They were led by head coach Mike Brey, and played their home games at the Edmund P. Joyce Center Notre Dame, Indiana.

Additionally, forward Carleton Scott surprised many by declaring for the NBA draft,[2] forgoing his final season of eligibility.

Notre Dame welcomed one transfer in center Garrick Sherman from Michigan State,[3] who will have two years of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2011–12 season.

Notre Dame recruited two players from the high school senior class of 2010–11: Sources: Both Katenda and Connaughton were expected to contribute in their freshman season.

However, Katenda suffered a "freak injury"[4] to his left eye during a summer pick-up game, leaving him with a permanently damaged optic nerve.