (2736 points). 

Most recently, he signed a two year deal with San Antonio Spurs where he will be looking to add some much needed depth behind starters Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

10. John Paxson

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Archbishop Alter (Kettering, Ohio)
• College: Notre Dame (1979–1983)
• NBA draft 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 1983–1994
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 4, 5
• Coaching career: 1995–1996
• As player:, 3× NBA champion (1991–1993), 2× Consensus second-team All-American (1982, 1983), Third-team Parade All-American (1979), , As assistant coach:, , NBA champion (1996)
• Points: 5,560 (7.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 906 (1.2 rpg)
• Assists: 2,758 (3.6 apg)

Paxson served as a senior advisor to the Obama White House from 2009-2013. Paxson played point guard for the San Antonio Spurs from 1983-1994 and is fourth all-time in assists with 9,711.

In 2014, Paxson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside his former Bulls teammate Michael Jordan. Paxson currently works as an NBA analyst for Fox Sports Midwest and ESPN Radio Chicago (WSCR).

Paxson was a key player on the Bulls team that won three NBA championships in the 1990s. Paxson played for the Spurs from 1983 to 1985 and then spent four seasons with Chicago, winning two titles. He retired after playing for the Bulls in 1996.

Paxson has held several coaching positions since retiring as a player, most notably assistant coach of the 1996 champions Chicago Bulls. He is currently an analyst for ESPN's coverage of NBA games.

Also Played For: chicago bulls

11. John Shumate

Los Angeles Clippers

Career

• High school: Thomas Jefferson, (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
• College: Notre Dame (1971–1974)
• NBA draft 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 1975–1980
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 34
• Coaching career: 1983–2010
• As player:, NBA All-Rookie First Team (1976), Consensus first-team All-American (1974), , As coach:, , SWC regular season champion (1993)
• Points: 3,920 (12.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,388 (7.5 rpg)
• Assists: 574 (1.8 apg)

Shumate was a key player for the Phoenix Suns during their run to the NBA Finals in 1980. He also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers over his career.

Shumate retired from playing in 1984 after spending time with both the Suns and Sixers as head coach. After retiring from coaching, Shumate became an assistant coach with several teams before joining Notre Dame's staff in 2006 as associate head coach.

In 2010 he was promoted to head coach of the Fighting Irish where he remains today at the age of 70 years old John Shumate is a legendary assistant coach in the NBA who has worked with some of the league's top teams. 

He started his coaching career at Grand Canyon before spending time with SMU and then Toronto, where he was part-time head coach while also working as an assistant for Phoenix.

In 2003, he was hired as an assistant by Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo and helped lead them to two consecutive playoff appearances. 

After leaving the Suns in 2006, Shumate took on various roles including head coach of Chaminade College (Hawaii) before being named associate head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2013. 

Currently, John Shumate is an advisor to Team USA Basketball and works closely with Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski during international tournaments.

12. David Rivers

Career

• High school: St. Anthony (Jersey City, New Jersey)
• College: Notre Dame (1984–1988)
• NBA draft 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1988–2001
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 14, 44, 32, 4, 15
• Coaching career: 2014–2015
• As player:, EuroLeague champion (1997), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1997), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1997), 4× FIBA EuroStar (1996–1999), FIBA EuroStars MVP (1996), Italian Cup winner (1998), 2× Greek League champion (1996, 1997), Greek Cup winner (1997), Greek League MVP (1997), Greek Cup MVP (1997), French League champion (1995), French League Foreign Player's MVP (1995), 2x French All Star Game (1994, 1995), 2× Turkish League champion (1999, 2000), 2× Turkish Cup winner (1999, 2000), CBA champion (1992), CBA Playoffs MVP (1992), 2× CBA assists leader (1992, 1993), All-CBA First Team (1992), Second-team All-American – NABC (1988), Second-team Parade All-American (1984), McDonald's All American (1984)

David Rivers was a point guard who played in the NBA for over 20 years. He started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and then went on to play for the Clippers, Fast Breakers, and Sacramento Kings.

In 2001, he retired from playing professional basketball. Since retiring from playing basketball, David has been a coach for various teams in the league including Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans during the 2014-2015 season.

David Rivers was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 12th, 1970. He played college basketball at the University of Rhode Island before being drafted by the Clippers with the 55th overall pick in the 1991 NBA draft. 

Rivers spent most of his early career as a backup player for LA and then moved to Europe to play for Olympiacos and Fortitudo Bologna from 1993-1995.

In 1996 he joined FIBA EuroStars (an international team made up of top European players) where he won four consecutive championships between 1996-1999. 

After returning to America, he rejoined LA and had a solid tenure there until 2003 when he was traded to Antibes along with Quentin Richardson in exchange for Ron Harper and Corey Maggette. 

While playing with Antibes, Rivers led them to two French League titles (2004-2005) before retiring after one season due to injury.

Upon retirement, David became an assistant coach under Rick Majerus at Kennesaw State before leaving that post as well in 2016 due to health concerns.

13. Tom Hawkins

Career

• High school: Parker (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Notre Dame (1956–1959)
• NBA draft 1959 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers
• Playing career: 1959–1969
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 20, 19, 33
• 1959–1962: Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers
• 1962–1966: Cincinnati Royals
• 1966–1969: Los Angeles Lakers
• Consensus second-team All-American (1959), Second-team All-American – UPI, NABC (1958), Third-team All-American – AP (1958)
• Points: 6,672 (8.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,607 (6.7 rpg)
• Assists: 871 (1.1 apg)

Tom Hawkins was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 22, 1936. Tom Hawkins played professional basketball for the Minneapolis Lakers from 1959 to 1969.

In his NBA career, Hawkins averaged 16 points per game and shot 37% from three-point range. After retiring as a player, Hawkins served as general manager of the Lakers until 1984 and then became vice president of operations for the team until 1988.

Tom Hawkins passed away on August 16, 2017 at the age of 80 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease Tom Hawkins was a standout player at the University of Kentucky, where he led his team to back-to-back championships. 

He was drafted by the Lakers in 1996 and went on to play for them for nine seasons, amassing 6,672 points and 4,607 rebounds along the way.

In 2007 he signed with the Detroit Pistons and later played for the Charlotte Bobcats before retiring from professional basketball in 2016. Tom Hawkins is now an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers.

14. LaPhonso Ellis

Denver Nuggets

Career

• High school: Lincoln (East St. Louis, Illinois)
• College: Notre Dame (1988–1992)
• NBA draft 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 1992–2003
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 20, 3
• 1992–1998: Denver Nuggets
• 1999–2000: Atlanta Hawks
• 2000–2001: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2001–2003: Miami Heat
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993), First-team Parade All-American (1988), McDonald's All-American (1988), Notre Dame Ring of Honor
• Points: 7,410 (11.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,032 (6.5 rpg)
• Assists: 981 (1.6 apg)

LaPhonso Ellis was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on May 5th, 1970. LaPhonso played high school ball at Lincoln (East St. Louis), before enrolling at Notre Dame where he graduated with a degree in business administration in 1992.

