Notre Dame Seeks Markus Burton Replacement After His Exit

Michael Cooper, a former Wright State star, is expected to visit South Bend this weekend as the Irish look to fill the void left by Burton's departure.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:08pm

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic movements and competing forces of a college basketball game, conveying the intensity of the recruitment process.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes recruitment battle for a talented college basketball player.South Bend Today

With star guard Markus Burton exploring options at Indiana and Houston, Notre Dame is actively searching for his replacement. Former Wright State player Michael Cooper is expected to visit South Bend this weekend as a potential candidate to join the Irish roster and fill the void left by Burton's exit.

Why it matters

Losing a talented player like Markus Burton is a significant blow for the Notre Dame basketball program. Finding a suitable replacement is crucial to maintaining the team's competitiveness in the upcoming season. Cooper's visit could be a key step in that process, as the Irish look to shore up their backcourt.

The details

Cooper, a combo guard from Indiana, just completed his freshman season at Wright State, where he averaged 13.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, he has good size for the position. Notre Dame will get an extended look at Cooper during his visit, but they haven't yet secured a commitment from the player. The Irish could face competition from in-state rival Indiana, which is also reportedly interested in Burton.

  • Michael Cooper is expected to visit Notre Dame this weekend.
  • Markus Burton is currently exploring options at Indiana and Houston.

The players

Markus Burton

A star guard who is considering transferring from Notre Dame to Indiana or Houston.

Michael Cooper

A former Wright State player who is expected to visit Notre Dame as a potential replacement for Markus Burton.

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What’s next

If Indiana lands Markus Burton, that could clear the way for Notre Dame to secure a commitment from Michael Cooper by the end of the weekend.

The takeaway

Notre Dame faces a significant challenge in replacing the talented Markus Burton, but the potential addition of Michael Cooper could help fill that void. The outcome of Burton's recruitment and Cooper's visit will be crucial in determining the Irish's backcourt situation for the upcoming season.