Louisville basketball enters year two of the Pat Kelsey Era looking to seize momentum with a competitive NIL budget in its arsenal. A comprehensive list of players the Cards have spoken with.
At the time of publishing this, the 2024-2025 college basketball season still hasn’t come to an end. But that hasn’t slowed down the transfer portal one bit – even for Louisville basketball. Already, there have been more than 1000 players put their name into the portal, with another 1000+ expected to join them over the next few weeks.
Unlike last season, the Cards come into 2025 with a solid foundation of players expected to return. This list can change, but here are the players I expect to nearly be guaranteed to be on next year’s roster:
- Kobe Rodgers – G
- Mikel Brown Jr. – G
- Khani Rooths – F
- Kasean Pryor – F/C
- Aly Khalifa – C
- James Scott – C
- Sananda ‘Sunny’ Fru – C
Here are the players with eligibility remaining that are NOT returning:
- Koren Johnson – G
And here are the players I am unsure of their intentions/know they’re not returning:
- J’Vonne Hadley – F
- Nate Ament – F
A new bill was recently signed into action that is expected to allow NCAA men’s basketball teams to have 15 scholarship players, two more than the 13 currently allotted. So, though this won’t be like last year where we saw Coach Kelsey needing to fill out an entire roster, it looks likely that the Cards will be in on somewhere between 5-8 transfer portal players.
Now that we’ve got the framework of the roster sorted out, let’s take a look at who the Cards have reached out to, so far.
Another reminder from last year, this list is HUGE, and we will miss/move on from 90+% of these players. So don’t worry when guys choose other schools. There’s 1900+ guys to choose from.
On the radar
Adrian Wooley – G, Kennesaw State (6-5, 180 Lbs.)
I really expected to start this article out with Isaac McKneely, but when one of only four 5-star transfer players (according to 24/7Sports) schedules a visit with the Cards, you call an audible.
This time last year, Adrian Wooley was just your run of the mill 3-star recruit, ranking 308th in the Class of 2024 and only holding offers from teams like Arkansas State, Florida Gulf Coast, and George Mason. Fast forward 365 days later and he’s now a top five player in the transfer portal.
The 6-5 combo guard was almost immediately the Owls best player. The freshman started 32/33 games for Kennesaw State and led them in points, steals, assists, and three point shooting. Wooley put up 18.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.4 SPG. That was good enough to not only land him Conference USA (C-USA) Rookie of the Year but also on the C-USA First Team, as a true freshman.
This kid has so much to his game. It makes you wonder how he ended up as a player ranked outside of the top-300 in his class. Wooley truly can score at all three levels, and he does so very efficiently. Exactly half of his shots come at the rim, where he shoots 60%. He’s also a shooter, as well. He ranks in the top 7% of all college basketball players as a spot-up shooter, and he’s in the top 25% as an off the dribble jump shooter.
Ability to attack the rim? Check… Ability to score in the mid-range? Check… Ability to knock down three point shots? Check. And all of this comes in a 6-5 frame.
After watching Wooley’s tape, he’s by far the best player Louisville has reached out to. It’s amazing that Louisville basketball has gotten his first (and hopefully last) visit.
Wooley could slide in perfectly at the two guard next to Mikel Brown. Heck, I think he could even play the three if we ended up landing Isaac Mckneely, as well. He’s got an excellent ability to get into the paint where he can hit contested jumpers, well-defended layups, or find the open man. If there is one knock to Wooley’s game, it’s that he turned the ball over more than three times a game, but I think that’s understandable when you’re the go-to-guy at Kennesaw State as a freshman.
What’s the latest buzz?
Wooley visited the Cards over the weekend, and, while it is a little disappointing the staff wasn’t able to land an immediate commitment, Louisville still seems to be one of Wooley’s top two schools at this moment. Some online are saying it will likely come down to Louisville or Alabama. I’ve read that Nate Oats is working now to get Wooley on a visit. With Wooley being a Tuscaloosa native, this seems like it is going to be an uphill battle. Alabama is one of the few teams on same NIL level as Louisville, plus they’ve got home field advantage and a starting guard spot vacant with Mark Sears graduating.
Landing a player like Wooley, who could potentially be at Louisville for more than one year, would be an incredible start to this transfer portal class. Don’t count us out just yet, but I do feel less positive about this recruitment now that we let him leave his visit without landing a commitment.