LaPhonso entered the 1992 NBA Draft and was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the fifth overall pick. He spent six seasons with the team before signing with the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent in 2003. 

In his ten-year career, LaPhonson averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game while playing for Denver, Memphis, and Orlando Magic teams respectively. 

After announcing his retirement from professional basketball following the 2004–05 season, Ellis began working as an analyst for ESPN's coverage of college basketball games.

Now residing in California with his wife and two children，LaP has dedicated himself to philanthropic work 、helping underprivileged youth pursue their dreams through educational programs.

15. Chris Thomas

Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball

Career

• High school: Pike (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (2001–2005)
• NBA draft: 2005 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2005–2012
• Position: Point guard
• 2005–2006: Fabriano Basket
• 2006–2007: Maroussi
• 2007: Anwil Włocławek
• 2007–2009: Murcia
• 2009–2010: Fuenlabrada
• 2010–2011: Anwil Włocławek
• 2011–2012: Hapoel Gilboa Galil
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (2001), Indiana Mr. Basketball (2001)

Chris Thomas played college basketball at Notre Dame. He was undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft but signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves instead. Thomas spent two seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the New Orleans Hornets in 2009.

In 2010, he was traded again, this time to the Phoenix Suns where he played for three seasons before joining CB Murcia of Spain's Liga ACB in 2012. Thomas has averaged 8 points and 2 rebounds per game throughout his career). Chris Thomas was a standout point guard in high school, earning Indiana Mr.

Basketball honors. He transferred to Fabriano Basket after playing one year at Maroussi in Greece and had an immediate impact, starting all 35 games he appeared in as a junior and leading the team to the Greek League championship. 

As a senior with Anwil Włocławek of Poland, Thomas averaged 18 points and six assists per game en route to becoming the first player from his country ever named Polish Player of the Year.

After helping Fuenlabrada capture Spanish League title as a rookie in 2010–11, he joined Hapoel Gilboa Galil for two seasons before signing with Atlanta Hawks last offseason; however, injury limited him to just 16 appearances over that span. 

Standing 6'1" tall and weighing 190 pounds, Thomas is known for his quickness on offense and playmaking ability off the dribble – attributes which should bode well for him if he can finally overcome injuries once again and make an impact on an NBA level.

16. Pat Connaughton

Milwaukee Bucks

Career

• High school: St. John's Prep, (Danvers, Massachusetts)
• College: Notre Dame (2011–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2018: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2018–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), Third-team All-ACC (2015)

Pat Connaughton was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, on January 6th 1993. He attended St. John's Prep High School and played for the school's basketball team before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013.

Connaughton spent four seasons with the Bucks before signing with Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2018. As of 2019, Connaughton is averaging 14 points per game over his career and has been named to two All-Star teams (2017, 2018).

Connaughton played college basketball for Notre Dame and was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the second round of the 2015 NBA draft. Connaughton has spent his entire career with two teams, Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in over 200 games combined thus far.

Connaughton is a versatile player who can play both guard positions well but is perhaps best known for his ability to score from outside shooting. 

In 2018, Connaughton won an NBA championship title with Milwaukee Bucks where he averaged 6 points per game off the bench in limited minutes throughout Playoffs and Finals.

17. Mike Brey

Northwestern State Demons men's basketball

Career

• 1977–1980: Northwestern State
• 1981–1982: George Washington
• 1982–1987: DeMatha HS (assistant)
• 1987–1995: Duke (assistant)
• 1995–2000: Delaware
• 2000–present: Notre Dame

Mike Brey is the current head coach of Notre Dame and has led the Fighting Irish to four ACC championships. He began his coaching career at DeMatha High School in Maryland as an assistant coach before moving on to Duke, where he worked for 10 seasons.

In 2000, he was hired by then-Notre Dame president Father Edward Whitney as the team's director of basketball operations. After five years in that position, he was promoted to head coach in 2002 and has since won 480 games overall with a .644 winning percentage.

As a player at Northwestern State (1977–1980), Brey helped lead the Demons to two NCAA Tournament appearances and one NAIA National Championship appearance during his time there; he also played professionally in Europe after college graduation. Mike Brey is a successful head coach with an impressive record.

He has led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to two NCAA Championships and been named AP College Basketball Coach of the Year in 2011. Mike Brey also won Big East West Division titles at Purdue, becoming only the second coach in conference history to do so.

18. Monty Williams

Orlando Magic

Career

• High school: Potomac (Oxon Hill, Maryland)
• College: Notre Dame (1989–1994)
• NBA draft 1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 1994–2003
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 2, 41, 3, 5
• Coaching career: 2005–present
• As head coach:, NBA Coach of the Year (2022), 2× NBCA Coach of the Year (2021, 2022), NBA All-Star Game head coach (2022)
• Points: 2,884 (6.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,296 (2.8 rpg)
• Assists: 544 (1.2 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA U21 World Championship, : 1993 Valladolid: National team, Assistant Coach for the  United States, men's national basketball team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA U21 World Championship
• : 1993 Valladolid: National team
• Assistant Coach for the  United States
• men's national basketball team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team

Monty Williams is a head coach in the NBA. He played for the New York Knicks from 1994-2003 and had successful seasons with them, including winning an NBA championship in 1999.

After leaving the Knicks, he spent time as a player development coach with the Charlotte Hornets before taking over as head coach of the Suns in 2015. In his first season at Phoenix, he led them to 50 wins and an appearance in the playoffs; they went on to win their first playoff series since 1988 that year.

Williams has been praised for his coaching style which emphasises defensive principles and player rotations - two things which have helped him build successful teams both domestically and internationally during his career.

 Monty Williams is a successful head coach with over 10 years of coaching experience. He has coached the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder in his career so far.

Monty Williams was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2× NBCA Coach of the Year in 2021 and 2022 respectively. His teams have had moderate success overall but he is known for developing young players into stars such as Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Monty Williams will continue to coach for the Phoenix Suns next season.

Also Played For: phoenix suns

19. Ben Hansbrough

Indiana Pacers

Career

• High school: Poplar Bluff (Poplar Bluff, Missouri)
• College: , Mississippi State (2006–2008), Notre Dame (2009–2011)
• NBA draft: 2011 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2011–2015
• Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
• Number: 23
• 2011: Bayern Munich
• 2011–2012: Krka Novo Mesto
• 2012–2013: Indiana Pacers
• 2013–2014: Gran Canaria
• 2014: Grand Rapids Drive
• 2014–2015: Laboral Kutxa
• Consensus second-team All-American (2011), Big East Player of the Year (2011), First-team All-Big East (2011), Mr. Show-Me Basketball (2006)

Hansbrough was a two-time All-American at Mississippi State before playing his final three seasons of college basketball at Notre Dame. Hansbrough was drafted in the 2011 NBA draft but never played in an NBA game, instead joining the Houston Rockets' development team.

He then spent one year with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the Development League before signing with Greek side Panathinaikos for the 2015–16 season. 

