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The article ranks the top Notre Dame basketball teammates from the last 30 years, highlighting their contributions and achievements. It features notable players and memorable moments in the program's history.
Ranking the best Notre Dame basketball teammates of the last 30 years
GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 14: Harold Swanagan #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots for the basket during the first round of the 2002 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the UNC Charlotte 49ers at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina on March 14, 2002. The Irish won 82-63. (Photo by Craig Jones /Getty Images)
GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 14: Harold Swanagan #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rebounds the ball during the first round of the 2002 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the UNC Charlotte 49ers at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina on March 14, 2002. The Irish won 82-63. (Photo by Craig Jones /Getty Images)
NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Torrian Jones #20 of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish moves the ball against the West Virginia University Mountaineers during the first round game of the Big East Championship Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2004 in New York City. Notre Dame won 65-64. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Torrian Jones #20 of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots against the West Virginia University Mountaineers during the first round game of the Big East Championship Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2004 in New York City. Notre Dame won 65-64. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Tribune Photo/BARBARA ALLISON Notre Dame senior men's basketball team members, from left, Tim Andree, Jonathan Peoples, Luke Harangody, and Tory Jackson, ham it up on Media Day Thursday on campus. 101509 cq
Tribune Photo/MARCUS MARTER Tim Andree, left, and Tim Abromaitis during media day for the Notre Dame Men's Basketball team Tuesday, October 14.
Dec. 28, 2005; South Bend, IN USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey and guard (2) Chris Quinn talk during a break in the action against the Fordham Rams at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 85-49. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Matt Cashore
Jan. 28, 2006; South Bend, IN USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (2) Chris Quinn shoots a three-point basket over Villanova Wildcats guard (12) Mike Nardy in the second half at the Joyce Center. Villanova won 72-70. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
Feb. 8, 2006; South Bend, IN USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (2) Chris Quinn dribbles the ball upcourt in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 90-63. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
Feb. 8, 2006; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (2) Chris Quinn shoots over South Florida Bulls guard (23) Collin Dennis and forward (44) Solomon Jones in the first half at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
Nov. 27, 2006; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Kyle McAlarney (23), forward Zach Hillesland (33), guard Colin Falls (15) and Tory Jackson (2) look to the Irish bench for instructions in the first half against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports © copyright (2006) Matt Cashore
Dec. 21, 2006; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (15) Colin Falls shoots a three-point basket against the Army Black Knights at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 88-47. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports © copyright (2006) Matt Cashore
Jan. 27, 2007; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Colin Falls (15) dribbles the ball around Villanova Wildcats forward Will Sheridan (50) and forward Curtis Sumpter (34) in the second half at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 66-63. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 27, 2007; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Colin Falls (15) dribbles the ball around Villanova Wildcats forward Will Sheridan (50) and forward Curtis Sumpter (34) in the second half at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 66-63. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 12, 2007; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Rob Kurz (31) puts up a shot in the first half against the Long Island Blackbirds at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 82-50. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar. 5, 2008; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Rob Kurz (31) dunks the ball in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 20, 2008; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Luke Harangody (44) and guard Kyle McAlarney (23) sit on the bench in the second half against the Delaware State Hornets at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 88-50. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22, 2008; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Luke Harangody (44) celebrates a basket against the Savannah State Tigers with forward Zach Hillesland (33) in the first half at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2008; Rosemont, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Kyle McAlarney (23) passes the ball around DePaul Blue Demons center Matija Poscic (31) during the first half at Allstate Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 24, 2009; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Hillesland (33) passes the ball as Connecticut Huskies forward Jeff Adrien (4) and center Hasheem Thabeet (34) defend in the second half at the Joyce Center. UConn won 69-61. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar. 19, 2009; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Ryan Ayers (42) goes up for a shot as New Mexico Lobos forward Roman Martinez (30) defends in the second half of the second round of the National Invitation Tournament game at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 70-68. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 9, 2010; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Tory Jackson (3) forward Tim Abromaitis (21) forward Luke Harangody (44) and guard Tyrone Nash (1) celebrate as the Irish defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 70-68 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2010; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Luke Harangody (44) looks to pass the basketball as Marquette Golden Eagles forward Lazar Hayward (32) defends during the game at the Bradley Center. Notre Dame defeated Marquette 63-60 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 4, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tim Abromaitis (21) celebrates with gaurd Tom Kopko (5) in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 73-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tyrone Nash (1) drives to the basket as Marquette Golden Eagles forward Jae Crowder (32) defends during the second half at the Bradley Center. Marquette defeated Notre Dame 79-57. