Expert breakdown: Louisville basketball commit Trentyn Flowers

What the experts are saying about newest Louisville basketball commit, Five-star guard Trentyn Flowers.

Louisville basketball has landed the No. 20 player in the class of 2024, less than a week after landing the No. 18 player in the 2023 class, Dennis Evans, and the No. 32 player from the class of 2022, Skyy Clark.

Additionally, the newest Cardinal commit, Trentyn Flowers, has announced that he will officially reclassify and enroll with the Cards for the 2023-24 season.

Flowers is rated a 98 and a 5-star by 247Sports player rankings. Only 8 players in the class of 2023 are ranked higher.

At 6’9, most sites consider Flowers a small forward, but he could likely play the 2-4 at the next level.

“Coach KP and Coach Nolan have been super consistent with me,” Flowers recently told Joe Tipton of On3. “Even before I had the offer and we really started talking, they were at all my games. They watched me play a whole lot this summer. They just believe in my talent. It’s a great place and a great school. I took an unofficial there last year and I loved it. So with the new staff, it’s going to be nice this year.”

In Flowers, Louisville has officially added one of the most athletic and versatile players in any class.

“When I was younger I was always playing up a grade. I wasn’t always tall, athletic or fast,” Flowers told prephoops.com. “Then in one summer I went from 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-5 going into my freshman year. That’s when all the ability started coming together. So I played guard when I was smaller and then once I grew, those skills stayed with me. Once I grew to 6-foot-8, everyone else just seemed to claim me as a forward or however you want to categorize it.”

Here’s what some of the experts are saying about Flowers.

Jason Jordan, SI.com

“Flowers can efficiently run the point with the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, create for his teammates, and the length to post up and maneuver post smaller guards.

He’s an elite athlete, a feisty rebounder on both ends, guards multiple positions, and plays with an unrelenting motor.”

MadeHoops.com

“A rangy athlete with fluidity, shooting touch and activity, Flowers provides the Trailblazers a skillset and frame that they didn’t have previously.

Flowers and Isaiah Elohim will garner plenty of attention as two of the faces 2024 in due time. Strong indicators as a ball handler as well as a wing defender with length and lateral quickness will be key pieces to track.”

Taylor Hicks, Next Up Recruits

“With a straight up and down jump shot with consistent mechanics and high release point, it makes sense to know his bloodlines. His father Travis Flowers played professionally overseas in Italy after stints at Sierra and Sacramento State and has been mentoring Trentyn his whole life. 

Even though the elder Flowers knows that his son has NBA potential, he is still working in the gym every day with Trentyn to improve his craft. “He needs to keep working on his rotations on defense, but that will come as he continues to play high-level competition,” said Travis, “but he does compete defensively and defends on the ball at a high level.” 

An automatic jump shot makes defenses close out hard on Flowers, but it’s his size, playmaking ability, versatility, passing, feel for the game, and ability to get downhill with the ball in his hands that truly take him to the elite level. “His high-level guard skills are what makes him unique,” said Travis about his son, “he played point guard growing up and that has really helped his development.” 

The young prospect hopes to continue to follow in the brand of big guards in the NBA that are hyper-athletic playmakers, shot-creators, and can handle the ball. He watches and patterns his game with elements of Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Penny Hardaway, and Tracy McGrady. “Big guards in the NBA that can pass and score. They usually have success in the league.” said Flowers.”