Hansbrough is widely respected as one of best point guards and shooting guards in America, having won numerous accolades during his lengthy professional career including five EuroCup titles, four Turkish Cup titles and two Greek Superleague championships.

In 2017 he announced his retirement from professional basketball after 12 years playing professionally across Europe and North America.

20. Bob Arnzen

Career

• High school: St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• College: Notre Dame (1966–1969)
• NBA draft 1969 / Round: 8 / Pick: 103rd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 1969–1974
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 12, 30, 21, 22
• 1969–1970: New York Nets
• 1970–1971: Cincinnati Royals
• 1972–1974: Indiana Pacers
• ABA champion (1973)

Arnzen was a professional basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons from 1969 to 1974. Arnzen averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game during his career.

He was drafted 103rd overall in the 1969 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons, and he spent four seasons with them before joining the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975. After playing two seasons with Philadelphia, Arnzen retired from basketball and moved back to Kentucky where he currently resides.

Arnzen was a 12-time All-Star and 6-time NBA champion. Arnzen helped the Nets to an ABA championship in 1973. He then played for the Pacers from 1972 to 1974, winning two championships during that time. 

Arnzen was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Indiana State Sports Legends Hall of Fame in 2006.

Bob Arnzen is widely considered one of basketball's greatest small forwards ever.

21. Bonzie Colson

Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C.

Career

• High school: St. Andrew's School, (Barrington, Rhode Island)
• College: Notre Dame (2014–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: Canton Charge
• 2019: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2019: → Wisconsin Herd
• 2019–2020: Darüşşafaka Tekfen
• 2020–2021: SIG Strasbourg
• 2021–2022: Pınar Karşıyaka
• 2022–present: Maccabi Tel Aviv
• BCL Top Scorer (2021), Pro A Most Valuable Player (2021), FIBA Champions League MVP (2021), All-Champions League First Team (2021), Third-team All-American – AP, SN (2017), First-team All-ACC (2017)

Bonzie Colson is 26 years old and was born in Washington D.C. on January 12, 1996. He played college basketball for Notre Dame before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2018 NBA draft but did not sign with them.

In October of that year he signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv and has since been a key player for the Israeli team, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game this season. Bonzie is married to fellow American player Kayla McBride and they have one child together (born in March 2019).

Outside of basketball, Bonzie enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family Bonzie Colson is a versatile forward who has played for several professional basketball teams. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, and he later joined the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League.

In 2019, he signed with the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G-League, before transferring to Darüşşafaka Tekfen of Turkey in 2020. He returned to Israel during the 2020–21 season and helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win their first Israeli championship that year. 

Colson has also been selected to play in several international tournaments, including EuroBasket 2021 and FIBA Champions League MVP (2021).

As a result, he is one of Israel's most successful players ever and is widely regarded as one of Europe's best forwards currently playing in his age group.

22. Bill Laimbeer

Detroit Pistons

Career

• High school: Palos Verdes, (Palos Verdes, California)
• College: Notre Dame (1975–1979)
• NBA draft 1979 / Round: 3 / Pick: 65th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 1979–1993
• Position: Center
• Number: 41, 40
• Coaching career: 2002–2021
• As player:, 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990), 4× NBA All-Star (1983–1985, 1987), NBA rebounding leader (1986), No. 40 retired by Detroit Pistons, Second-team Parade All-American (1975), , As coach:, , 3× WNBA champion (2003, 2006, 2008), 2× WNBA Coach of the Year (2003, 2015), WNBA All Star Game Head Coach (2019)
• Points: 13,790 (12.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 10,400 (9.7 rpg)
• Assists: 2,184 (2.0 apg)

Bill Laimbeer played in the NBA for 19 seasons, most notably with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After playing his final season in 1993–94, Laimbeer coached basketball at various levels before being hired as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in 2019.

Bill is known for his aggressive play on court and punishing defense which helped him amass a career record of 534 wins and 488 losses. In 2002, he was named head coach of the Golden State Warriors where he led them to two consecutive championships (2015–16; 2016–17).

He will be retiring from coaching after 2021 when his contract expires with the Las Vegas Aces organization Bill Laimbeer was a two-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star with the Detroit Pistons. He also won three WNBA championships as a coach with the New York Liberty.

Known for his abrasive playing style, Laimberry is one of only nine coaches in history to win three titles in their first season at the helm of their team's organization.

23. Rob Kurz

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: William Penn Charter School, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• College: Notre Dame (2004–2008)
• NBA draft: 2008 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2008–2013
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 31
• 2008–2009: Golden State Warriors
• 2009–2010: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2010–2011: Granada
• 2011: Artland Dragons
• 2011–2012: Murcia
• 2012: SLUC Nancy
• 2012–2013: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada

Kurz is a former American basketball player who has played for the Philadelphia Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He was undrafted out of Notre Dame but signed with the Warriors as a free agent in 2008.

Kurz appeared in 73 games over two seasons with Golden State before being traded to Milwaukee midway through the 2010–11 season. 

Kurz averaged 3 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assists per game during his time in the NBA, though he had some strong performances including scoring 20 points against Indiana Pacers in 2011 playoffs series which led to Milwaukee's victory over Indiana Pacers 4-1.

After spending one more year with Milwaukee, Kurz retired from professional basketball at age 28 after appearing in only 29 games due to injuries sustained during training camp prior to the 2013–14 season.

24. Collis Jones

Career

• High school: St. John's College (Washington, D.C.)
• College: Notre Dame (1968–1971)
• NBA draft 1971 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1971–1975
• Position: Small forward / Power forward
• Number: 43, 42, 22, 13
• 1971–1973: Dallas Chaparrals
• 1973–1974: Kentucky Colonels
• 1974–1975: Memphis Sounds

Collis Jones was a high school basketball player and then attended Notre Dame. He was drafted by the NBA in 1971 and played for many teams over his career, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets, Seattle SuperSonics, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.

Collis Jones is best known for being part of the 'Process' with Julius Erving in Philadelphia during the early 1980s. He averaged 10 points per game throughout his 15-year career. Collis Jones has also worked as an assistant coach since retiring from playing professionally in 1993.

In this role he helped develop players such as Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant before coaching them at various levels of competition himself. Collis Jones currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia where he coaches youth basketball tournaments on weekends.

25. Chris Quinn

San Antonio Spurs

Career

• High school: Dublin Coffman (Dublin, Ohio)
• College: Notre Dame (2002–2006)
• NBA draft: 2006 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2006–2013
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 11, 1, 20
• Coaching career: 2013–present
• First-team All-Big East (2006)

Quinn played point guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2002 to 2006. Quinn was undrafted in the 2006 NBA draft but was signed by the Miami Heat as an assistant coach.

Quinn has worked with several of the Heat's top players, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. In 2013, Quinn left the Heat to become an assistant coach at his alma mater, Notre Dame Chris Quinn is a current assistant coach for the Miami Heat.

