Former Irish Hoops Stars Play for $500,000!

A team made up of Notre Dame men's basketball alumni has made it to the championship game of The Basketball Tournament -- and the winning team receives $500,000!  A field of 32 teams competed this weekend in Philadelphia -- The Fighting Alumni (that's the team's name) -- won four games -- earning a trip to the championship game.

Here's the twist -- the championship game is slated for June 28th -- to be held in a location voted on by fans.  That's right -- the fans pick where the championship game is played!  So, Notre Dame fans -- if you want to pick the destination, click on the link below and vote.

Here is the list of former Irish basketball stars on the team;

• Chris Thomas
• Tory Jackson
• Zach Hillestand
• Ryan Ayers
• Russell Carter
• Ty Nash
• Rob Kurz
• Colin Falls
• Torin Francis

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE 

LINK:  THE FIGHTING ALUMNI -- ROSTER

LINK:  VOTE HERE!

Jewell Loyd Leads TEAM USA to Gold Medal!

Notre Dame student-athlete Jewell Loyd '16, led Team USA to the FIBA 3x3 World Championship in Moscow, Russia yesterday afternoon.  The Americans beat the Russians on their home court in the final game!  (That's Jewell wearing #8 in the far right of the photo)

As you'll read in these news stories -- Jewell "dominated" on both ends of the court -- putting her in the conversation as one of the top players "ON THE PLANET."

LINK:  WORLD CHAMPS!

LINK:  TEAM USA SITE

Skylar Diggins Featured in Esquire Magazine!

Folks, former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins is everywhere...

These are the spreads from a story in the July issue of Esquire Magazine.

Latest Jeff Samardzija Trade Rumors

Former Notre Dame All-American Jeff Samardzija won his second game yesterday for the Chicago Cubs as he pitched seven strong innings, striking out eight while giving up two earned runs.  His stats on the season:

• ERA:  2.54 -- seventh best in the National League
• STRIKEOUTS:  75 -- tied for tenth best in the National League
• INNINGS PITCHED:  85 -- sixth best in the National League

LINK:  TRADE RUMORS