Get ready for another thrilling college basketball season as we take a closer look at the 2025-26 Notre Dame roster. This time, we're focusing on the power forward position and introducing you to Tommy Ahneman, a freshman with a bright future ahead of him.
The Rise of a Star
Tommy Ahneman, a native of Fargo, North Dakota, had a remarkable high school career at Cretin-Durham Hall in Minnesota. After a stellar senior season, he became the state's top-ranked college prospect and was named Gatorade Player of the Year. Ahneman's talent was undeniable, averaging an impressive 16.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Freshman Year Challenges
As a freshman, Ahneman will be stepping into a supporting role, providing a solid backup option for the power forward position. He won't be rushing to take over the starting spot, as he'll be learning and growing alongside veteran players Kebba Njie and Carson Towt. Coach Micah Shrewsberry believes that Ahneman's best days are yet to come, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the college game's physicality and intensity.
Shrews on Ahneman's Potential
"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. He did something every day, and it’s like, ‘Oh, man.’ Now it’s just like, 'I’ve got to figure out how hard I need to play and how physical I need to be to be a good player at this level.'" - Coach Micah Shrewsberry
Stay tuned as we continue our alphabetical journey through the 2025-26 Notre Dame basketball team. Keep an eye out for more insights and updates from South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie. Don't forget to follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @tnoieNDI for the latest news and analysis!
