Logan Imes and Braeden Shrewsberry, the last traditional seniors on Notre Dame’s men’s basketball roster, are poised at a crossroads as they consider whether to close their college careers this spring or take advantage of a newly granted fifth year of eligibility.
The NCAA’s recent decision to extend eligibility to five seasons creates a unique window for players who have already exhausted their initial four‑year window, allowing them to return for an additional campaign without sacrificing scholarship status.
Imes has appeared in 88 career games, while Shrewsberry has logged 90, numbers that place them well beyond the typical senior tally but still shy of the program’s all‑time leaders.
Historical Perspective
The benchmark for career appearances at Notre Dame has long been set by former guard Dane Goodwin, who amassed 158 games, and Nate Laszewski, who finished with 157. Both benefitted from an extra season made possible by the COVID‑19 waiver, a circumstance that also lifted Rex Pflueger’s record to 141 games, albeit with an asterisk for injury.
Pat Connaughton and Steve Vasturia each recorded 139 and 137 games respectively within the traditional four‑year framework, illustrating how the program’s record books have been reshaped over different eras.
If Imes and Shrewsberry stay healthy and the Irish manage to extend their season deep into March, they could crack the top five in career games played, a milestone that would underscore their durability and commitment.
Both athletes have repeatedly emphasized that winning and leaving a positive imprint on the program are their primary goals. Imes has said he wants to look back and say the team finished on a high note and achieved the objectives they set together.
The decision reflects not only personal ambition but also a broader narrative about how extended eligibility can shape team dynamics, fan expectations, and the legacy of a storied basketball tradition in South Bend.