There are a lot of factors that have contributed to Louisville basketball fielding one of the worst teams in power five history in 2022-23.
So, when addressing the root cause of UofL’s issues, head coach Kenny Payne and staff have to start with a complete evaluation of the existing roster.
The question becomes who remains onboard and who tries to find a better fit elsewhere. Who does Kenny Payne attempt to land to emerge with a more cohesive and talented roster? Those will be answered over the coming weeks as the Cards inevitably wrap up their season.
If all of the current pieces were to stay, here is what Louisville’s roster would look like in 2023-24:
| Player’s Name | Player’s Position | Class |
| El Ellis | CG | Graduate** |
| Sydney Curry | F/C | Graduate** |
| Jae’Lyn Withers | F | RS Senior |
| JJ Traynor | F | Senior |
| Brandon Huntley-Hatfield | F/C | Junior |
| Rose Wheeler | C | Junior |
| Mike James | G | RS Sophomore |
| Hercy Miller | G | RS Sophomore*** |
| Fabio Basili | G | Sophomore |
| Koron Davis | G | Sophomore |
| Kamari Lands | F | Sophomore |
| Emmanuel Okorafor | F | Sophomore |
| Devin Ree | F | Sophomore |
| Kaleb Glenn | G/F | Freshman |
| Curtis Williams Jr. | F | Freshman |
** Sydney Curry & El Ellis both have an extra year of eligibility but could opt to turn pro instead. For now they count against the scholarship count.
*** Hercy Miller was put on scholarship in 2022-23 but would likely return to being a walk-on in 2023-24
Where Louisville basketball currently stands
Immediately addressing scholarship limits, Louisville basketball will have to have at least 2 players drop off.
The NCAA only allows teams to roster 13 scholarship players.
Given the circumstances surrounding the season, it’s likely that there will be a ton of roster turnover.
Which players could potentially be looking to transfer? There’s no way to tell this early, and would be unfair to speculate.
However, as we’ve seen this season, it is clear multiple players are not meshing with the Kenny Payne philosophy.
If and when spots free up, it’s important that this staff brings in instant-impact recruits and transfers. There is no mistaken, 2023-24 is a prove it year for KP and company. A trip to the NCAA tournament would go along in way in ensuring Payne’s future as head coach is safe in Louisville.
Let’s take a look at a few players who are available and could be on the radar for Louisville following the season.
High school recruits:
Darius Carr
247 ranking: 131 (composite), 105 (247 Sports)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Measureables: 6’3, 190
Position: Combo guard
Stats: Undecided (Previously signed with New Mexico State)
Outside of Bronny James (who Louisville has no chance at landing), combo guard Darius Carr is the top available player in the class of 2023. Following shocking allegations at New Mexico State that led to the dismissal of new coach Greg Heiar, Carr became the top available player available and would be a no-brainer for Louisville.
Carr is a 6’3 combo guard who has the ability to score and set up others. He’s athletic and quick, which allows him to be able to get to the rim with ease as well as defend multiple positions.
This is the type of kid that Payne desperately needs in the fold moving forward. He could step in and play from day one for the Cards in 2023-24.
Dennis Evans
247 ranking: 38 (composite), 18 (247 Sports)
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Measureables: 7’1, 210
Position: Center
Status: Undecided (Previously signed with Minnesota)
Just like that the recruiting board changes for quite a few teams across the country. After being committed and signed with Minnesota for quite a while, 7’1 center and the 18th best player in the country, Dennis Evans, was let out of his LOI.
There aren’t many players with the natural size and skill that Evans possesses, making him an instant top target for Louisville. Despite not having a need for a big man, Evans is an instant difference maker and a player that you make room for if you can.
Evans is one of the, if not the best, shot blockers in the class. He has a 7’6 wingspan and is known for being nearly unstoppable around the rim – despite still having room to grow into his frame. At the next level Evans will need time to develop his body as well as his overall offensive game, but from day one he’ll be one of the best shot blockers in the country as a freshman. That level of defense and protection has been sorely lacking and because of that, I expect KP to get involved.
