“Adrian Dantley is in one word — Dedication.” — Digger Phelps
With football season in the rearview mirror and basketball season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to look back at one of the greatest players to ever wear an Irish jersey—Adrian Dantley. While digging through the Notre Dame archives, I came across an incredible story about A.D., a quiet but fiercely dedicated player who left an indelible mark on Notre Dame basketball. From his recruitment to his rise as a star under Digger Phelps, this piece captures the essence of a player whose talent and work ethic made him one of the all-time greats. (The below story is from the February 14th, 1975 issue of the Scholastic Magazine.)
Here’s the story:
A.D.
by Rich Odioso
“The Living Conditions for the Maryland Student-Athlete Are Among the Best in the Nation. There Are Spacious Dormitory Rooms in Ellicott Hall, an Eight Story Hi-rise That is One of the Most Modern on Campus” – Maryland Basketball Yearbook
Cinder-block walls, metal doors and narrow halls are not appealing when new, littered and dented Fisher Hall is no longer new. The off-white door has no number or nameplate. The room inside resembles a phone booth at Newark Airport. A bed with two green pillows takes nearly all of one wall. A portable TV and a shelved stereo occupy the other. A small bulletin board and a can of Pringles comprise the decorations in the room of Adrian Dantley, super sophomore of Digger Phelps’ Fighting Irish Basketball Team.
“I Left Him Alone, That’s Probably Why We Got Him”-Digger Phelps
Over two hundred schools approached Adrian, and some with more than room, tuition, books and board were coming to his house in Washington. Some such as former encyclopedia salesman Lefty Dreisell of the University of Maryland were insistent, but “I didn’t want to be bugged during my senior year in high school. I just wanted to have a good season, finish school, and then make my decision. I didn’t want any schools bothering me, and Coach Phelps didn’t.”
The Washington tradition of Austin Carr, Collis Jones, Sid Catlett, and Bob Whitmore, the publicity, the exposure, the schedule and the prestige of the school – these were all factors in Notre Dame’s favor. Several other schools were close, but as Adrian put it, “I just wanted to go to Notre Dame.”
“He’s Very Shy” — Pete Crotty, Ron Goodman, et al.
Some have accused Dantley of being conceited, but Digger quickly dismisses this with his own thought on the subject of his superstar. “It’s a bum rap. He’s very introverted. Some people probably think he’s snubbing them, but he’s just quiet.”
A friend of Adrian remarks, “He’s very shy, especially last year. Like a lot of freshmen he spent a lot of time in his room. He seems to be coming out of it more this year.”
Adrian agrees, “Yes, I am a shy person and basically quiet. I’m not outgoing but if someone talks to me, I’m very nice to them. It’s just a matter of me getting to know someone.”
“Mrs. Dantley is a wonderful person, who has definite goals for her son.” — Digger Phelps
It is obvious Adrian is extremely close to his mother. Mrs. Virginia Dantley has raised her only son by herself since he was one. She phones frequently and is often mentioned in Adrian’s conversation. She successfully steered him through the pitfalls of recruiting and will be an integral part of any professional negotiations.
One of Mrs. Dantley’s goals for her son is a college degree. Toward that goal Adrian is nine credit hours ahead of schedule, thanks to a summer school session during which he says, “I did nothing but go to class, study and play basketball.” If he goes to school again this summer as he is currently planning, he can complete the departmental requirements for his economics degree before many members of his class have selected a major.
Another goal of the Dantleys is his development into the best basketball player possible in all phases of the game. From conversation, it’s obvious that Adrian is a keen student of the game as well as performer. Confronted with the following questions, Adrian provided thoughtful answers:
— best individual opponent – Keith Wilkes
— most physical team – Butler (before Michigan State and Xavier)
— best opposing team – Indiana (definitely)
— favorite pro player – Walt Frazier
— players Dantley patterns his play after – George McGinnis, Chet Walker or Jim McMillan-only if they were 6’5
Adrian feels that he’s making progress on both goals at Notre Dame, and shrugs off talk of a potential abdication to the pros. “I can go pro this year. I’ve had offers from lawyers and teams that have contacted my mother. We’re going to talk about my future at the end of the season – what we want to do, and what’s best for me. I can’t leave this year, but every reporter I talk to continually asks me that. That’s been another pressure this year that I’ve had – playing ball plus being contacted by teams. Right now though, I don’t have any intentions of leaving.”
“Adrian Dantley is in one word — Dedication.” — Digger Phelps
Adrian Dantley’s legacy at Notre Dame is one of quiet determination, relentless work ethic, and undeniable talent. From his recruitment to his rise as one of college basketball’s most dominant players, he embodied what it meant to be a Fighting Irish athlete. His shyness may have made him an enigma to some, but those who knew him best saw a focused, disciplined competitor with a deep commitment to both his education and his game. Looking back on this 1975 profile, it’s clear that A.D. was destined for greatness—not just at Notre Dame, but beyond. His time in South Bend was only the beginning of a Hall of Fame career that cemented his place among basketball’s elite.
Cheers & GO IRISH!