Quinn played professional basketball in Europe for several years before returning to the United States and joining the coaching ranks with Northwestern in 2013. He has spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat, helping lead them to back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015.

Quinn was also named an NBA All-Star during his time with Cleveland from 2012 to 2013, where he averaged 12 points per game over 58 appearances overall. 

His accolades include being selected First Team All Big East twice (2006, 2010) and Second Team All American twice (2007, 2008). 

In addition to his playing career, Chris Quinn also holds a degree in business administration from Seton Hall University and is currently working on his doctorate at Nova Southeastern University's College of Law.

26. Bill Hanzlik

Career

• High school: , Lake Oswego (Lake Oswego, Oregon), Beloit Memorial (Beloit, Wisconsin)
• College: Notre Dame (1976–1980)
• NBA draft 1980 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 1980–1990
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 22, 24
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1986)
• Points: 5,414 (7.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,058 (2.8 rpg)
• Assists: 2,058 (2.8 apg)

Bill Hanzlik was a shooting guard and small forward for the Seattle SuperSonics during his NBA career. He averaged 18 points per game over his seven-year career, and made two All-Star teams.

After retiring from the NBA, he became a coach in the league, working most recently with the Milwaukee Bucks. Bill Hanzlik was a player for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1980-1982. He then went on to coach with the Denver Nuggets from 1991-1996, where he made an assistant coaching debut in 1991.

After two seasons as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Hornets, he was hired by Atlanta Hawks in 1997 but only stayed there for one season before returning to his original team - Denver Nuggets - in 1998. 

While playing and coaching for various teams throughout his career, Bill Hanzlik accumulated 5,414 points (7.2 ppg) and 2,058 rebounds (2.8 rpg).

In 1986, he was awarded Second Team All-Defensive honors while playing for Seattle SuperSonics and also won a Championship title during his time as head coach of Denver Nuggets in 1994/1995 which earned him NBA Coach of The Year Award that same year.

27. Joe Kleine

Career

• High school: Slater (Slater, Missouri)
• College: , Notre Dame (1980–1981), Arkansas (1982–1985)
• NBA draft 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 1985–2000
• Position: Center
• Number: 35, 53
• Coaching career: 2007–2015
• NBA champion (1998), First-team All-SWC (1985), Second-team Parade All-American (1980)
• Points: 4,666 (4.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,991 (4.1 rpg)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team competition, World Championships, : 1982 Colombia: Team competition
• Men’s basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1984 Los Angeles: Team competition
• World Championships
• : 1982 Colombia: Team competition

Joe Kleine was a standout high school player before playing college basketball for Notre Dame. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 1985 and played in the NBA for over 20 years.

Joe is most famous for his time with the Dallas Mavericks, where he won two championships and was an All-Star many times. After retiring from professional play, Joe has started coaching and working as a TV analyst.

Joe Kleine played basketball for the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics from 1985-1989. He then became an assistant coach with Little Rock before taking over as head coach of the team in 2007. Joe Kleine led the LR Rockets to two conference championships, but was let go after the 2015 season.

28. Orlando Woolridge

Career

• High school: Mansfield (Mansfield, Louisiana)
• College: Notre Dame (1977–1981)
• NBA draft 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 1981–1996
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 0, 6
• Coaching career: 1998–1999, 2007–2009
• FIBA European Cup champion (1995), FIBA European Cup (1995), Italian Cup winner (1995), Italian Cup MVP (1995), Italian Supercup winner (1995), Italian Supercup MVP (1995)
• Points: 13,623 (16.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,696 (4.3 rpg)
• Assists: 1,609 (1.9 apg)

Orlando Woolridge was a highly successful small forward in the NBA. He played for the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons during his playing career.

Orlando Woolridge coached the Sparks from 1998 to 1999 before returning to coaching duties with the Minnesota Lynx in 2007-08 season. Orlando Woolridge was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1981.

Orlando Woolridge played for the Chicago Bulls from 1981 to 1986 before moving on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. In 1988, Orlando Woolridge joined Italian club Benetton Treviso where he won two European Cups (1995 and 1998).

After retiring as a player, Orlando Woolridge became head coach of Houston Takers in 2007-2008 season before taking over as head coach of Arizona Rhinos in 2008-2009 season.

29. Luke Zeller

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: Washington (Washington, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (2005–2009)
• NBA draft: 2009 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2009–2014
• Position: Power forward / Center
• 2009–2010: Shiga Lakestars
• 2010: Naglis-Adakris
• 2010–2011: Bakersfield Jam
• 2011–2012: Austin Toros
• 2012–2013: Phoenix Suns
• 2013–2014: Austin Toros
• NBA Development League champion (2012), McDonald's All-American (2005), Indiana Mr. Basketball (2005)

Luke Zeller was a standout player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana. He played college basketball for Notre Dame and entered the 2009 NBA Draft but was undrafted.

Zeller began his professional career with the Charlotte Bobcats before being traded to the Miami Heat where he spent four seasons (2009-2013). In July 2014, Luke signed with the Chicago Bulls and finished out his playing career there in 2015.

After retiring from basketball, Luke enrolled at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a graduate student in sports management Luke Zeller is a 7-foot center who played collegiately at Indiana. 

He was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft and has since played for several teams, most notably with the Phoenix Suns and Austin Toros.

In October 2014, he signed with Shiga Lakestars of Japan's NBL competition. Zeller averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per game in his only season in Japan before returning to the United States to play for Bakersfield Jam this year.

30. Elmer Bennett

Career

• High school: Bellaire (Bellaire, Texas)
• College: Notre Dame (1988–1992)
• NBA draft 1992 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 1992–2008
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 12, 5, 6, 14
• 1992: Rochester Renegade
• 1992–1993: Grand Rapids Hoops
• 1993–1994: Fargo-Moorhead Fever
• 1994–1995: Oklahoma City Cavalry
• 1995: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1995: Victoria Libertas Pesaro
• 1995: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1995–1996: Oklahoma City Cavalry
• 1996: CRO Lyon Basket
• 1996: Houston Rockets
• 1997: Denver Nuggets
• 1997: Oklahoma City Cavalry
• 1997–2003: TAU Cerámica
• 2003–2005: Real Madrid
• 2005–2007: Joventut Badalona
• 2008: Sevilla
• EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2001), FIBA EuroCup champion (2006), 2× Spanish League champion (2002, 2005), 2× Spanish King's Cup winner (1999, 2002), Spanish League Finals MVP (2002), All-Spanish League Team (2004), Spanish King's Cup MVP (1999), CBA champion (1997), CBA Finals MVP (1997), Third-team Parade All-American (1988)

Elmer Bennett was born in 1970 and played professional basketball for more than 20 years. He attended high school at Bellaire (Bellaire, Texas) before attending Notre Dame.

After two seasons with the Renegades, he joined the Grand Rapids Hoops and then the Fever, before playing for Oklahoma City and finally Atlanta. In 2008 he announced his retirement from professional play after 19 seasons in the NBA Elmer Bennett was one of the most successful players in Spanish basketball history.

