Notre Dame
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Scout Report
When you find a 6-2 point guard who can run an offense with three other top-40 national recruits without losing his identity, you've found something special. Jonathan Sanderson has done exactly that at La Lumiere, orchestrating one of the most talented prep lineups in recent memory.
Background
Sanderson grew up in Saline, Michigan, a football town where basketball talent doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves. The move to La Lumiere was about more than just exposure—it was about testing himself against elite competition daily. Playing in the same backcourt as Darius Adams and mentoring rising sophomore Devin Cleveland has accelerated his development. The Notre Dame commitment keeps him close to home while putting him in Mike Brey's system.
Playing Style
Sanderson plays with the steady hand of a veteran despite his age, controlling tempo without forcing the action. He's not the fastest guard you'll see, but his court vision and decision-making are already college-level. In transition, he pushes pace intelligently, knowing when to attack and when to set up the offense. Defensively, his size allows him to guard bigger guards effectively, and he competes on every possession. The most impressive trait is how he manages egos—getting Adams his touches while keeping Cleveland engaged isn't easy. His basketball IQ jumps off the tape, particularly in late-game situations where he rarely makes the wrong read.
Strengths
The passing ability is what separates Sanderson from other guards in his class. He sees angles before they develop and delivers passes with precision that coaches dream about. His jump shot has improved dramatically over the past year, now reliable enough to keep defenders honest from three-point range. The size at 6-2 gives him versatility to play either guard spot, and his frame suggests he can add strength without losing quickness.
Areas to Watch
The first step needs work—elite college defenders will test his ability to create separation off the dribble. Adding more aggression as a scorer would make him harder to game-plan against, as he sometimes defers when his shot is available. Continuing to develop his pull-up game will be crucial for his effectiveness in Notre Dame's system.
Player Comparison
There's some TJ McConnell in his game—the size, the basketball IQ, the way he makes teammates better without needing to dominate the ball. Both players understand how to control a game through pace and decision-making rather than pure athleticism. The shooting upside gives Sanderson a higher ceiling than McConnell had at the same age.
Recruitment
The Notre Dame commitment was a surprise to some who expected Michigan or Michigan State to land the in-state talent, but Sanderson saw an opportunity to step into a significant role early. The Irish coaching staff has made him a priority for over a year, and the relationship with Jalen Haralson made the decision easier. With Haralson also committed to Notre Dame, they'll enter college as an established duo. The commitment came earlier than expected, shutting down a recruitment that was heating up with several Big Ten programs.
Projection
Sanderson profiles as a multi-year starter at Notre Dame who could develop into an All-ACC candidate by his junior season. The ceiling is a second-round NBA draft pick if the scoring continues to develop, but the floor is a four-year college player who makes everyone around him better. His skill set translates perfectly to professional basketball overseas if the NBA doesn't work out.
Updated Apr 26, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Notre Dame
COLLEGE
La Lumiere School
PREP SCHOOL
Indy Heat
AAU
Career Highlights
Jonathan Sanderson scored 26 points in overtime win over Lakota West
Jonathan Sanderson recorded 15 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals in win over CATS Academy
Offers
10
Notre Dame
Committed
Chose Notre Dame over 9 other offers
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan StateOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Highlights
Social Activity
Notre Dame commit has a motor and can score it 🍀 @ChiEliteClassic MVP: 19 PTS (7-8 FG) (5-6 3PT), 6 REB, and 7 AST in @LaLuBasketball 66-44 win. Jonathan Sanderson was 2025 Tennessee Gatorade POY @jonathan_sand10 https://t.co/yQiI0ngG83
Chicago Elite Classic: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook @jonnyjordan_2 @Elijah_da_1 @sn1permari @kaydin_benford @DevinClev2 @hofwright @jonathan_sand10 @rykanwoo @ZionJLee @chrisbolte24 @DukeRoss15 @amirtucker25 @BradyPettigreww @JaydenMadden31 @ThaddeausTj https://t.co/9Amdqi2wL6
La Lumiere duo of Devin Cleveland and Notre Dame commit Jonathan Sanderson led them past Iowa United 71 - 47 at The Main Event in KY 🧬 Sanderson was named the game MVP with 15 points 🏆 @DevinClev2 @LaLuBasketball : Devin Cleveland - 20 PTS, 5 REBS, 4 ASTS Jonathan Sanderson https://t.co/uIKtaoir1v
Devin Cleveland 20 pts, Jonathan Sanderson 15 pts, 12 rebs, 5 assists; Gabe Weis 9 pts, Ferlandis Wright 8 pts, Gan Solongo outstanding 2nd half defense vs. No. 1 center Arafan Diane for @LaLuBasketball in a 71-47 win over Iowa United. https://t.co/hmSzzX25u3