Isaac McKneely – G, Virginia (6-4, 190 Lbs.)
Like I said, McKneely was supposed to be the player I started this with. He’s a consensus top-15 transfer portal player, and I think he’d perfectly replicate, and possibly improve on, what Reyne Smith did last year.
Isaac McKneely, a 6-4 combo guard, has spent the last three seasons at Virginia, going from a serviceable guard off the bench in his freshman year, to their primary ball handler, facilitator, and scorer this past season.
This year, with more of the offense running through him, McKneely not only set career records for points, steals, and assists per game, but he was also a more efficient player.
McKneely put up a career best 14.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 2.9 APG, while shooting 44% from the field and 42% from the three point line (ON 7.5 THREE POINT ATTEMPTS PER GAME). That’s some Reyne Smith level of shooting right there, and that’s exactly who McKneely would be coming into replace.
McKneely’s ability to run off screens and knock down threes, when he has any separation makes, him a perfect fit for Pat Kelsey’s offense, and with Reyne Smith injured over the last few games of the season, we saw how important that knockdown shooter is to a PK offensive system.
Beyond the shooting ability, McKneely may actually provide even more than Reyne did last season. Mckneely, standing at 6-4, provides more of the prototypical height of a two-guard, which should allow him to better matchup on the defensive end.
Mckneely is also a good facilitator, averaging just under three assists per game last season for a Virginia team that played very slow and struggled to score the ball. Mckneely also nearly averaged a 2-to-1 assist to TO ratio.
I think Mckneely’s ability to shoot is the clear reason why the Cards are interested in bringing him in, but I think his ability to be a secondary playmaker could be just as important. The Cards have Mikel Brown Jr., a top-ten freshman in the nation, slated to be their starting PG, but requiring all of the offense to run through an 18-year-old seems like a bad idea. With McKneely on the floor, Mikel wouldn’t have to bear all of the offense on his shoulders.
What’s the latest buzz?
The Cards were able to land the sharpshooter’s first visit, as McKneely was with the Staff over the weekend. It’s always great to get a guys first visit, but it would have been even better to get the commitment.
Last week, it looked like it was between the Cards and the Tar Heels when it came to landing McKneely’s services, but now a new team has stepped into his recruitment.
McKneely will begin his visit with the Vols on Monday, and it seems like this, just like the Wooley recruitment, is coming down to a battle between the Cards and an SEC foe. I do feel a little bit better about this one than the Wooley recruitment, though.
I’ve been hearing rumors about McKneely to the ‘Ville for months now. I think Tennessee is trying to come in at the last second to steal him away, but I think as long as they don’t come in with an unmatchable NIL offer Louisville still has a really good shot in this one.
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Lamar Wilkerson – G, Sam Houston State (6-5, 205 Lbs.)
I thought someone like Isaac McKneely or Josh Dix would easily take home the prize as the best shooting transfer portal target, but then I saw news of us reaching out to Lamar Wilkerson.
Wilkerson began his career, like many on this list, at the Junior College level playing for Three Rivers College. After one year there, Wilkerson transferred to Sam Houston, where he has been since 2022.
Last season was by far Wilkerson’s best as a Bearkat. Wilkerson put up: 20.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 2.1 APG. He also shot an unreal 45% from three on nearly 8 attempts a game. Wilkerson was top-ten this season in overall made three point shots, despite being outside of the top-forty in overall three point attempts.
Standing at 6-5, while being that smooth of a shooter has drawn many people to say that Wilkerson could be this year’s Chaz Lanier.
Like Lanier, Wilkerson is an elite shooter, but he can also get to the paint. Wilkerson shot well above 50% at the rim, and more than a quarter of his attempts came at the rim. He also has a really strong mid-range jump shot, and he’s an above average passer.
On3 currently has him outside of their top 50 transfer portal player rankings, but, based on his tape, and his offers, he seems more like a top-20 player to me. Wilkerson currently is being looked at by numerous elite programs, including Kentucky, Alabama, Duke, Louisville, and Kansas.
Wilkerson is going to be an incredible addition, no matter where he goes. He’s got tons of experience, a frame that can compete at the next level, an elite shot, and he’s got good enough handles, passing, and defense to where he won’t become a glaring weakness if his shot isn’t falling. This is a guy any fanbase should be thrilled to land.