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Joey Brooks (32), forward Tyrone Nash (1), guard Eric Atkins (0), guard Scott Martin (14) and guard Ben Hansbrough (23) walk back onto the court during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Bradley Center. Marquette defeated Notre Dame 79-57. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 9, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tim Abromaitis (21) fights for a rebound with Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva (3) and forward Terrence Jennings (23) in the second half at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 89-79 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tyrone Nash (1) at a press conference prior to practice the day before the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tim Abromaitis (21) is defended by Florida State Seminoles guard Derwin Kitchen (22) in the first half of the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tom Knight (25) dunks the ball over Boston College Eagles forward Ryan Anderson (12) during the second half of the game at Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2014; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tom Knight (25) controls the ball while Boston College Eagles forward Will Magarity (11) defends during the second half at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish Eric Atkins (0) reacts in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the fighting Irish 63-61 at Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey celebrates with former players Eric Atkins and Pat Connaughton and Jerian Grant after Notre Dame defeated the Louisville Cardinals 71-66 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) reacts with head coach Mike Brey during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Wells Fargo Center. Notre Dame won 61-56. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) reacts during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish assistant coach Ryan Ayers yells to his players in the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Purcell Pavilion. Virginia won 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) controls the ball against Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) drive against the defense of West Virginia Mountaineers forward Elijah Macon (45) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) dribbles the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers guard Daxter Miles Jr. (4) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Matt Farrell (5) and forward Bonzie Colson (35) react against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of a second round game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Martinas Geben (23) dunks against Virginia Tech Hokies guard Justin Bibbs (10) and Virginia Tech Hokies guard Ahmed Hill (13) and Virginia Tech Hokies forward P.J. Horne (14) during the second half of a second round game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) reacts after hitting the go-ahead three point shot against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of a second round game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Martinas Geben (23) puts up a shot against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a quarterfinals game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2020; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward John Mooney (33) sits in the huddle during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2020; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward John Mooney (33) celebrates on the bench after a Fighting Irish basket against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame's Pat Connaughton (24) drives into an open lane during the mens basketball game between Notre Dame and Duke on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, inside the Purcell Pavilion at Notre Dame. SBT Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN via FTP Notre Dame Vs Duke
Notre Dame's Pat Connaughton (24) comes dunk from a late-game dunk next to Duke's Jabari Parker (1) during the mens basketball game between Notre Dame and Duke on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, inside the Purcell Pavilion at Notre Dame. SBT Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN via FTP
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GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 14: Harold Swanagan #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots for the basket during the first round of the 2002 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the UNC Charlotte 49ers at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina on March 14, 2002. The Irish won 82-63. (Photo by Craig Jones /Getty Images)
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GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 14: Harold Swanagan #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots for the basket during the first round of the 2002 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the UNC Charlotte 49ers at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina on March 14, 2002. The Irish won 82-63. (Photo by Craig Jones /Getty Images)
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GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 14: Harold Swanagan #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rebounds the ball during the first round of the 2002 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the UNC Charlotte 49ers at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina on March 14, 2002. The Irish won 82-63. (Photo by Craig Jones /Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Torrian Jones #20 of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish moves the ball against the West Virginia University Mountaineers during the first round game of the Big East Championship Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2004 in New York City. Notre Dame won 65-64. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Torrian Jones #20 of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots against the West Virginia University Mountaineers during the first round game of the Big East Championship Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2004 in New York City. Notre Dame won 65-64. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Tribune Photo/BARBARA ALLISON Notre Dame senior men's basketball team members, from left, Tim Andree, Jonathan Peoples, Luke Harangody, and Tory Jackson, ham it up on Media Day Thursday on campus. 101509 cq
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Tribune Photo/MARCUS MARTER Tim Andree, left, and Tim Abromaitis during media day for the Notre Dame Men's Basketball team Tuesday, October 14.
