‘He’s My Brother’: How an Unbreakable Bond Between Jonathan Sanderson and Gan-Erdene Solongo Led Them Both to Notre Dame

There are friendships, there are teammates, and then there are bonds that transcend both — the kind of connection that can carry two young men across oceans, cultures, and hardships, all the way to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. For Jonathan Sanderson and Gan-Erdene Solongo, their journey to Notre Dame is not just about basketball, academics, or opportunity. It’s about brotherhood — forged in resilience, fueled by dreams, and destined for South Bend.

At first glance, their story seems improbable. Sanderson, a standout guard from Saline, Michigan, born into a basketball-centric family with deep Midwestern roots. Solongo, originally from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the son of a nomadic herding family, navigating a foreign language, a new culture, and elite-level basketball thousands of miles from home. But beneath those surface differences lies a shared narrative defined by loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering belief in one another.

The seeds of their friendship were planted years ago at an elite basketball camp in Michigan, where players from all over the world converged. Solongo, then a soft-spoken teenager struggling with English, was raw but immensely talented — a 6-foot-8 forward with fluid footwork and a fierce work ethic. Sanderson, meanwhile, was already turning heads as a sharp-shooting guard, carrying the pedigree of his father, Jon Sanderson, Michigan’s long-time strength and conditioning coach for men’s basketball.

What started as casual interactions on the court quickly evolved. Sanderson noticed Solongo often lingering alone after drills, hesitant to engage, lost in translation. Where others saw an outsider, Sanderson saw potential — and more importantly, a person worth knowing.

“Basketball connects people, but I think what connected us was respect,” Sanderson reflects. “I could see how hard Gan was working, even when nobody was watching. His story, his dedication — I couldn’t ignore that.”

Their friendship blossomed beyond the hardwood. Sanderson became Solongo’s translator, guide, and confidant, helping him navigate cultural hurdles, school assignments, and the maze of American teenage life. Solongo, in turn, became more than just a friend — he became family.

“Jonathan is my brother,” Solongo says without hesitation. His English, now polished, carries the weight of sincerity. “When I came to America, I was scared. Everything was new — the language, the people, the expectations. But Jonathan made me feel like I belonged.”

As their bond deepened, so did their games. They trained together relentlessly — early mornings in empty gyms, late nights breaking down film, pushing each other to new heights. Sanderson sharpened his already-lethal shooting and expanded his playmaking. Solongo honed his footwork, developed a smooth mid-range jumper, and became a defensive force.

Their synergy caught the attention of college scouts, but Notre Dame emerged as the one program that valued not just their individual talents but the power of their connection.

For Sanderson, Notre Dame represented tradition, academic excellence, and an opportunity to continue his family’s athletic legacy in the Midwest. For Solongo, it was a symbol of his improbable journey — from the steppes of Mongolia to one of America’s most respected universities.

Yet, it wasn’t just the offer letters or the facilities that sealed their decision. It was a conversation with Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry that made it clear — their bond wasn’t just tolerated; it was celebrated.

“Coach Shrewsberry told us, ‘We’re not just recruiting players; we’re building a family,’” Sanderson recalls. “That hit home. For us, this isn’t just about basketball. It’s about growing together, holding each other accountable, and chasing greatness side by side.”

Their commitment to Notre Dame, announced within weeks of each other, sent ripples through recruiting circles. It’s rare enough for two elite prospects from such contrasting backgrounds to share the same college path, but rarer still for them to do so rooted in authentic brotherhood.

For Solongo, who left behind family, language, and homeland to pursue his basketball dreams, Notre Dame offers stability — and Sanderson provides familiarity.

“Even when everything feels overwhelming — new classes, new city, new challenges — I have Jonathan,” Solongo explains. “We’ve been through so much already. We’ll face this together.”

Sanderson is quick to downplay any hero narrative. In his view, their relationship is mutual — one of give-and-take, shared ambition, and trust.

“Gan inspires me as much as I help him,” Sanderson says. “His journey reminds me to never take anything for granted — whether it’s family, opportunity, or the game we love.”

Their families, too, have embraced this unique brotherhood. The Sanderson household often served as a second home for Solongo during high school, offering meals, guidance, and support. Meanwhile, Solongo’s parents, though thousands of miles away, express gratitude for the community and friendship that’s allowed their son to thrive.

“They trusted me with their son, and that’s not lost on me,” Sanderson says. “That’s why Notre Dame is the next step — because it’s not just about me or Gan. It’s about honoring our families, our cultures, and the work we’ve put in.”

As they prepare to embark on their freshman seasons, expectations are high. Sanderson’s sharpshooting, court vision, and leadership have him projected as a key piece in Shrewsberry’s offensive system. Solongo’s size, versatility, and defensive instincts position him as an immediate impact player with limitless upside.

But beyond the stats, rankings, and highlight reels lies the deeper story — one of two young men bound not by blood, but by something equally powerful: shared struggle, unwavering loyalty, and belief in each other’s potential.

For Notre Dame fans, the arrival of Sanderson and Solongo signals more than roster depth. It represents the fusion of heart, talent, and brotherhood — qualities that often define championship culture.

“They’ve been through so much together — on and off the court,” Coach Shrewsberry notes. “That kind of bond? You can’t teach it. You just hope to build around it.”

In an era of constant roster turnover, transfer portals, and individualism, Sanderson and Solongo’s story stands out. It’s a reminder that beneath the competition lies something more enduring — connection.

Their goals are clear: elevate Notre Dame basketball, excel academically, and grow as leaders. But equally important is their shared promise — to never let each other face challenges alone.

“People might see us as teammates, but it’s bigger than that,” Solongo says with quiet confidence. “He’s my brother. That doesn’t change — no matter where life takes us.”

For Jonathan Sanderson and Gan-Erdene Solongo, that promise has carried them across continents, through adversity, and now, to the hallowed halls of Notre Dame. And if their journey so far is any indication, their greatest chapters — written together — are still to come.