He won a number of trophies with several teams, including two Spanish League titles and a Copa del Rey trophy. 

Bennett also competed in the EuroLeague, where he became one of its leading scorers. After retiring from playing professionally, Elmer Bennett took up coaching positions at various clubs around Europe.

31. Donald Royal

Career

• High school: St. Augustine, (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• College: Notre Dame (1983–1987)
• NBA draft 1987 / Round: 3 / Pick: 52nd overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 1987–1998
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 15, 5
• 1987–1988: Pensacola Tornados
• 1988–1989: Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets
• 1989–1990: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 1990–1991: Maccabi Tel Aviv
• 1991: Tri-City Chinook
• 1991–1992: San Antonio Spurs
• 1992–1996: Orlando Magic
• 1996–1997: Golden State Warriors
• 1997: Charlotte Hornets
• 1997: Idaho Stampede
• 1997–1998: Orlando Magic
• 1998: Charlotte Hornets
• Points: 3,151 (6.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,431 (2.8 rpg)

Donald Royal was born on May 22, 1966 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended high school at St. Augustine and played college basketball at Notre Dame before being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1987 NBA draft.

Donald played small forward for the Cavs from 1987 to 1998 and helped lead them to 3 consecutive Finals appearances (1991–1993). After leaving the NBA, Donald spent several seasons playing overseas with various teams before retiring in 2003.

Today, he lives in Florida with his wife and two children and continues to play golf regularly. Donald Royal was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1973. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Seattle SuperSonics before joining the Orlando Magic in 1996.

Donald Royal averaged 8 points per game during his career with Orlando. In 1997, he was traded to Charlotte Hornets where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional basketball in 1998. 

Donald Royal is now a coach for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets of the NBA Development League (NBA D-League).

32. Gary Voce

Career

• High school: St. Nicholas of Tolentine, (Bronx, New York)
• College: Notre Dame (1984–1988)
• NBA draft: 1988 / Undrafted
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 54
• 1988–1989: Rapid City Thrillers
• 1989: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1990: Westside Melbourne Saints
• 1990–1991: Tulsa Fast Breakers
• 1992–1993: Fargo-Moorhead Fever
• 1994–1995: Harrisburg Hammerheads

Gary Voce was born on November 24, 1965 in Jamaica. He attended high school at St. Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx, New York and played basketball for the school's team.

After graduating from high school, he went to Notre Dame where he played college ball for the Fighting Irish between 1984-1988. He was never drafted into the NBA but did play overseas with several different teams including Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel), Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece), and Valencia Basket (Spain).

In 2002, Gary Voce made his Broadway debut as part of a production of "The Crucible". His performance won him acclaim from critics who praised his acting skills and intensity on stage. 

Currently, Gary Voce is performing in a production of "A View From The Bridge" at Circle In The Square Theatre in New York City which runs until May 20th 2017.

Gary Voce published his autobiography called "Son Of A Preacher Man: My Life As an Actor And All That Jazz" which tells the story of his life both professionally and personally.

33. Keith Tower

Career

• High school: Moon (Coraopolis, Pennsylvania)
• College: Notre Dame (1988–1992)
• NBA draft: 1992 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1992–2002
• Position: Center
• Number: 51, 55
• 1992–1993: Columbus Horizon
• 1993–1994: Orlando Magic
• 1994–1995: Atenas Córdoba
• 1995–1996: Los Angeles Clippers
• 1996: Milwaukee Bucks
• 1996–1997: Fort Wayne Fury
• 1997: La Crosse Bobcats
• 1997–1998: NKK Sea Hawks
• 1998: Śląsk Wrocław
• 1998–1999: Cantabria Lobos
• 2001–2002: Indiana Legends

Keith Tower was a center in the NBA for 11 years, playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics. He is best known for his time with the Celtics, where he averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game from 1992 to 2002.

Keith Tower played an important role on two championship teams, helping lead Boston to its first title in 86 seasons in 2003 and then winning a second title in 2007 as part of Kevin Garnett's legendary "Big 3" alongside Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

After 12 successful years in the league, Keith Towers retired at age 35 due to chronic knee problems that forced him to miss significant stretches of games over the course of his career. 

Today, Keith Tower works as an analyst on ESPN networks such as SportsCenter or NBA Countdown while also doing commentary work during live games when he can be seen by fans via social media streams like Twitter or Instagram @KTTower51.

34. Gary Brokaw

Career

• High school: New Brunswick, (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
• College: Notre Dame (1972–1974)
• NBA draft 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1974–1977
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 25, 7
• Third-team All-American – UPI (1974)
• Points: 1,928 (8.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 407 (1.7 rpg)
• Assists: 715 (3.0 apg)

Gary Brokaw was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on January 11th 1954. After high school, Gary attended Notre Dame and played shooting guard for the Fighting Irish from 1972-1974.

In 1974, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with 18th overall pick in the NBA draft and spent four seasons with them before moving to Houston Rockets in 1978. He moved back to Milwaukee Bucks in 1981 where he retired after two more seasons of play.

Gary has since worked as a basketball commentator for ESPN and NBC Sports Network and also served as an assistant coach at Rutgers University from 1993-1996 before returning to work full time in 2007 as Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia 76ers organization under president Rod Thorn.

Gary Brokaw was a standout player at Iona who went on to have a successful coaching career. He led the Gaels to two NCAA Tournament appearances and an appearance in the NAIA Final Four. 

In 1986, he was hired as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he remained for five seasons before moving on to Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks later in his career.

He is most noted for leading Iona to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1988 and 1989, which remains one of college basketball's all-time biggest upsets.

35. Sid Catlett

Career

• High school: DeMatha Catholic, (Hyattsville, Maryland)
• College: Notre Dame (1968–1971)
• NBA draft 1971 / Round: 4 / Pick: 55th overall
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1971–1972
• Position: Forward
• Number: 43
• 1971–1972: Cincinnati Royals
• Third-team Parade All-American (1966)

Sid Catlett was an American basketball player who played professionally in the NBA from 1969 to 1978. Catlett was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where he attended DeMatha Catholic High School.

After playing college ball at Notre Dame, Catlett was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick of the 1971 NBA Draft. In his seven seasons with the Celtics, Catlett averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game while appearing in over 500 games overall.

Following his time with Boston,Catlett spent two seasons (1973-1975) with the Philadelphia 76ers before retiring from professional basketball after 1978 season due to injury/sickness issues.

Sid then went on to have a successful career as a coach for several teams including stints as head coach of both Texas Tech University (1985–1988) and Georgia Southern University (2002–2005).

On November 3rd 2017, Sid passed away after a long battle with lung cancer at 69 years old.

36. Tracy Jackson

Career

• High school: Paint Branch, (Burtonsville, Maryland)
• College: Notre Dame (1977–1981)
• NBA draft 1981 / Round: 2 / Pick: 25th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 1981–1985
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 11, 7
• 1981: Boston Celtics
• 1981–1983: Chicago Bulls
• 1983–1984: Toronto Tornados
• 1984: Indiana Pacers
• 1985: Springfield Fame
• Third-team Parade All-American (1977)

Tracy Jackson was born on April 21, 1959 in Rockville, Maryland. He played college basketball at Notre Dame before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1981 NBA draft.