What’s the latest buzz?
The Sam Houston sharpshooter is an Arkansas native, even winning a state title in Arkansas in 2019, so it seems likely the Razorbacks are the team to beat. Arkansas has Tyson money, John Calipari recruiting, and a kid that has grown up dreaming of being a Razorback. I’ll never count Louisville out, but I believe Wilkerson will either be going to the NBA or Fayetteville.
One other note, Wilkerson told a reporter, Kevin McPherson, that he will not be taking visits until the NCAA Tournament has concluded, so it’s going to likely be a little while until we get clarity on where Wilkerson’s interest’s stands.
Josh Dix – G, Iowa (6-5, 192 Lbs.)
Louisville basketball was in on Dix’s teammate, Josh Harding; though some are saying we were only included to drive up his price…. Anyways, let’s take a look at the Hawkeye’s best guard. This one is much more of a scorer than Harding.
Dix is a long, lanky two-guard that’s got an incredible knack for knocking down threes. In his three seasons in Des Moines, Dix has shot above 40% from deep in every year. Last year saw him hit career bests in nearly every statistical category. Dix put up 14.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, while shooting 42% from three on nearly five attempts a night. He also turned the ball over less than one time a game.
Dix does a great job of using his length and change of pace to get open jump shots. He also attacks the basket and shoots off the dribble a lot more than you might assume. He shot 69% at the rim, 49% from the mid range and 42% from three.
Josh is currently ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the portal, according to On3, so his list of suitors is, expectedly, very long and full of elite teams. Along with Louisville basketball, teams like Auburn, Alabama, and Michigan State have all reached out to Dix.
What’s the latest buzz?
It looks like Dix is honing in on his top schools, and Louisville is not one of them. Dix took a visit to Illinois over the weekend, and he recently announced plans to visit Indiana, as well.
It seems like it is most likely going to be Illinois, Indiana, or a return back to Iowa for Dix.
In my mind, McKneely is a very similar player to Dix, and it seems like the Cards are in much better shape there. If the Cards, land McKneely, I imagine the staff would back off on Dix.
Amarri Monroe, F – Quinnipiac (6-7, 220 Lbs.)
The reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year brings a unique set of skills to this list. Where most of the guys have been more skilled, outside shooters, Amarri Monroe leans more on his athleticism and strength.
During his second season at Quinnipiac, Monroe upped his raw numbers, but his efficiency took a major hit. Monroe put up 18.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 2.3 SPG this last season, but he only shot 40% from the field and 27% from three (5.8 3PA’s P/G), while also turning the ball over 2.6 times per game. In his sophomore season, Monroe did shoot 35% from three, on more than three attempts per game, so there is a chance at him regaining his shooting touch for his final year.
Monroe’s tape offers a lot to be excited about, especially his ability to get to the basket and play above the rim. I think his skillset might be exactly what the Cards need. There were many times last year where the Cards were simply outmuscled or outmatched from an athletic standpoint. Bringing in a guy like Monroe would help offset that.
I also think his shooting numbers would likely improve if he’s not needed to be the main star on the team taking 15+ shots each game. He also shot 83% from the free throw line this year, which is a good sign that he’s got a solid shot on him. He’s also proven to be a plus defender, as well, something Louisville basketball will be looking to replace with the departure of Terrence Edwards Jr. and Chucky Hepburn. Monroe averaged more than two steals a game and nearly a block per game, as well. Him standing at 6-7, 220 Lbs. also means he should have no trouble guarding the 2-4 position.
I think the Cards would be fortunate to land a guy like Monroe. He’s a little outside of the prototypical Coach Kelsey mold, but I think he would bring a lot that is lacking to this team. My only real concern is that in his one game against Power 5 competition he did not play well. Monroe put up just 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 0 assists on 0/9 shooting against St. John’s in the beginning of the season.
What’s the latest buzz?
There’s not much movement I can find on Monroe, right now. I’ve seen that Memphis was planning to get him in on a visit, but no official visits have been announced for Monroe. Hopefully, more about his interests comes to light over the next week.
Isaiah Coleman – G, Seton Hall (6-5, 191 Lbs.)
A former College of Charleston commit looking to come back to Coach Kelsey now that he’s at Louisville It seems this might be the case.