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Dec. 28, 2005; South Bend, IN USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey and guard (2) Chris Quinn talk during a break in the action against the Fordham Rams at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 85-49. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Matt Cashore
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Jan. 28, 2006; South Bend, IN USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (2) Chris Quinn shoots a three-point basket over Villanova Wildcats guard (12) Mike Nardy in the second half at the Joyce Center. Villanova won 72-70. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
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Feb. 8, 2006; South Bend, IN USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (2) Chris Quinn dribbles the ball upcourt in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 90-63. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
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Feb. 8, 2006; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (2) Chris Quinn shoots over South Florida Bulls guard (23) Collin Dennis and forward (44) Solomon Jones in the first half at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
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Nov. 27, 2006; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Kyle McAlarney (23), forward Zach Hillesland (33), guard Colin Falls (15) and Tory Jackson (2) look to the Irish bench for instructions in the first half against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports © copyright (2006) Matt Cashore
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Dec. 21, 2006; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard (15) Colin Falls shoots a three-point basket against the Army Black Knights at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 88-47. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports © copyright (2006) Matt Cashore
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Jan. 27, 2007; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Colin Falls (15) dribbles the ball around Villanova Wildcats forward Will Sheridan (50) and forward Curtis Sumpter (34) in the second half at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 66-63. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan. 27, 2007; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Colin Falls (15) dribbles the ball around Villanova Wildcats forward Will Sheridan (50) and forward Curtis Sumpter (34) in the second half at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 66-63. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov. 12, 2007; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Rob Kurz (31) puts up a shot in the first half against the Long Island Blackbirds at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 82-50. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar. 5, 2008; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Rob Kurz (31) dunks the ball in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec. 20, 2008; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Luke Harangody (44) and guard Kyle McAlarney (23) sit on the bench in the second half against the Delaware State Hornets at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 88-50. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec. 22, 2008; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Luke Harangody (44) celebrates a basket against the Savannah State Tigers with forward Zach Hillesland (33) in the first half at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 31, 2008; Rosemont, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Kyle McAlarney (23) passes the ball around DePaul Blue Demons center Matija Poscic (31) during the first half at Allstate Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan. 24, 2009; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Hillesland (33) passes the ball as Connecticut Huskies forward Jeff Adrien (4) and center Hasheem Thabeet (34) defend in the second half at the Joyce Center. UConn won 69-61. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar. 19, 2009; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Ryan Ayers (42) goes up for a shot as New Mexico Lobos forward Roman Martinez (30) defends in the second half of the second round of the National Invitation Tournament game at the Joyce Center. Notre Dame won 70-68. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan. 9, 2010; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Tory Jackson (3) forward Tim Abromaitis (21) forward Luke Harangody (44) and guard Tyrone Nash (1) celebrate as the Irish defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 70-68 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 6, 2010; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Luke Harangody (44) looks to pass the basketball as Marquette Golden Eagles forward Lazar Hayward (32) defends during the game at the Bradley Center. Notre Dame defeated Marquette 63-60 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan. 4, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tim Abromaitis (21) celebrates with gaurd Tom Kopko (5) in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 73-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 10, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tyrone Nash (1) drives to the basket as Marquette Golden Eagles forward Jae Crowder (32) defends during the second half at the Bradley Center. Marquette defeated Notre Dame 79-57. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 10, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Joey Brooks (32), forward Tyrone Nash (1), guard Eric Atkins (0), guard Scott Martin (14) and guard Ben Hansbrough (23) walk back onto the court during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Bradley Center. Marquette defeated Notre Dame 79-57. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb. 9, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tim Abromaitis (21) fights for a rebound with Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva (3) and forward Terrence Jennings (23) in the second half at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 89-79 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 17, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tyrone Nash (1) at a press conference prior to practice the day before the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 20, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tim Abromaitis (21) is defended by Florida State Seminoles guard Derwin Kitchen (22) in the first half of the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 1, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tom Knight (25) dunks the ball over Boston College Eagles forward Ryan Anderson (12) during the second half of the game at Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 16, 2014; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Tom Knight (25) controls the ball while Boston College Eagles forward Will Magarity (11) defends during the second half at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 3, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish Eric Atkins (0) reacts in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the fighting Irish 63-61 at Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 13, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey celebrates with former players Eric Atkins and Pat Connaughton and Jerian Grant after Notre Dame defeated the Louisville Cardinals 71-66 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) reacts with head coach Mike Brey during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Wells Fargo Center. Notre Dame won 61-56. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) reacts during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 24, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish assistant coach Ryan Ayers yells to his players in the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Purcell Pavilion. Virginia won 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) controls the ball against Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) drive against the defense of West Virginia Mountaineers forward Elijah Macon (45) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) dribbles the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers guard Daxter Miles Jr. (4) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 7, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Matt Farrell (5) and forward Bonzie Colson (35) react against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of a second round game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 7, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Martinas Geben (23) dunks against Virginia Tech Hokies guard Justin Bibbs (10) and Virginia Tech Hokies guard Ahmed Hill (13) and Virginia Tech Hokies forward P.J. Horne (14) during the second half of a second round game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 7, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Bonzie Colson (35) reacts after hitting the go-ahead three point shot against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of a second round game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 8, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Martinas Geben (23) puts up a shot against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of a quarterfinals game of the 2018 ACC tournament at Barclays Center at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 11, 2020; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward John Mooney (33) sits in the huddle during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 11, 2020; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward John Mooney (33) celebrates on the bench after a Fighting Irish basket against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Notre Dame's Pat Connaughton (24) drives into an open lane during the mens basketball game between Notre Dame and Duke on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, inside the Purcell Pavilion at Notre Dame. SBT Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN via FTP Notre Dame Vs Duke
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Notre Dame's Pat Connaughton (24) comes dunk from a late-game dunk next to Duke's Jabari Parker (1) during the mens basketball game between Notre Dame and Duke on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, inside the Purcell Pavilion at Notre Dame. SBT Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN via FTP
SOUTH BEND — It seemed like such an easy Notre Dame basketball exercise.
