Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry announced the addition of two graduate transfers who will bolster the 2026‑27 roster, marking a strategic move as the program rebuilds after a wave of departures to the transfer portal.
A veteran point guard arrives from Gonzaga
Braeden Smith, a seasoned point guard who spent his college career at Gonzaga, brings a 3.34 assist‑to‑turnover ratio that ranks 12th nationally. Known for his poise and decision‑making, Smith is expected to provide steady leadership and a reliable floor‑general presence for the Fighting Irish.
A versatile forward joins the mix
Yoro Diallo, a 6‑foot‑9 forward with a 7‑foot wingspan from UVA Wise, averaged 14.5 points and eight rebounds per game last season and also led his team in assists. His combination of size, shooting and rebounding adds a new dimension to Notre Dame’s frontcourt.
The moves come as the Irish reshape their squad after losing several key contributors to the transfer portal, a trend that has reshaped college basketball rosters across the country. Shrewsberry emphasized that the new arrivals are part of a broader effort to maintain competitiveness while integrating fresh talent.
Both players are expected to integrate quickly into the team’s system, with Shrewsberry noting that their experience and skill sets complement the returning core. The coaching staff believes the additions will help the program stay competitive in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball.