Louisville basketball: J’Vonne Hadley to return for 2025-26 season

Massive news for Louisville basketball.

Louisville basketball did well to shore up its backcourt on the front end of transfer portal season.

Now, the Cards have entered phase 2: retention.

When J’Vonne Hadley inked a deal with Louisville entering the 2024-25 season, he did so as a redshirt senior, expecting only one more year.

However, recent litigation and an important decision from the NCAA opened the door for former JUCO players to receive an extra year of eligibility. Because of this rule, Hadley was faced with a decision: go “pro”, transfer, or stay with Louisville basketball.

On Tuesday, Hadley made the decision to stick with the Cards for a 6th season.

While his career has taken a unique and winding path, Hadley probably found his best fit with this year’s UofL squad.

Hadley averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 57.2 / 38.1 / 77.1 percent shooting.

Hadley was easily Louisville’s most versatile piece in 2024-25.

Injuries forced Hadley to play the 2 through 5 positions and he showcased the ability to be a true three level scorer and defender.

In 2 games against Clemson, Hadley scored 52 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. He played back to the basket a ton vs the Tigers against three high-quality bigs and was unstoppable possession after possession.

Hadley also saw games where he lit it up from three. He shot 46 percent in road games and 44 percent from beyond the arc in conference play.

While he was expected to be a depth piece, Hadley played the second-most minutes per game this season for the Cards. He played in every game and, at only 6’6, he was Louisville’s leading rebounder.

Going forward, Hadley should continue to fit well on this roster.

The players who are currently a “certainty” for the Cards are Hadley, Mikel Brown (Fr), Adrian Wooley (So – Kennesaw St), Sananda Fru (Jr), Ryan Conwell (Sr – Xavier), and Isaac McKneely (Sr – Virginia).

Louisville’s other potential returnees include Grad Student Kasean Pryor, Grad Student Aly Khalifa, Senior Kobe Rodgers, Junior James Scott, and Sophomore Khani Rooths.

If all pieces return, Louisville basketball will have 5 remaining scholarship spots.

With a wealth of talent in the backcourt and a possible starter in Hadley, the Louisville basketball staff is off to a tremendous start in the 2025 offseason.