Preseason Outlook: Louisville Men’s Basketball

The offseason wasn’t without its share of challenges for the Cardinals. A major change occurred with seven of their players, including notables like Fabio Basili, Devin Ree, and El Ellis, opting for new adventures via the transfer portal. Yet, where there was loss, there was also gain.

Returnees like Mike James, Emmanuel Okorafor, and JJ Traynor bring their experience to the fore. Meanwhile, promising newcomers like Kaleb Glenn, Curtis Williams, and Dennis Evans and skilled transfers like Skyy Clark and Tre White suggest a reinvigorated lineup.

A standout player in the previous season, Mike James started in all 32 games, showcasing his mettle with an average of 10.1 points—second-best on the team—and 3.3 rebounds in 31 minutes per game. His shooting accuracy is notable, with a 45.3% success rate from the field, 35.7% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 78.1% from the free-throw line. Coach Kenny Payne has recognized his prowess, foreseeing a versatile role for James in the upcoming season

Emmanuel Okorafor

Having joined Louisville this past January as a notable midseason addition from the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, Okorafor made his mark quickly. He graced the court in five games during the 2022-23 season, registering averages of 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and an impressive 1.4 blocks per game. However, his momentum was halted due to an ankle injury that prematurely ended his season.

While the extent of his court time in the upcoming season remains a topic of discussion, his background and the glimpses of his performance underscore his potential, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking.

Last season, Huntley-Hatfield made notable contributions, starting in 21 of the 24 games he played and averaging 6.7 points and a team-leading 5.4 rebounds. His shooting accuracy was evident, with a 47.2% success rate from the field, and he stood out defensively by leading the team with 18 blocks.

Recognized by Coach Payne for his enhanced physique and dedication, he’s primed for a season to further showcase his skills, particularly in defense.

Having made his presence felt by appearing in all 32 games and securing a starting position in 16 of them, including the crucial final 12 games of the season, Traynor has showcased his commitment and adaptability. He’s poised to fill a significant role, especially with the current vacancy in the PF position.

With commendable defensive versatility and a proven prowess in shooting, Traynor is shaping up to be an invaluable asset to the team.

The adage is that you can’t judge a college basketball program until year two of a new coach’s era. With the multitude of changes that Louisville’s men’s basketball team has seen since the end of last season, that saying seems particularly relevant. While Kenny Payne has a solid first year, it was clear from the season’s end that this team was in for an overhaul.

Louisville fans got their first glimpse of what was to come in the weeks after their last game when seven players from the roster entered the transfer portal.

The loss of Trentyn Flowers, who had the potential to be a standout star in his freshman season, to the NBL was a heavy blow. But, with every ending, there’s a new beginning, and that is exactly what the Cards’ fanbase should be focused on.

Skyy Clark and Ty-Laur Johnson bring in new hope and energy. Clark, a standout at Illinois, has already displayed his prowess on the college basketball stage. His ball-handling, ability to drive, and mid-range shot make him a threat at any given moment. While his pairing with Johnson is yet to be seen on the court, fans are in for a treat if Johnson’s highlight reels from high school are anything to go by. Their collective quickness, vision, and ability to distribute the ball bode well for Louisville’s offense.

However, the concern remains with Ty-Laur Johnson’s eligibility. While Clark is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, losing Johnson would be a significant setback, even for a part of the season. The Cards would then rely on freshman Curtis Williams Jr. and JUCO product Koron Davis to fill the void, an uncertainty given their untested status at this level.

The wing position is where Louisville can capitalize most. With the adaptability of Mike James, J.J. Traynor, Tre White, and incoming freshmen like Williams and Kaleb Glenn, Payne can experiment with various permutations and combinations. White’s ability to function from positions two to four is crucial, giving Payne multiple tactical alternatives.

However, the wing players will need to step up defensively. Their offensive versatility is undoubted, but they risk becoming a one-dimensional unit without a strong defense.

James, in particular, will have to prove that his post-injury form wasn’t a fluke and continue to be the leader on the court.

The forward positions come with their own set of challenges. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield showed potential but was plagued with inconsistency, a trait he must shed to solidify his spot. Despite being a revelation last season, Traynor still has areas of his game that need honing, especially given his physicality mismatches against bulkier opponents.

The center position, perhaps the most critical on the basketball court, holds the most intrigue. With raw talents in Emmanuel Okorafor and Dennis Evans, Payne and his coaching staff have their work cut out. Okorafor, who joined the team midseason, will benefit from a full offseason of training, but questions about his adaptability to the fast-paced nature of college basketball persist.

With his towering height, Evans has shown glimpses of being a defensive wall but needs to work on his offensive contributions to be a well-rounded player.