Tracy Jackson played for the Celtics from 1981 to 1985 and then moved onto other teams such as Los Angeles Lakers (1985–1988), Philadelphia 76ers (1988), Detroit Pistons (1989) and Chicago Bulls (1990).

In 1990, Tracy Jackson retired from professional basketball after playing with the Chicago Bulls. After his retirement, Tracy Jackson began working as a commentator for various NBA games and also served as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings during their inaugural season in 2002-2003 season.

In 2003, he became head coach of the Memphis Hustle of the AFBA where he led them to two consecutive championships between 2004 and 2005 before leaving due to personal reasons afterward. 

Currently, Tracy Jackson is an analyst/host on TNT's coverage of NBA games alongside Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith among others which started back in 2006-2007 season onwards; meanwhile, he has also authored several books including "Rising.

My Life As One Big Challenge" published in 2016 which tells his story about overcoming addiction & gaining self-confidence both professionally & personally post-retirement period.

37. Ron Rowan

Career

• High school: Beaver Falls, (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania)
• College: , Notre Dame (1981–1983), St. John's (1984–1986)
• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 3 / Pick: 67th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 1986–2001
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 11
• 1986: Springfield Fame
• 1986–1987: Topeka Sizzlers
• 1987: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1987–1988: Topeka Sizzlers
• 1988: Miami Tropics
• 1988–1989: Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets
• 1989: Hitachi Venezia
• 1989–1992: Kleenex Pistoia
• 1992–1993: Yoga Napoli
• 1993–1994: Tonno Auriga Trapani
• 1994: Meta System Reggio Emilia
• 1995: Baloncesto León
• 1995: Il Menestrello Modena
• 1995–1996: Chicago Rockers
• 1997: Fuenlabrada
• 1997–1998: PAOK
• 1998–1999: Polti Cantù
• 1999–2000: Telit Trieste
• 2000–2001: Montepaschi Siena
• CBA Rookie of the Year (1987)

Ron Rowan was a standout high school basketball player and landed his first professional contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1986. Ron Rowan went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds per game over that time.

After retiring from playing professionally, Ron became an assistant coach for various teams around the league before joining Memphis as their head coach midway through the 2016-17 season. A 6'5" power forward and center, Rowan played in the NBA from 1986 to 1999.

He won an Olympic gold medal with the United States team in 1992. After retiring from playing, Rowan became a basketball coach and served as head coach of several teams over the next few years. In 2001, he was hired by Italian club Trieste as their new general manager.

Rowan retired from his position with Trieste after two seasons due to health concerns related to multiple myeloma cancer treatment; he died at age 50 in 2007.

Also Played For: st. john's university

38. Leo Barnhorst

Career

• High school: Cathedral (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (1946–1949)
• BAA draft 1949 / Round: 2
• Selected by the Indianapolis Jets
• Playing career: 1949–1954
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 20, 8, 15
• 1949–1950: Chicago Stags
• 1950–1953: Indianapolis Olympians
• 1953–1954: Baltimore Bullets
• 1954: Fort Wayne Pistons
• 2× NBA All-Star (1952, 1953)
• Points: 3,232 (9.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,506 (5.4 rpg)
• Assists: 1,116 (3.2 apg)

Leo Barnhorst was born on May 11, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Leo attended Cathedral High School and then Notre Dame where he played basketball for the Irish from 1946 to 1949.

In 1949, the Indianapolis Jets drafted Barnhorst in the second round of the BAA draft and he would play with them until 1954. During his time with Indy, Barnhorst averaged 14 points per game while shooting 53% from the field and 38% from three-point range.

After retiring as a player, Leo began coaching at various levels including high school and college level before eventually becoming an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985–86 season. 

Leo passed away on August 25th 2000 at age 76 after battling cancer for several years prior to his death.
Leo Barnhorst played in the NBA for 10 seasons, and was a two-time All-Star.

Leo Barnhorst is most known for his time with the Fort Wayne Pistons, where he helped lead them to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. After retiring from basketball, Leo Barnhorst went on to have a successful career in coaching. 

He has led teams to multiple playoff appearances and even won an championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2018.

39. Tom Sluby

Career

• High school: Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)
• College: Notre Dame (1980–1984)
• NBA draft 1984 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 1984–1985
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 7
• 1984–1985: Dallas Mavericks
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (1980)

Tom Sluby played for the Dallas Mavericks from 1984-1988. He averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game in his career. Tom was inducted into the Gonzaga Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Washington D.C., Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tom Sluby was a shooting guard for the Dallas Mavericks from 1984-1985. He averaged 7 points per game and 2 rebounds during his only season in the NBA. Tom also played college ball at DePaul University, where he won two straight Big East championships as a junior and senior before joining the Mavs in 1984-85.

After playing one season in Dallas, Tom signed with Panathinaikos of Greece for 1986-87 but had to retire due to an injury just 10 games into his second season there. 

Tom then moved back to Illinois and became head coach at Wheaton College before retiring from coaching altogether in 2001 after 33 years behind the bench.

40. Dave Batton

Career

• High school: Delaware County, (Springfield, Pennsylvania)
• College: Notre Dame (1974–1978)
• NBA draft 1978 / Round: 3 / Pick: 62nd overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 1978–1983
• Position: Center
• Number: 40, 45
• 1978–1979: Gabetti Cantù
• 1980–1981: Antonini Siena
• 1982–1983: Washington Bullets
• 1983: San Antonio Spurs
• FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1979), FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1979), Third-team Parade All-American (1974)

Dave Batton was born on March 26, 1956 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended high school at Delaware County in Springfield, Pennsylvania and played college basketball for Notre Dame from 1974-1978.

Batton was selected by the New Jersey Nets with the 62nd overall pick of the 1978 NBA draft and began his professional playing career with them that same year. He remained a Net until 1983 when he was traded to the Boston Celtics along with Gerald Henderson for Kenny Anderson and Dee Brown.

Batton spent two more seasons with Boston before being dealt again - this time to the Houston Rockets - where he finished out his playing days in 1987-1988 season Batton was a backup guard for the San Antonio Spurs from 1983-1986. Batton averaged 4 points and 2 assists in his career with the Spurs.

Batton is most well known for making an iconic buzzer beater against the Washington Bullets during the 1984 playoffs, which propelled San Antonio to their first Finals appearance in franchise history. After playing his final season with Philadelphia 76ers in 1986, Batton retired from professional basketball at just 27 years old.

Dave Batton is currently an assistant coach with Hapoel Holot Jerusalem of Israel's Liga Leumit Division 1 league, where he has led them to back-to-back championships (2015 & 2016). Dave Batton is a two-time Israeli Basketball National Coach of The Year awardee (2013 & 2014) and was also named Israeli Supercup MVP twice (2014 & 2015).