Isaiah Coleman was a four-star combo guard in the class of 2023 that originally committed to play for Charleston before decommitting and deciding to play for Seton Hall.
A freshman season on a solid Seton Hall team saw Coleman play nearly every game and average more than 5 PPG and 2 RPG. Those numbers were good enough to make the All Big East Freshman Team.
In his second year under Shaheen Holloway, Coleman took a major step forward, while the rest of his team took a giant step back. Coleman averaged 15.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.7 APG; while shooting less than 40% from the field and less than 30% from three.
While Coleman’s raw numbers improved, his efficiency; and the team’s play, took a serious hit. Seton Hall finished the year with just seven wins total, losing 14 of their last 15 games.
Immediately, when I see an inefficient scorer that turns the ball over more than he assists, I have alarms going off, but, in this case, I think you also have to consider the situation Coleman was in. Seton Hall was by far the worst team in the Big East (Yes, even worse than DePaul), and Coleman was one of only two guys to even average double-figures for the Pirates.
If you notice in the highlights I posted, a lot of those clips are coming from Coleman having to force up tough shots late in the shot clock. Being one of the only guys on your team that can create a shot is bound to negatively impact your efficiency.
Overall, I think Coleman might be a more risky take in the portal. His efficiency numbers and lack of contributing to winning basketball scare me a little bit, but I also think he’d be a much better player in a system like Pat Kelsey’s.
What’s the latest buzz?
Unfortunately, this is another guy where it’s been quiet. Outside of the long list of schools that have reached out to him, there’s not much else out there. For now, I think Louisville likely sits in a decent spot with Coleman, thanks to his previous relationship with Coach Kelsey.
Izaiah Pasha – G, Delaware (6-4, 190 Lbs.)
We now move onto Izaiah with a ‘Z’ for our next transfer portal target. This one just finished his first season in college basketball and was named Coastal Athletic Association Rookie of the Year.
Izaiah Pasha has a very similar story to Adrian Wooley, and I view him as an incredible backup plan, if we cant land Wooley. Pasha was unranked in class of 2024, seeing just four D-1 offers (according to 247Sports), but he went from unranked to unstoppable once he got on the floor for the Blue Hens.
The 6-5 combo guard started every game but one for Delaware and continued to improve as the season went on. Pasha averaged 11.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 3.9 APG. He did also average 2.6 TOs P/G, but issues with ball control can be expected when you start a true freshman. Pasha also finished the year with his best game of the season, putting up 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in the CAA Championship.
This is normally where I would include a Twitter video to show you who the player is, but I don’t think there’s one out there (at least I can’t find one). If you type in his name, plus transfer portal highlights, on YouTube, there should be a seven minute long video that does a great job of showing you what kind of player Pasha is. Instead, here is a link to him naming us in his top-ten:
Pasha is ranked as the 91st best transfer portal player, according to On3. After watching his tape, I think Pasha would be a really solid rotation guard for the Cards. His game is smooth and kind of reminds me or Carlik Jones. His shooting numbers aren’t the best (just a 33% three point shooter), but a lot of that has to do with the shots he’s taking. Pasha is much better off the catch and shoot than off the dribble. He’s has just a 37% Effective FG% on off the dribble jump shots but a 61% effective FG% on catch and shoot jump shots.
His name won’t bring as much hype, but I think Pasha would be a great add to the team, especially if you could get him for more than one year. If he improves his jumper, he’s going to be special.
What’s the latest buzz?
Louisville has made the top-ten for Pasha, which is solid news. Pasha is a Pennsylvania kid, and I’ve seen online he is lining up, or maybe has possibly already gone on, a visit to Penn State, so it seems like they would be the leaders at the moment.
Alex Steen – F/C, Florida Southern (6-9, 225 Lbs.)
Alex Steen might be one of the most interesting names the Cards have reached out to. On one hand, he’s got a highlight reel full of incredible plays, but, on the other hand, he’s an undersized big man that has spent the last three years playing Division-II basketball.
Steen has spent the last two seasons being a star for the Mocs of Florida Southern, wowing spectators with high flying dunks, above the rim swats, and impressive mid-range jumpers. Steen just capped his best season, putting up 17.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, and 2.5 BPG. This year was good enough to land him on the 2nd-Team All South District Team and his second Defensive Player of the Year award.
