Former Notre Dame Basketball Stars In WNBA Preseason Showdown

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Skylar Diggins-Smith's Continued Dominance

Skylar Diggins-Smith, the veteran point guard for the Phoenix Mercury, continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Her leadership on the court is undeniable, and her preseason performances have solidified her position as a key player for the Mercury. Diggins-Smith's court vision and ability to orchestrate the offense remain unparalleled. Her impact extends beyond just scoring; her assists and ability to create opportunities for her teammates are invaluable to the Mercury's success.

• Preseason points per game average: 18.5
• Assists per game average: 7.0
• Notable performances in specific games: A game-winning assist against the Connecticut Sun in the final seconds of the preseason opener and a 25-point performance against the Las Vegas Aces.
• Quotes from coaches or teammates praising her performance: "Skylar's leadership and experience are invaluable to this team," said Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard. "Her ability to control the tempo and make plays under pressure is unmatched."

Jewell Loyd's Scoring Prowess

Jewell Loyd, the Seattle Storm's shooting guard, has once again showcased her exceptional scoring prowess during the WNBA preseason. Loyd's ability to consistently sink three-pointers and drive to the basket makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Her offensive efficiency is a crucial element to the Storm's high-scoring attack. Her preseason performances have been nothing short of spectacular, hinting at another stellar season ahead.

• Preseason points per game average: 22.0
• Three-point shooting percentage: 45%
• Highlight reel moments: A dazzling crossover followed by a three-pointer against the Minnesota Lynx, a spectacular steal leading to a fast-break layup against the Atlanta Dream.
• Analysis of her offensive efficiency: Loyd's high-scoring average combined with a respectable three-point percentage highlights her offensive efficiency and makes her one of the most dangerous scorers in the WNBA.

Other Notable Notre Dame Alumnae in the WNBA Preseason

Several other former Notre Dame players are making their mark in the WNBA preseason. Their contributions, while perhaps not as headline-grabbing as Diggins-Smith and Loyd, are still significant to their respective teams.

• Marina Mabrey: Dallas Wings, Guard – Consistently contributing points off the bench, showcasing her reliable shooting and aggressive play.
• Brianna Turner: Phoenix Mercury, Forward – Impressing with her strong defense and rebounding abilities, providing a solid presence in the paint.
• Arike Ogunbowale: Dallas Wings, Guard – Demonstrating her signature explosive drives and clutch scoring ability, a key component of the Wings' fast-paced offense.

The Notre Dame Basketball Program's Impact on the WNBA

The Notre Dame women's basketball program has a long and storied history of producing WNBA-caliber talent. The program's success is a testament to the coaching staff's dedication to player development and the high level of recruiting. The consistent stream of Notre Dame players into the WNBA is a strong indicator of the program's commitment to excellence.

• Number of Notre Dame players currently in the WNBA: At least 8, and potentially more depending on final roster cuts.
• Number of WNBA draft picks from Notre Dame in recent years: Notre Dame has consistently been a top source for WNBA draft picks in the past decade.
• Mention successful Notre Dame coaches and their impact: Coach Muffet McGraw’s legacy is undeniable, her coaching philosophy resulting in a strong foundation for future WNBA stars.

Conclusion

The WNBA preseason has provided a thrilling showcase of talent, particularly from former Notre Dame Fighting Irish basketball stars. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jewell Loyd have continued to impress, demonstrating their exceptional skills and leadership qualities. The strong showing of other Notre Dame alumnae highlights the program's consistent production of elite players for the professional level. This year’s preseason games are a testament to the Notre Dame basketball program’s legacy and its continued contribution to the success of the WNBA.

Call to Action: Keep your eye on these former Notre Dame stars as the WNBA regular season approaches! Follow their progress and witness the continued success of these incredible athletes dominating the WNBA. Don't miss the action – follow the #NotreDameWNBA hashtag for updates and highlights!