While the women’s team is getting ready for a matchup next week in the Sweet 16, the men’s version of the Notre Dame basketball team is officially in the offseason. And so far, that offseason isn’t going any better than the regular season did.
Just one day ahead of the transfer portal officially opening, the Fighting Irish found out that one of their best players is on his way out the door. And a team that was already facing a pretty important rebuild will now have to find a way to replace a player that was almost certainly a big part of their rebuild plans just a few weeks ago.
The Notre Dame basketball team’s best big man, Tae Davis is reportedly planning on looking for greener pastures when he’s able. His loss would be a big one even if he hadn’t had the best all around season of any member of Blue and Gold not named Markus Burton.
NEWS: Notre Dame forward Tae Davis is entering the transfer portal, sources told ESPN. One of the most improved players in the ACC, averaged 15.1 PPG & 5.3 RPG. Scored 20+ eight times, had 22 & 8 vs. Houston. Plans to sign with Alex Saratsis and Ron Shade of Octagon Basketball. pic.twitter.com/2p3Q5Q35LX
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 23, 2025
Notre Dame basketball’s rebuild just got harder
Davis’ loss also means that the Irish lost its most improved player and one that finally turned into a threat on the offensive and defensive side of the court.
This season, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. That’s some serious growth from his first season in South Bend when he averaged just 9.2 points.
His first year in college was spent with Seton Hall where he only started two games and averaged just over 2 points per contest.
Replacing Tae Davis is going to be tough, especially considering all the other parts that Notre Dame basketball will need to add in order to hope to finally post a winning record under Micah Shrewsberry.