I mean, C’MON… those highlights have to make you feel a certain way. Plus, it’s not just Louisville basketball that has found interest in the potential project. Teams like Alabama, Kentucky, and Arizona State have all expressed interest.
His tape does plenty to excite people. He seems to have the hops and skill to compete at the next level, but I am unsure of what caliber of player he’d be at the high Division I level. He looks to have pretty slow feet and almost no three point jump shot. He hit just four threes last year, and I’m pretty sure that highlight I included featured every single one. He is also just 6-8, but I’d see his foot speed forcing him to play at the five spot.
I’d be excited to have the potential of a player like Steen as a backup frontcourt piece, but, to me, he seems like a guy that will likely stay closer to home and transfer to a lower-level D-I program like USF, UCF, or FAU.
What’s the latest buzz?
Steen is another guy with little to report on. He has no visits scheduled, but the list of schools reaching out to him does continue to grow. For a while, Louisville was one of only a couple of high level schools to show interest. Now, more Power 5 programs are taking a look at Steen.
Jason Asemota – F, Baylor (6-8, 200 Lbs.)
After playing less than 7 minutes a night for the Bears last season, this one would be a depth add all about potential. I liken him to what Khani Rooths was for us this season.
Jason Asemota came to Baylor last season with high expectations. He was a fringe 5-star player, ranked as the 29th best player in the class of 2024 by ESPN, but he failed to find any real footing in a Baylor lineup that was full of talent.
Asemota appeared in more than 20 games last season, but he averaged just 6.5 MPG, with 14 minutes against Arlington Baptist being his career high. Asemota averaged just 1.6 PPG and 1.7 RPG, while seeing his minutes dip as the Bears got into the conference tournament and the NCAA tournament.
Yes… that video is from 2023… There’s not much out there on Twitter.
Based on the limited tape I could find, it seems like Asemota has a world of potential. He’s 6-9, but he has some guard skills and a jump shot. Asemota attempted as many threes as games he played in last year for the Bears. Unfortunately, he shot just 25% from three, but I think that shows the confidence he had in his jumper.
Overall, Asemota seems like he would be another depth add to the team. Unfortunately, I’m not sure he would want to do that. He just spent last year as a hyped up recruit playing reserve minutes. I doubt he’d want to do that again. I could see him going to one of the lower level Power 5 schools that have offered him, so that he can get the minutes he feels he deserves.
What’s the latest buzz?
Asemota is another guy with nothing to add at this point. He did post a highlight tape of his practice film at Baylor. It’s really just him knocking down a bunch of threes, but it’s more college film than I had seen before.
Amarion Dickerson – F, Robert Morris (6-7, 185 Lbs.)
Amarion Dickerson is another interesting transfer portal target. Just by looking at him (6-7, 185 Lbs.), you’d assume he’s a lanky two or three guard that focuses on the perimeter, but his stats and tape tell a different story. Think Kader Traore with more defense, more bounce, better shooting, but less playmaking.
Dickerson started his career at the JUCO level, as a two year starter for Mineral Area College. He left there averaging 12.6 PPG but also led all players at the Junior College level in shots blocked, was third in total rebounds, and was fourth in steals… all as a 6-7 forward.
Last year, Dickerson transferred to Robert Morris, where he had a solid but underrated year. He averaged 13.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.3 APG, but where he really shined brightest was on the defensive side. Dickerson was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 1.1 SPG and 2.3 BPG.
It’s clear he’s a defensive menace. He does a great job of using his length and athleticism to guard nearly every position on the floor. Averaging 2+ BPG as a forward is also just insane.
But, Dickerson is more than just a one-way player. He’s also a versatile offensive player that can shoot decently, attack the rim, and finish among the most athletic bigs. Dickerson Shoots 70% at the rim (thanks in large part to his athleticism and ability to dunk almost everything on anyone).
Another big plus on Dickerson is that he played his best game against the best opponent he saw all year. Putting up 25 & 5 against an extremely talented and athletic Alabama team takes away my concerns of his athleticism not translating to a higher level.
If there’s one knock to Dickerson’s game, it’s his lack of three point shooting. He shot 28% last season, which isn’t awful, but is far from even average. The issue is that he attempted more than two per game. I think he’s a solid enough shooter to shoot them when he’s wide open, but that’s it.