Reach out to a handful of former Irish and ask them to name their favorite five teammates during their playing days at Notre Dame. The idea was born earlier this month when the NBA announced that former Notre Dame swingman Pat Connaughton, now in his 11th professional season and his first with the Charlotte Hornets, was among 12 finalists for the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes teammate of the year.
Which got us thinking ...
What makes a good teammate? A great teammate? Is it stats? Is it other stuff? The Tribune asked five former Irish players. Then we asked five more. And five others after that. Assistant coaches entered the chat. Team managers chimed in. All were offered the same question — who are the five best teammates during your time at Notre Dame? Go!
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The excursion took on a life of its own, took us down a path of good Irish teams, and better guys.
The Tribune contacted 35 former Irish assistant coaches, team managers and players via text message and asked each that question. Among those contacted was former Irish head coach Mike Brey, who coached everyone on the final favorite teammate list except two (Jimmy Dillon, Skylard Owens).
One former player offered only two names. Another volunteered 10. Most stayed within the framework of five but often circled back with one or two additions. They didn’t want to forget anyone. All votes (and comments) are confidential. Some struggled with their submissions.
“It’s incredibly difficult to narrow it down to just five, which really speaks volumes about the character of the guys we had during my time,” said one.
Another wanted to include every Irish he was around during his time. It underscored what kind of a program Notre Dame basketball once was, and what kind of guys populated those teams.
“Every teammate was legitimately great,” he said. “My best friends to this day are all people I was in the locker room with. (They) have been there for me for absolutely everything life can throw as a person. Twenty years since we’ve been in the locker room and that’s still the case.”
Three who never played for Notre Dame — former associate head coach Rod Balanis, academic advisor Pat Holmes and former strength and conditioning coach Tony Rolinski — made the list.
“They were the thread and the fabric that made the program what it was. They cared deeply about every individual in the program as human beings,” one player said.
Rolinski was the program’s strength and conditioning coach for over two decades. Back when the program would hold a year-end banquet, the guy everyone called T-Ro was mentioned in almost every senior's speech.
“He was the unsung hero of the program, the guy everyone went to for support, hard conversations, pick-me-ups, confidence, etc.,” one player said of Rolinski.
Most responded promptly. Some had names of guys in literally seconds. Others needed some time. Eight didn’t answer (we won’t hold it against you). A few had jokes.
“Tough to leave Scott Martin off the list, but he loses points for choosing Purdue over Notre Dame initially,” one wrote.
He was kidding. Seriously. It’s all good.
Regarding former Irish power forward Harold Swanagan, one former Irish was also kidding. We think.
“Ultimate teammate. For the record, Swan better be on everyone’s list.”
The submissions included 51 names and 48 former players. In total, 149 votes were cast by 27 respondents.
Six former walk-ons (Tim Andree, Patrick Crowley, Matt Gregory, Tom Kopko, Kieran Piller, Charles Thomas) received votes. Two players who eventually transferred out — Alex Dragicevich and Matt Ryan — received votes. Two players voted for themselves.
Thirty-three former captains were nominated. Andree received the most votes (five) of any non-captain. He scored 12 points in 24 games over three seasons. That he barely played barely mattered.
“You won’t find a better human being,” one former teammate said.
Following are the starting five (top) vote-getters in the Tribune’s unofficial poll on the best teammate to play for Notre Dame basketball over the last 28 seasons (1998-2026). Players are listed with their positions and time at Notre Dame with final votes in paratheses.
∎ He played on some of the most successful teams in program history (the Irish went 97-45 in his four seasons), but never was the one who led those teams in points or rebounds or assists or minutes. Still, he was always there, camped in the corner ready to make a big shot. Probing off the dribble, ready to make the right pass. On the floor, poised to make the right play. He scored. He defended.
