Wednesday marked a significant day for the Notre Dame Men’s Basketball team, as it coincided with National Signing Day. Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry announced a remarkable recruiting class, unprecedented in South Bend’s modern history.
The Fighting Irish secured commitments from four top-120 recruits: 5-star guard Jalen Haralson, 4-star forward Ryder Frost, 4-star center Tommy Ahneman, and 4-star forward Brady Koehler. This class is ranked fourth nationally and is the best in Indiana.
According to the ND press release:
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Micah Shrewsberry, the Glenn & Stacey Murphy Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Head Coach, encouraged fans to join him, saying the program’s momentum was building. This recruiting surge resulted in Notre Dame’s highest-rated class to date.
On Wednesday, Ahneman, Frost, Haralson, and Koehler signed their Athletic Aid Agreements and officially joined the Irish. The class is ranked fourth by 247Sports, fifth by ESPN, fifth by Rivals, and sixth by ON3, making it the top-rated class in Indiana and second in the ACC.
Coach Shrewsberry remarked on this 2025 class:
“We are extremely proud of the four individuals who signed with us today. They are exceptional young men and outstanding basketball players who will represent Notre Dame admirably both on and off the court.”
“We had a clear vision for this class from the outset, aiming to enhance our skill level, size, and athleticism. We successfully secured four of our primary recruits, defining this as an elite recruiting class.”
Tommy Ahneman, Minnesota’s top prospect and a consensus top-100 recruit, transferred to Cretin-Derham this summer after leading Sheyenne High School in West Fargo, North Dakota, to a Class 2A state championship. He was named Gatorade Player of the Year, averaging 20.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.9 assists as a junior. In the state championship game, he dominated Fargo North with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks in a 78-62 win. Ahneman recently played in the Nike EYBL Champions 17U league, averaging 20.7 points and 8.1 rebounds over 11 games.
Coach Shrewsberry commented on Ahneman:
“Finding a true big man who can score both with their back to the basket and from outside is a challenge, but Tommy excels in both areas. He’s a center with the skills to make an immediate impact, providing a physical presence, as well as a reliable scoring option in the post, thanks to his excellent footwork and soft touch around the rim.”
Staff on Ahneman:
Securing quality centers is often challenging due to their scarcity and high demand. Thus, recruiting for this position is a major focus.
At 6-foot-10, Tommy fits the profile of a traditional center, excelling in low-block scoring. Moreover, he possesses a good mid-range shot and demonstrates strong passing skills, enhancing his teammates’ performance.
As he matures, we believe Tommy will significantly contribute on the court, providing valuable low-post scoring while facilitating easy shots for his teammates.
Tommy ultimately chose Notre Dame over offers from Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and others.