I think Dickerson would fit perfectly into that Kader Traore role from last season. Honestly, I think he’d improve on that role. I think he’s an even better defender and better scorer. Kader’s biggest issue was teams could completely sag off on him. You can’t do that against Dickerson. Dickerson is most effective in transition and as a ball screener. His ability to pop as a shooter and roll as a lob threat would be a lethal combo in this offense.
Dickerson is probably the player I’m most excited about, outside of the big name stars like McKneely and Wooley. I think he’d be a great rotational wing/forward that could play 2-4, lock down the other teams best wing, and I don’t think he’d cost a ton to acquire.
What’s the latest buzz?
There’s actually some news here (though it’s not the greatest for Louisville). Dickerson took a visit to USC over the weekend, and it looks like he is in the process of setting up a visit with Jerome Tang at Kansas State.
So far, there has been no news connecting Dickerson to a future Louisville visit.
Martin Somerville – G, UMASS-Lowell (6-3, 184 Lbs.)
This southpaw guard spent just one year with the River Hawks, where he earned America East Conference Rookie of the Year thanks to his incredible shooting ability.
Martin Somerville came out of high school last season as an undersized, left-handed guard from the DMV, but a year at UMASS-Lowell (and a bit of a growth spurt) has him as the target of quite a few high major programs.
Somerville began the season coming off the bench, but he eventually worked his way into the starting lineup. The freshman averaged 13.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 3.7 APG, but I think his underlying statistics are even more impressive. Somerville shot 41% from three on more than 5.5 3PAs a game, and he also boasted a near 2.5-to-1 assist/TO ratio.
Somerville is certainly more of a jump shooter than anything. He shoots pretty well around the rim, but only around 20% of his shots actually come at the rim, while more than 50% of his shots come from behind the three point line. Speaking of threes, not only is this man a knock down shooter (99th percentile shooter off the catch and shoot), but he also has range. I can count at least 10 times where I’ve seen him hit threes from 27+ feet away.
When Somerville shoots off the dribble is where he becomes much less efficient, so I think he would probably be used mainly as a spot-up shooter in this offense, but he’d still have the ability to put the ball on the ground to get to the basket and play-make.
What’s the latest buzz>
Unfortunately, no news to report here. Somerville was one of the earliest guys to announce he would be in the portal (March 11), so I wouldn’t be shocked to see his recruitment move quickly.
CJ Luster II – G, Stony Brook (6-3, 165 Lbs.)
Most of the guys on this list are good to great shooters, but CJ is one of the few that is in the ELITE category.
CJ Luster spent his first two years of college basketball at the Junior College level, playing for Kilgore College and Salt Lake Community College. After two years of being an absolute sniper from three, he moved up to D-I to play for Stony Brook.
To the surprise of no one, the three point shooting translated to the next level. Luster averaged 16.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 1.2 APG, while shooting better than 42% from three on a WHOPPING 7.6 3PAs per game. This man averaged 3.2 made threes per game. He had just one game all year where he didn’t make a three, and he made 4 or more threes in 47% of Stony Brook’s games.
Crazy thing is, that 42% shooting was actually a fall-off from the year prior, where he shot 48% from three!
Luster plays a lot like the old guys you see at the YMCA… never in the paint. Luster shot just 16% of his FG attempts at the rim, while more than 50% of his shots came from behind the three point line. Luster is another guy who has EXTENDED range. He made 17 threes from further than 25 feet out.
At just 6-3, 165 Lbs., his frame leaves a little bit to be desired at this level. He’s the appropriate height for a point guard, but he doesn’t have the quickness or playmaking ability to play there. He’s also a couple inches shorter and quite a few pounds lighter than what you’d prefer to have at the 2/3.
Overall, this kid has a lot that will make you excited. He has to be one of the best shooters in the portal with some of the best range I’ve seen. Unfortunately, he is not a super well-rounded guard with his lack of size, speed, and playmaking. BUT, his one major skill is at an ELITE level, and I don’t think anyone would complain about having a guy like Luster coming off the bench as a threat to hit 3+ threes any given night.
Luster’s list of other offers is mainly mid-majors, outside of us and LSU, so it seems likely he will have to decide between being a starter at one of those mid-majors or a role player at a school like Louisville.
What’s the latest buzz?
Nothing new to report for right now.
Jonathan Powell – G, West Virginia (6-6, 191 Lbs.)
