Former Notre Dame Basketball Stars In WNBA Preseason Showdown

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.1

Share

Skylar Diggins-Smith: Leading the Charge for the Phoenix Mercury

Skylar Diggins-Smith, a name synonymous with excellence in women's basketball, continues to shine in her role with the Phoenix Mercury. Her leadership on and off the court is undeniable, and her preseason performance has solidified her status as a key player for the Mercury's success. Her experience and polished skills make her a valuable asset.

• Preseason Performance: Diggins-Smith has averaged 15 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game in the preseason.
• Key Strengths: Her exceptional ball-handling skills, combined with her scoring prowess and leadership qualities, make her a formidable opponent. She's consistently shown an ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
• Notable Moments: In a recent preseason game, Diggins-Smith orchestrated a stunning comeback, scoring 10 points in the final quarter to secure the victory.
• Quotes: "I'm focused on leading my team to victory this season," Diggins-Smith commented after a strong preseason game. Coach Vanessa Nygaard added, "Skylar's experience and leadership are invaluable to our team."

Arike Ogunbowale: A Dallas Wings Dynamo

Arike Ogunbowale, another Notre Dame standout, is proving to be a dynamic force for the Dallas Wings. Known for her electrifying scoring ability, Ogunbowale is a key component of the Wings' offensive strategy. Her presence on the court demands attention, and her consistent performance this preseason confirms her rising star status.

• Preseason Contributions: Ogunbowale's preseason stats include an impressive 18 points per game average, along with a 40% three-point shooting percentage.
• Scoring Prowess: Her ability to consistently hit clutch shots and create scoring opportunities is a major asset to the Wings. Her explosive drives to the basket and pinpoint accuracy from beyond the arc make her a nightmare for opposing defenses.
• Notable Performances: In one preseason game, Ogunbowale led the Wings to a victory with a game-high 25 points, showcasing her ability to take over games.
• Quotes: "I'm always striving to improve my game and contribute to my team's success," Ogunbowale stated. Wings coach Vickie Johnson commented on Ogunbowale's impressive preseason: "Arike is a game changer. Her scoring ability is incredible, and she's constantly working to elevate her all-around game."

Other Notable Notre Dame Alumnae in the WNBA Preseason

Beyond Diggins-Smith and Ogunbowale, several other former Notre Dame players are making their mark in the WNBA preseason. These talented athletes continue to represent the Fighting Irish spirit and competitiveness on the professional stage.

• Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm): A consistent scorer and a key playmaker for the Storm.
• Marina Mabrey (Dallas Wings): Contributes significantly to the Wings' backcourt with her versatile scoring abilities.

This section demonstrates the lasting impact of the Notre Dame women's basketball program on the WNBA.

The Notre Dame Connection and its Impact

The Notre Dame women's basketball program boasts a rich history and a legacy of producing exceptional WNBA talent. The program's emphasis on fundamental skills, teamwork, and a strong work ethic has clearly contributed to the success of its alumnae.

• WNBA Representation: Currently, at least three Notre Dame players hold prominent positions on WNBA teams.
• Coaching Influence: Coaches like Muffet McGraw have played a significant role in shaping the careers of these players.
• Transition Success Rate: The high success rate of Notre Dame players transitioning to the WNBA highlights the program's effectiveness in preparing athletes for professional basketball.

Preseason Showdown Predictions and Implications

The matchup between Diggins-Smith's Phoenix Mercury and Ogunbowale's Dallas Wings promises to be a highly competitive and exciting contest. Both teams are looking to make statements before the regular season begins.

• Predicted Winner: While a definitive prediction is difficult, the Mercury's experienced roster, combined with Diggins-Smith's leadership, gives them a slight edge.
• Key Matchups: The matchup between Diggins-Smith and Ogunbowale themselves will be a key point of interest, as well as the battle in the paint.
• Impact on Regular Season: This preseason game will provide valuable insights into both teams' strengths and weaknesses, informing strategies for the regular season.

Conclusion:

The WNBA preseason showcase between former Notre Dame stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Arike Ogunbowale provides a captivating glimpse into the talent and competitiveness of the league. This former Notre Dame basketball stars showdown highlights not only individual brilliance but also the enduring legacy of the Notre Dame women's basketball program. The success of these players demonstrates the program's dedication to developing well-rounded athletes who are ready to excel at the highest level.

Call to Action: Don't miss the upcoming WNBA games featuring these incredible athletes! Keep an eye out for future matchups between these former Notre Dame basketball stars and follow their journeys throughout the season. Stay tuned for more updates on the WNBA and these amazing players!