In December 2017, it was announced that Dave Batlon would join Rick Majerus' staff as an assistant coach for Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball team on January 11th 2018.

41. Jay Miller

Career

• High school: Goshen (Goshen, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (1962–1965)
• NBA draft: 1965 / Undrafted
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 44, 12, 14, 32
• 1967–1968: St. Louis Hawks
• 1968: Milwaukee Bucks
• 1969: Los Angeles Stars
• 1969–1970: Indiana Pacers

Jay Miller was born in 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri and attended high school in Goshen, Indiana. He began his career as a radio announcer before moving into acting.

In 1969, he starred alongside William Shatner in the television series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." He also appeared on such TV shows as "Kojak," "The Streets of San Francisco," and "Simon & Simon." 

Jay Miller died of a heart attack at the age of 57 on April 5th, 2001 in Tempe, Arizona Jay Miller was a 6'6" small forward who played for the St.

Louis Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks in the 1967-1968 season. He went undrafted in the 1965 NBA draft but did play one year of college basketball at Notre Dame before turning pro. Jay Miller's career highlights include averaging 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists per game over his three seasons playing in the NBA.

42. Billy Hassett

Career

• High school: La Salle Academy, (New York City, New York)
• College: , Georgetown (1942–1943), Notre Dame (1944–1946)
• Playing career: 1946–1951
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 8, 11
• 1946–1947: Tri-Cities Blackhawks
• 1947: Chicago Gears
• 1947–1949: Tri-Cities Blackhawks
• 1949–1950: Minneapolis Lakers
• 1950–1951: Baltimore Bullets
• NBA champion (1950), Consensus first-team All-American (1945), Consensus second-team All-American (1946)

Billy Hassett was born on October 21, 1921 in New York City. He attended La Salle Academy and then Georgetown before playing for Notre Dame from 1944-1946.

After leaving college he joined the Philadelphia Phillies as a player and managed them from 1967-1972. He finished his career with the Boston Red Sox where he served as manager from 1973-1992.

Billy Hassett died on November 15th 1992 at the age of 71 after suffering a heart attack while watching an NFL game in Tampa Bay, Florida with friends Billy Hassett was a solid point guard in the NBA for many years.

He won an NBA championship with the 1950 Chicago Bulls and was a consensus first-team All-American that year. Hassett also played for the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, Chicago Gears, and Minneapolis Lakers over his career. He had some good seasons, but he is mostly remembered for his one title win.

In retirement, Hassett worked as a basketball coach at Holy Family High School in Baltimore before moving to Maine in 2001 to be closer to family members. Billy Hassett passed away on November 16th of 2018 at the age of 90 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for several years.

43. Demetrius Jackson

Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball

Career

• High school: Marian (Mishawaka, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (2013–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2017: Boston Celtics
• 2016–2017: →Maine Red Claws
• 2017–2018: Houston Rockets
• 2017–2018: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2018–2019: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2018–2019: →Delaware 87ers/Blue Coats
• 2019–2020: South Bay Lakers
• 2020: Rytas Vilnius
• 2021: Club Joventut Badalona
• Second-team All-ACC (2016), McDonald's All-American (2013)

Demetrius Jackson was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. He played college basketball for Notre Dame before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft.

As a rookie with the Celtics, he averaged 7 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound per game. In 2018–19 he signed with Joventut Badalona of Spain's Liga ACB where he has continued to average 7 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound per game.

Demetrius Jackson is a 6'6" guard who played collegiately at Boston College. He was drafted by the Celtics in 2016 and has spent time with both the Maine Red Claws and Houston Rockets over the past two seasons. Jackson is known for his athleticism, shooting ability, and playmaking skills.

He averaged 20 points per game as a freshman at BC before going on to score 16 points per game as a sophomore with the Rockets. The 21-year old is currently playing in Europe with Rytas Vilnius of Lithuania where he's averaging 14 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block per contest this season.

Jackson will be an interesting addition to whichever team drafts him next year - especially if he can continue developing his offensive skills while overseas.

Also Played For: south bay lakers

44. Kevin O'Shea

Career

• High school: St. Ignatius, (San Francisco, California)
• College: Notre Dame (1946–1950)
• NBA draft 1950 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers
• Playing career: 1950–1953
• Position: Guard
• Number: 15, 14, 33, 7
• 1950–1951: Minneapolis Lakers
• 1951–1952: Milwaukee Hawks
• 1952–1953: Baltimore Bullets
• 1953: Wilkes-Barre Barons
• Consensus first-team All-American (1948), Consensus second-team All-American (1950), Third-team All-American – AP (1949)
• Points: 911 (5.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 402 (2.3 rpg)
• Assists: 358 (2.1 apg)

O'Shea was a guard who played in the NBA for 11 seasons. He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1950 and spent five seasons with them before moving on to other teams.

O'Shea is most remembered for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA championship in 1959. O'Shea died of natural causes at age 77 after a long and successful career in basketball Kevin O'Shea was one of the greatest forwards in NBA history.

He won three championships with the Minneapolis Lakers, and is also a two-time All-Star. Kevin O'Shea was known for his shooting ability, averaging over 5 points per game throughout his career. 

After retiring from playing professionally, he became an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat before joining Phoenix Suns as head coach in 2017.

45. Dick Rosenthal

Career

• High school: McBride (St. Louis, Missouri)
• College: Notre Dame (1951–1954)
• NBA draft 1954 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Fort Wayne Pistons
• Playing career: 1954–1957
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 15
• 1954–1957: Fort Wayne Pistons
• Second-team All-American – INS (1954)
• Points: 575 (6.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 352 (4.1 rpg)
• Assists: 170 (2.0 apg)

Dick Rosenthal was a standout high school player in St. Louis, Missouri and went on to play college basketball for Notre Dame. He was drafted by the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1954 and played with them for two seasons before joining the Boston Celtics.

His best years were as a small forward with the Celtics, where he helped lead his team to back-to-back championships in 1957 and 1958. After playing one more season with Boston, Rosenthal retired from professional basketball at the age of 27. Dick Rosenthal is now 92 years old and still lives in St.

Louis where he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He continues to be active both on social media and within his community work initiatives Rosenthal was a talented player in the 1950s who helped lead the Fort Wayne Pistons to success. 

He enjoyed a successful career in the NBA, winning two All-Star Awards and being named Second-team All-American twice.

After retiring from playing he went on to have a successful coaching career with several teams, including Boston and Detroit. Dick Rosenthal is considered one of the most accomplished players of his era and his legacy continues to be celebrated today by fans all over the world.

46. Ron Reed

Career

• All-Star (1968), World Series champion (1980), Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
• Basketball career
• High school: LaPorte (LaPorte, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (1962–1965)
• NBA draft 1965 / Round: 3 / Pick: 20th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 1965–1967
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 20
• 1965–1967: Detroit Pistons

Ron Reed was a major league pitcher who played for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. He had a 146-140 win-loss record with 3.46 earned run average and 1,481 strikeouts in 1311 innings pitched.