This former three/four star recruit in the class of 2024 is hitting the portal after a surprisingly impactful freshman season with the Mountaineers, and it looks like he’s looking to return closer to home.
Jonathan Powell came to West Virginia last season ranked outside of the top-100 recruits, but after Tucker Devries injury, he played a large role in keeping the Mountaineers as a potential tournament team.
Once Powell became a starter, he averaged: 30+ MPG, 8.4 PPG, while shooting 36% from three on more than 5.5 3PAs P/G. Powell was a consistent rebounder for WVU, but his main role was that of a floor spreader and knock down three point shooter. More than 72% of Powell’s shots came from behind the arc, and he also made 3+ threes 10 times last year.
Most of Powell’s game sees him taking jump shots, but his 6’6 frame and long arms also allows him to be an above average defender, as well.
Powell has Louisville basketball, Cincinatti, Ohio State, and Xavier all as schools he is in contact with, so it looks like he might be searching for a school closer to home (originally from Centerville, Ohio).
This would be another depth add to the wing for Louisville basketball, and, again, I’m unsure if a guy coming off a freshman season where he saw more than 30+ minutes a night for a Power 5 program is going to want to transfer to a school where he’d likely be coming off the bench.
I think Powell would be a really solid 3&D addition to our bench, with an opportunity for him to grow his game even more, but I doubt he chooses to come here.
What’s the latest buzz?
Like I expected, Powell is trending towards finding a school closer to home.
Powell was recruited heavily by Ohio State back in high school, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Buckeyes land him as a transfer.
Nik Graves – G, Charlotte (6-3, 195 Lbs.)
Nik Graves is a lefty point guard that has played in nearly 100 games for the 49ers, starting in more than 60 of them. He’s a skilled guard that can score at all three levels, and he manipulates ball screens well. Unfortunately, he’s a below the rim type of player that lacks a great three point shot and an elite defensive skill-set.
Graves put up solid numbers last year for a really bad Charlotte team. He averaged 17.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.7 APG, while shooting just under 42% from the field and just under 33% from three (5.6 3PA’s P/G). If you’re feeling like watching 6+ minutes of Nik Graves, this video gives you a really good sense of the type of player he is.
The numbers Graves put up are impressive, but the film is not so much. I think he has bright spots to his game. He doesn’t play out of control, he doesn’t turn the ball over a ton, and he’s got an ability to score at all three levels. On the other hand, I don’t think he has the athleticism to be a starting PG in the ACC. He is also just average as a scorer from behind the arc, the mid-range, and at the basket. Finally, his lack of elite athleticism and smaller frame (6-3, 170 Lbs.) make him an average defender at best.
Based on reading the names also offering him (or the lack of big names)… the Virginia Tech’s, the UCF’s, the Seton Hall’s of the world… I don’t think this is a player I’d want to see the Cards go hard after. If Hall came in as a depth guard, I’d be happy, but I imagine he’ll get an offer for starter minutes at a lower level Power 5 school.
What’s the latest buzz?
The Graves recruitment is moving very quickly. He’s one of only a few guys I’ve seen already have three different visits lined up. This one is trending away from the Cards, and I’m very much ok with that.
Brit Harris – G, South Carolina Upstate (6-4, 170 Lbs.)
This sharpshooter began his career in Division- II before finding a role as a knock down three point shooter at South Carolina Upstate last season.
Brit Harris began his career in the D-II ranks with Grand Valley State where he averaged 11.9 PPG his sophomore season. After two seasons in D-II, Harris transferred to South Carolina Upstate; where played about 24 minutes a night and started about half their games.
With the step up in competition, his stats remained about the same. Harris put up 11.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 2.5 APG, while shooting 37% from three on more than 3.5 3PAs per game. This was all done on a South Carolina Upstate team that was horrible (winners of just six games all year).
Based on his highlights and stats, it seems like Harris would be nothing more than a depth add. He’s a solid spot up three point shooter, but everything else is just average. He does have the size for this level (6-4), but this isn’t a player I’m overly excited about. I imagine he’ll transfer to a much smaller D-I school where could possibly start.
What’s the latest buzz?
Nothing new to report here just yet.
If you made it this far in the article, you are a sicko just like me, and I appreciate you. I’ll be back next week with an update on all these players and hopefully a new section titled Committed.
