Notre Dame men’s basketball legend John Shumate passed away at the age of 72 on Monday. Shumate donned the Blue and Gold from 1971-74 and was inducted into Notre Dame’s prestigious Ring of Honor in December of 2022. A two-time All-American and consensus First Team pick in ’74, Shumate was a great ambassador for the University and the Irish basketball program, cementing a legacy here that will forever be remembered far beyond the court.
Shumate’s story on campus started with resilience and determination. As a sophomore, the New Jersey native simultaneously overcame a blood cot in his calf and a virus infection found in the sac around his heart that left him in intensive care and ultimately 45 pounds lighter. His comeback over his final two years was emphatic and strong, averaging a double-double at 22.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg, totaling 1,334 career points and 684 rebounds.
No one in the 100+ year history of the program was more efficient than Shumate, as his 61.0 career shooting percentage ranks first all-time. In addition, Shumate still ranks eighth all-time in points scored in a single season (703 in ’73-74), and fifth in shooting percentage for a season (.627 in ’73-74).
As a senior, he led the Irish to a magical 26-3 record, which included a 15-0 mark at home. He was a major contributor in Notre Dame’s memorable upset bid over No. 1 UCLA, tallying 24 points and 11 rebounds on his way to snapping the Bruins’ 88-game winning streak. Later that season, Shumate posted the best scoring average in the 1974 NCAA Tournament, averaging 28.7 ppg over three games.
Soon after, Shumate was drafted by the Phoenix Suns as the fourth overall pick and later earned NBA All-Rookie Team honors in his first season. He went on to average 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds over a shortened pro career due to health problems. During his playing days, Shumate spent time with the Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Buffalo Braves and Detroit Pistons.
Shumate’s love for the game continued on way past his playing days as he dived into the realm of coaching. He spent three years as a head coach at Grand Canyon (1983-86), seven years at SMU (1988-95) and one year with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury (2003). Shumate also spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Notre Dame (1981-82, 1986-88) and one with the Suns (2009-10).
On December 11, 2022, Shumate’s No. 34 banner was lifted into the rafters of Purcell Pavilion. Shumate became the program’s 10th honoree into the Ring of Honor where his memory will live on forever.
John Shumate is survived by his loving wife, Mary Shumate; his children, Brittany (Alix) Shumate Pereira, John Anthony Shumate, Ishmael Hall; his grandchildren Mia Jade, Margaret, and Eliot; sisters Barbara Jennings, Yvonne Winona Newman, Patsy Wright, Lorraine Shumate, and Evangeline Walker; his three brother-in-laws, six sister-in-laws and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