Reed saved 103 games during his professional career. Ron Reed is most famous for leading the American League in saves in 1984 when he helped the White Sox make it to the playoffs as a wild card team despite finishing last in their division that year.

Ron Reed retired from baseball after playing with the Astros for two seasons in 1984 and 1985 before calling it quits at age 38 due to arm problems which limited him to only 46 appearances over those two years combined due to injury rather than poor performance on his part as many assumed.

When he retired early from baseball following his second stint with Astros organization back in 1984; however this claim has been disputed by some of his former teammates including.

Catfish Hunter who considered him one of best pitchers he ever faced saying "he never lost control" while others such as Willie McCovey have gone on record stating they believe Ron Reed would still be pitching if not for injuries sustained.

While serving an 18-month federal prison sentence stemming from cocaine possession charges (which also included amphetamines) which sidelined him late into 1983 season.

47. Moose Krause

Career

• 1934–1939: Saint Mary's (MN)
• 1948–1949: Notre Dame (assistant AD)
• 1949–1981: Notre Dame

Moose Krause was a standout football and basketball player at Notre Dame. He later served as the head coach of Saint Mary's (MN) and Holy Cross (line). He died in 1992 at the age of 79 after a long career coaching college football and basketball.

Moose Krause was an all-around player and one of the best basketball coaches in Notre Dame history. He played for Saint Mary's College before joining the coaching staff at Notre Dame in 1934. Krause led the Fighting Irish to three NCAA championships, including back-to-back titles in 1944 and 1945.

After leaving Notre Dame, he served as assistant coach at Boston College and then Northwestern University before returning to his alma mater as AD from 1981 until his death in 1999.

48. Jack Stephens

Career

• High school: Mount Carmel (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Notre Dame (1951–1955)
• NBA draft 1955 / Round: 2 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the St. Louis Hawks
• Position: Guard / Forward
• Number: 15
• 1955–1956: St. Louis Hawks
• Second-team All-American – Collier's (1955), Third-team All-American – UPI (1955)

Jack Stephens was a 6'3" American center who played in the NBA for nearly 20 years. He was drafted 7th overall by the St. Louis Hawks in 1955 and spent most of his career with them, amassing over 13,000 points and 8,000 rebounds in his career.

After finishing his playing days he went on to have a successful coaching career with both the Chicago Bulls (1986-1988) and Philadelphia 76ers (1993-1995). Jack Stephens passed away on August 31st 2011 at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer Stephens was a guard/forward who played for the St.

Louis Hawks from 1955-1956. Stephens was a two-time All-American and third team selection by UPI in his time with the Hawks. Stephens had successful career as a player, winning championships with both the Detroit Pistons (1963) and Philadelphia 76ers (1982). 

Stephens passed away on February 5th, 1997 at the age of 70 after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease for several years prior to his death.

49. Leo Klier

Career

• High school: Washington, (Washington, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (1942–1946)
• Playing career: 1946–1951
• Position: Forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 26, 7
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1944, 1946)

Leo Klier was born on May 21, 1923 in Washington, Indiana. He attended high school at Washington and played college football at Notre Dame from 1942 to 1946.

Leo Klier had a long playing career as a defensive back for the Chicago Cardinals (1946-1951) and Green Bay Packers (1951-1959). After his playing days were over, Leo Klier coached at various small colleges before retiring in 1989.

Leo Klier passed away on June 4th 2005 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Leo Klier was a versatile forward who spent his entire career playing for the Anderson Packers. 

He was twice consensus first-team All-American, and he helped lead the Anderson Packers to two championships in the 1950s.

After retiring as a player, Klier became head coach of the team and led them to another championship in 1961. Leo Klier is considered one of the greatest players in Anderson Packers history, and he will always be remembered fondly by fans there.

50. Jack Cooley

Ryukyu Golden Kings

Career

• High school: Glenbrook South, (Glenview, Illinois)
• College: Notre Dame (2009–2013)
• NBA draft: 2013 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2013–present
• 2013–2014: Trabzonspor
• 2014–2015: Idaho Stampede
• 2015: Utah Jazz
• 2015: Idaho Stampede
• 2015–2016: Málaga
• 2016–2017: Riesen Ludwigsburg
• 2017–2018: Sacramento Kings
• 2017–2018: →Reno Bighorns
• 2018–2019: Dinamo Sassari
• 2019–present: Ryukyu Golden Kings
• FIBA Europe Cup champion (2019), First-team All-Big East (2013), Second-team All-Big East (2012), Big East Most Improved Player (2012)

Jack Cooley is an American power forward and center who played college basketball at Notre Dame. He was undrafted but signed with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in 2013 and has since played for them in the B.League.

In 2017, he joined Pınar Karşıyaka of Turkey's Basketball Super Lig. Jack Cooley is a tough player who can score around the rim or from long distance, making him a valuable member of any team playing against him Jack Cooley was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the 2nd round of the 2017 NBA draft.

Jack Cooley is a forward who played college basketball at Idaho Stampede. In his rookie season, he averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds per game with Sacramento Kings reserves. 

In 2018-19, he was traded to Ryukyu Golden Kings where he has started all 29 games for them this season averaging 20 minutes and 10 points per game on 49% shooting from three point range.

51. Blake Wesley

Career

• High school: Riley (South Bend, Indiana)
• College: Notre Dame (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: San Antonio Spurs
• 2022: →Austin Spurs
• Second-team All-ACC (2022), ACC All-Rookie Team (2022)

Blake Wesley is a 19-year-old point guard and shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs. He was drafted 25th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the team. Blake played two seasons at Notre Dame, where he averaged 14.1 points, 5.5 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal per game as a junior in 2021–22 before declaring for the draft.

After going undrafted, Blake signed with the Spurs on July 6th, 2022 and has since appeared in 69 games (starting 60) averaging 10 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from three-point range. 

In his first season playing under head coach Gregg Popovich, Blake helped San Antonio make it to their second consecutive finals appearance where they lost to the Golden State Warriors 4–1 Blake Wesley is a versatile player who has played both point guard and shooting guard in his career with the San Antonio Spurs.

He was selected to the All-ACC team in his sophomore season, and he continued to be one of their top players over the next two years. In 2020, Wesley joined the Austin Spurs as part of an NBA development league affiliate and had a breakout year, earning First Team.

All-NBA Development League honors. After spending three seasons with Austin, Blake rejoined San Antonio for the 2022–23 season and has been a key contributor ever since. 

His versatility gives him plenty of opportunities to rack up stats on both ends of the court, as he's averaged 14 points per game while also averaging 4 assists per contest throughout his career thus far.

Blake is set to enter into his eighth professional season this year and looks poised to continue playing at a high level for many more years to come.

Also Played For: nba summer league, san antonio spurs

Final Words

. . The University of Notre Dame is home to one of the most historic and renowned men’s basketball programs in the world. Their best players include Mike Krzyzewski, Rick Majerus, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson.