Soaring Irish Aspirations: Seven-Foot Mongolian Phenom Gan-Erdene Solongo Joins Notre Dame’s Basketball Revolution

In a significant coup that further solidifies Notre Dame’s burgeoning basketball program under Coach Micah Shrewsberry, four-star, 7-foot center Gan-Erdene Solongo has officially committed to the Fighting Irish. This highly anticipated decision sends ripples of excitement through the Notre Dame faithful, signaling a new era of competitive prowess and promising a formidable presence in the paint for years to come. Solongo’s commitment, announced on the heels of four-star point guard Jonathan Sanderson’s pledge, underscores the strategic vision and familial atmosphere that Shrewsberry and his staff are cultivating in South Bend, marking a pivotal moment in the program’s ambitious trajectory.

Solongo’s journey to this moment is as compelling as his on-court potential. Hailing from Mongolia, he began playing basketball at the relatively late age of 14, a testament to his innate athleticism and rapid development. His transition to the United States at 15 propelled him onto the national recruiting radar, where his impressive size, agility, and burgeoning skill set quickly garnered attention from a host of high-major programs, including Ohio State, Illinois, Indiana, Rutgers, and Arizona State. What truly sets Solongo apart, however, is not just his physical gifts but his remarkable dedication to improvement and his genuine passion for the game, traits that align perfectly with the developmental philosophy preached by Coach Shrewsberry.

The connection to Notre Dame runs deeper than just athletic opportunity. Solongo is the adopted brother of Jonathan Sanderson, the talented four-star point guard who committed to the Irish just days prior. Their bond, forged through shared experiences on the AAU circuit and living together as legal wards of Jon and Jenn Sanderson (Jonathan’s parents), provides an invaluable layer of chemistry and familiarity to the incoming class. Jon Sanderson, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with a proven track record at Michigan and Vanderbilt, recently joined the Notre Dame staff as the director of men’s basketball performance. This move, a strategic masterstroke by Coach Shrewsberry, not only brings an elite performance expert to the program but also directly facilitated the recruitment of both Jonathan and Gan-Erdene, creating a compelling family narrative within the team’s future.

Solongo’s decision to commit to Notre Dame was heavily influenced by Coach Shrewsberry’s coaching style and his unwavering commitment to player development. “I chose Notre Dame because I love Coach Shrewsberry’s style of play and how much he focuses on player development,” Solongo shared with On3. “Coach Shrews and the whole staff truly care — they treat players like family and always push to help us grow, on and off the court.” This sentiment highlights the personal touch and genuine investment that the coaching staff extends to their recruits, fostering an environment where players feel valued and supported both athletically and personally. The emphasis on growth beyond the court resonates deeply with Solongo, who is not only a promising athlete but also a young man dedicated to his overall development.

On the court, Notre Dame is gaining a truly unique talent in Solongo. Described by On3’s scouting report as a “big, physical specimen” with “pretty significant ceiling,” Solongo’s athleticism for his size is a standout feature. He moves well, showcasing an ability to catch and finish effectively around the rim, and his natural strength allows him to establish a dominant presence in the post. His background in volleyball has undoubtedly contributed to his impressive mobility and coordination, attributes that are highly coveted in modern big men. While he is relatively new to organized basketball, his rapid progress and eagerness to learn suggest a significant upward trajectory. His potential to add more good weight and improve his leverage will only enhance his already imposing frame, making him an even more formidable force in the paint. Last season, playing at Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth, Solongo averaged 12.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, demonstrating his immediate impact as a rebounder and interior defender. His senior year at La Lumiere School in Indiana, where he will play alongside his adopted brother Jonathan Sanderson, promises to further refine his skills and prepare him for the rigors of collegiate basketball.

The commitment of Solongo, coupled with that of Jonathan Sanderson, signifies a remarkable period of recruiting success for Notre Dame men’s basketball. Following a highly-ranked 2025 class that included four-star center Tommy Ahneman, the Irish are now poised to establish a formidable frontcourt presence for years to come. The prospect of Solongo and Ahneman forming a dynamic tandem in the paint is an exciting one for Notre Dame fans, promising a combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess that will be difficult for opposing teams to match. This consecutive landing of elite big men underscores Coach Shrewsberry’s ability to identify and attract top talent, particularly those who fit his vision for the program’s style of play.

Beyond the immediate impact on the court, Solongo’s commitment carries a broader significance for Notre Dame. As a dual citizen of Mongolia and Ireland, with a Mongolian mother and an Irish father, he will become only the second Irish citizen to ever play for Notre Dame men’s basketball, following Ron Rowan. This unique heritage adds another layer to his compelling story and offers an opportunity to further connect the program with a diverse global fanbase. Solongo himself expressed his honor in representing Notre Dame as a “Mongolian-Irish player,” expressing his readiness to “bring passion, power, and pride to the court” and “make history together.”

The enthusiasm surrounding Solongo’s commitment is palpable. It represents more than just securing a talented player; it signifies the growing belief in Coach Shrewsberry’s ability to build a sustainable, successful program at Notre Dame. His emphasis on player development, his ability to foster strong personal connections, and his strategic approach to recruiting are clearly resonating with top prospects. The arrival of Gan-Erdene Solongo, a skilled and determined 7-footer with a compelling personal narrative and a strong family tie to the program, marks a significant milestone in Notre Dame’s journey towards basketball prominence. The future of Irish basketball, with Solongo anchoring the paint, looks exceptionally bright.