Vasturia played in 137 career games with 122 starts. He played 4,402 minutes but never made an all-league team (one honorable mention). That was fine by him. He was just Steady Steve. His name appeared on more ballots than anyone. If he knew that, he’d just shrug. He never played the game for the attention. That wasn’t him.
Vasturia is one of three Irish in program history (David Graves, Chris Thomas), with at least 1,400 points, 400 rebounds, 330 assists and 125 steals. He was the last of the three to do that, maybe the last for a long time.
“Absolutely gotta be on that list,” one voter wrote.
Got to. And is.
∎ Back when Rolfs Hall was the student center and not the stand-alone practice facility of today, the Irish would run pickup on the courts during summers. Former Irish guard Chris Thomas, often a captain, always had Kurz on his team. For Thomas, it was mandatory, and an easy decision. Kurz did stuff that nobody wanted to do. He did stuff that didn’t show up on the stats sheet.
He did stuff to keep his team on the court those summer nights. With Kurz, your team rarely lost.
“Definitely the best on-court teammate I had through my years,” one former Irish wrote. “Hardest worker, always put the team first and constantly made winning plays while never needing the spotlight. Could have easily been a 20 (points) and 10 (rebound) guy.”
∎ Look up the word student-athlete in the dictionary back when student-athletes actually played college basketball and it would likely say "see Abromaitis, Timothy." The guy they called Abro earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in less than four years. He took so many classes that by the time his sixth season (cut short by a knee injury) was complete, he’d run out of classes to take. He was the first to win Big East scholar-athlete award three times.
Abromaitis finished second in scoring (15.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.1 rpg) on the 2010-11 team that went 27-7 overall, 14-4 in the Big East. Had he not wrecked his knee in 2011-12, Abromaitis may have gone on to win Big East Player of the Year. He was that good.
“Always did the right thing and showed up every day to work hard.”
∎ There may be no better teammate or captain than Connaughton, the emotional engine that drove Notre Dame to a 32-6 record, Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championship and Elite Eight appearance in 2015. Connaughton did it after playing professional baseball the previous summer and did it in 2015 while playing power forward, where he led the team in rebounds (7.4 rpg.).
When it comes to Irish captains, he is still the gold standard.
“All-American kid, teammate and athlete.”
∎ McAlarney was more than a deep threat, though he was often without peer when it came to shooting the 3. Deep 3s. Made 3s. His 10 made 3-pointers against North Carolina in 2007 was a program record (since tied by Matt Farrell). His 124 3-pointers made in 2008-09 remains a single-season record. He also could run a team and backed down to no one. He brought a toughness with his New York City swagger, but also a togetherness. He was the definition of a lead guard, in myriad ways.
“A great leader, relentless worker and always about the team.”
∎ Ryan Ayers SG, 2005-09; Bonzie Colson, SF, 2014-18; Ty Nash, PF, 2007-11; Harold Swanagan, PF, 1999-2002 (6 votes each)
∎ Tim Andree, PF, 2006-10; Luke Harangody, PF, 2006-10; Torrian Jones, WG, 2000-04; Zach Hillesland, SF, 2005-09***(5 votes each)***
∎ Zach Auguste, PF, 2012-16; Colin Falls, SG, 2003-07***(4 votes each)***
∎ Eric Atkins, PG, 2010-14; Martinas Geben, PF, 2014-18; Tom Knight, PF, 2009-14; Tom Kopko, PG, 2007-11; John Mooney, PF, 2016-20; Chris Quinn, PG, 2002-06***(3 votes each)***.
(In alphabetical order): Rod Balanis (assistant coach), V.J. Beachem, Mike Broghammer, Joey Brooks, Matt Carroll, Russell Carter, Jordan Cornette, Patrick Crowley, Jimmy Dillon, Alex Dragicevich, Matt Farrell, Jerian Grant, Matt Gregory, Ben Hansbrough, Pat Holmes (academic advisor).
Prentiss Hubb, Martin Ingelsby, Demetrius Jackson, Tory Jackson, Scott Martin, Skylard Owens, Jonathan Peoples, Kieran Piller, Rex Pflueger, Matt Ryan, Tony Rolinski (strength and conditioning coach), Tony Sanders, Charles Thomas, Austin Torres, Luke Zeller.
Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Being a good Notre Dame teammate mattered in college basketball
The article identifies and ranks the best teammates based on their performance and impact during their time at Notre Dame.
The players mentioned in the rankings contributed to significant victories and tournament appearances, showcasing their skills and teamwork.
The ranking highlights the players' influence on the program and their lasting impact on Notre Dame basketball history.
The article references key games and performances that defined the success of the program and its players over the past three decades.

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