Sullivan Absher and His Notre Dame Teammates Build Chemistry and Competition Through Offseason Basketball Battles at the Joyce Center
There’s a certain energy inside the Joyce Center that transcends sports. It’s the building where Notre Dame basketball has written its own history, but during the offseason, it becomes a proving ground for another group of athletes—the Notre Dame football team. And if there’s one player who brings life to these late-night runs, it’s sophomore offensive lineman Sullivan Absher. While the pads and helmets are stored away during the summer months, Absher and his teammates lace up basketball shoes, hit the hardwood, and engage in fierce yet fun battles that go far beyond bragging rights.
It’s not a requirement. It’s not organized. And it’s not structured by any coach. But for Absher and his Irish teammates, the offseason pickup games at the Joyce Center have become a ritual of bonding, mental reset, and—believe it or not—development. It’s here where linemen become point guards, defensive backs try to throw down dunks, and wide receivers show off their crossover skills. The atmosphere is electric, competitive, and surprisingly revealing about the team’s culture heading into the 2025 season.
Absher, a North Carolina native and former high school basketball player, stands out on the court just like he does on the field. At 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, he’s not your typical hooper, but don’t be fooled. He’s nimble, agile, and knows how to box out better than anyone. Teammates jokingly refer to him as the “Shaq of South Bend” because of his presence in the paint. But it’s not just his size that makes him stand out—it’s his energy. Absher plays with a joy that’s infectious, encouraging teammates, diving for loose balls, and celebrating every bucket like it’s March Madness.
These basketball sessions serve multiple purposes. Physically, they help players stay active in a less structured way. Mentally, they offer a break from the intense grind of summer workouts and conditioning drills. But perhaps most importantly, they build chemistry. Football is a sport that thrives on trust, communication, and unity. And what better way to strengthen those qualities than through a little friendly competition?
Several other Irish players have made names for themselves during these games. Quarterback CJ Carr, known for his vision on the football field, shows off impressive court awareness and a deadly mid-range jumper. Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse brings a silky smooth handle and three-point range that would make any point guard jealous. Linebacker Drayk Bowen plays with a relentless motor, crashing the boards and locking down ball handlers like his life depends on it. The matchups get intense, the rivalries real, and the trash talk playful but constant.
One of the most anticipated matchups on the court often pits the offensive line against the defensive line—a battle that mirrors what happens in the trenches during football season. Absher, along with fellow linemen Charles Jagusah and Ashton Craig, anchor the frontcourt, using their size and coordination to dominate the paint. On the other side, defensive end Jordan Botelho and tackle Rylie Mills use their athleticism and explosiveness to try and neutralize the big men. These games can get physical—very physical—but they’re played with mutual respect and an understanding that it’s all in the name of camaraderie.
That camaraderie is critical. As Notre Dame gears up for what could be a defining 2025 season, the bonds being built off the field may be as important as anything happening in the film room or weight room. Marcus Freeman has emphasized culture since the moment he took over, and these pickup games reflect that vision. It’s not just about football. It’s about connection, about brothers pushing each other, learning about each other, and growing together. The Joyce Center becomes a place where egos are left at the door and unity is built bucket by bucket.
Absher has become something of a leader during these gatherings—not because he demands it, but because of the way he shows up. Teammates say he’s the one texting the group chat to organize a game, the one bringing the energy when guys are tired, and the one making sure everyone feels included, whether they’ve started 30 games or just arrived on campus. That leadership translates directly to the football field, where Absher is expected to take on a bigger role in the offensive line rotation this season. Coaches have praised his progress in the film room and his increasing confidence at both guard and tackle.
The Joyce Center games are also an opportunity for younger players to integrate themselves into the team. Freshmen like Ivan Taylor and Anthony Knapp have joined the action, using the setting to get comfortable, make friends, and earn respect. The veterans don’t go easy on them, but they do make space for them—an early sign that the culture Freeman and his staff have worked so hard to cultivate is taking root. The older guys aren’t threatened by the new blood. They’re excited by it.
Even walk-ons and non-starters are part of the action. There are no depth charts on the basketball court. Everyone gets to run, everyone gets to compete, and everyone has a chance to shine. It’s this sense of equality, of shared purpose, that makes the sessions so valuable. It’s not about who gets the most playing time on Saturdays. It’s about who shows up, who brings the energy, and who’s committed to the team—even when no one’s watching.
Of course, there’s plenty of fun to go around too. Every now and then, someone throws down a dunk and the entire gym erupts. Trick shots become a competition of their own. Nicknames get handed out. And, yes, the occasional “coach” on the sideline critiques free-throw form like they’re on ESPN. There’s joy in these moments, joy that is sometimes hard to find during the grueling college football calendar. For Absher and his teammates, these games are a celebration of what makes sports great—the relationships, the competition, and the simple act of playing.
It’s not uncommon to find Marcus Freeman himself stopping by the Joyce Center during these games. He won’t jump in—though some players have joked about it—but he watches. He smiles. He sees the value. It’s another reminder that leadership isn’t confined to the locker room or the meeting room. It happens on the hardwood, under the fluorescent lights, in the laughter and sweat of offseason pickup.
As the Irish continue their march toward the 2025 season opener, the impact of these informal basketball games may not be reflected in any stat sheet or highlight reel. But they matter. They shape the team’s identity. They reinforce trust. They forge bonds that will hold strong in the fourth quarter of a tight game in October. For Sullivan Absher and the Notre Dame football team, the Joyce Center is more than a gym—it’s a proving ground for heart, hustle, and brotherhood.
Soon, the basketballs will give way to footballs, and the sneakers will be replaced with cleats. The stadium will fill, the lights will shine, and every play will matter. But in these quiet summer weeks, with 41 days until kickoff, the work continues in ways few fans ever see. And thanks to Absher and his teammates, that work is filled with joy, passion, and purpose—exactly the way it should be for a team chasing greatness.
