Get ready, basketball fans, because the chill of winter is almost upon us, and with it comes the electrifying buzz of another college basketball season. Before you know it, the snow will be piling up, the temperatures will plummet, and the Atlantic Coast Conference will once again take center stage inside the iconic Purcell Pavilion. But here’s where it gets exciting: we’re diving deep into the 2025-26 Notre Dame basketball roster, player by player, to prep you for a season that tips off on Monday, November 3, right at home against LIU Brooklyn. Over the next 13 weekdays (October 15 through October 31), we’ll break down each player alphabetically, giving you the inside scoop on who they are, what they bring to the court, and how they fit into Coach Micah Shrewsberry’s vision for the team.
And this is the part most people miss: the freshmen. Let’s talk about Tommy Ahneman, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound power forward from Fargo, North Dakota, who spent his senior year dominating at Cretin-Durham Hall in Minnesota. As a freshman, Ahneman isn’t expected to be a starter, but his potential is undeniable. Last year, he averaged 16.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks, earning him the title of Gatorade Player of the Year in Minnesota and leading his team to a Class 4A state runner-up finish. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some might expect him to push for immediate playing time, the reality is that Ahneman’s role this season is more about development than dominance. Backing up veterans like Kebba Njie and Carson Towt, he’ll have the chance to learn the physicality and pace of college basketball without the pressure of being a starter. Coach Shrewsberry puts it bluntly: ‘Figuring it out as a freshman playing against older guys in the paint and post—nobody’s hitting you in high school like Kebba Njie and Carson Towt are hitting you in practice.’
Ahneman’s journey this season is about growth, not glory. He’ll likely see spot minutes based on matchups or injuries, but his best days are still ahead. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: How do you think Ahneman’s high school success will translate to the college level, especially as he adjusts to the physical demands of the ACC? Will he become a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s future, or will the transition prove tougher than expected? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter) at @tnoieNDI or reach out to him at tnoie@sbtinfo.com for more insights as we count down to tip-off!