International recruits
Churchill Abass
Country: Africa
League: Basketball Africa League (BAL)
Measurables: 6’9, 230
Position: F/C
Louisville landed a surprise commitment during the 2022-23 season from rising international prospect, Emmanuel Okorafor. The 6’8 big man came to the Cards from NBA Academy Africa, where he played in the BAL aka Basketball Africa League.
They may not be finished, as recent reports have indicated that the Cards have been pursuing another talented big man from BAL, this time in 6’9 Churchill Abass (A recruit named Churchill coming to Louisville? What are the odds????).
According to Andrew Slater Abass has been recruited by Ole Miss (whom he visited), Louisville, Memphis, Nebraska, UCLA, and DePaul.
247 Sports describes Abass a “Big Ten football player” due to his size and frame. At 6’9, 230 pounds – Abass has a 7’2 wingspan and a unique skillset that makes him one of the more intruiging prospects the Cards have been in on in my lifetime. Travis Branham writes, “When he picks a school he will be ranked as a four-star prospect. If you didn’t catch on, Abass is a certified monster,” which is certainly high praise.
The Cards don’t currently need a big man, with Curry, Withers, Traynor, Okorafor, and Wheeler all having the ability to return if they so choose. Yet, Abass could instantly provide the motor combined with skill and potential that the Cards have been looking for down low all season long.
Junior college
Addison Patterson
Tallahassee CC
JUCO ranking: N/A
HS Rating: 43rd c/o 2019
Addison Patterson is probably the most notable JUCO player remaining due to his experience at the D1 level. Following a season at Oregon, and a season at Nevada, Patterson went the JUCO route to improve his game, landing at one of the top programs in the country Tallahassee CC.
He was a highly-regarded recruit coming out Bella Vista Prep (by way of Ontario, Canada) ultimately landing at Oregon after re-classifying. Patterson played quite a bit as a freshman but ultimately opted to transfer down for more playing time.
Clearly, more development was needed as Patterson didn’t last long in Nevada. In 2023 at TCC, Patterson has shown the ability to be a difference-maker as a combo guard/wing. He’s averaged 18.6 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 3.5 assists per game this season, blossoming into one of the best JUCO players in America.
There’s no real update on his recruitment and Louisville does have a ton of wings already. However, things change quickly, and adding a talented player who could provide versatility and experience will be huge.
Not sure if it will matter, but note Louisville does have an Oregon connection with Josh Jameison, who was on staff for the year Patterson was in Eugene.
Transfer portal/?
Skyy Clark
Under the files marked “?” is where you’d find former five-star guard Skyy Clark. If you remember back in the day, Louisville was thought to be a good fit for the dynamic guard following his de-commitment from Kentucky – all thanks to current head coach Kenny Payne.
Things didn’t go well at Illinois as Clark left the program after playing in 13 games (starting 12 of those). He didn’t mention his future plans but based on his performance in year one (7.0 ppg, 3,7 rpg, 2.1 apg), you’d think he will be a hot commodity in the transfer portal.
Louisville would once again be a very nice landing spot for Clark. He’s the type of commitment that could get the fans somewhat re-energized (right? Maybe not) and give KP his go-to guard.
It remains to be seen, but it’s 1000% worth watching. Louisville was very involved up until his commitment and signing with Illinois, so I’d expect Payne to once again look to make that connection should he become officially available.
Recruiting classes from coaches on hot seats:
- Arizona State (Bobby Hurley)
Braelon Green, #127 (6’3, 175 – guard)
Akil Watson, #130 (6’8, 205 – forward) - California (Mark Fox)
Rodney Brown, #170 (6’5, 175 – wing)
Devin Curtis, #200 (6’10, 210 – center) - Georgetown (Patrick Ewing)
Marvel Allen, #123 (6’4, 190 – guard) - Minnesota (Ben Johnson)
Dennie Evans, #18 (7’1, 210 – center)
Cameron Christie, #126 (6’5, 160 – guard) - Notre Dame (Mike Brey, Moving on)
Markus Burton, #142 (5’10, 170 – guard) - Ole Miss (Kermit Davis, Fired)
Rashaud Marshall, #85 (6’9, 215 – center)
Josh Hubbard, #89 (5’10, 180 – guard)
Jordan Burks, #165 (6’7, 180 – wing)
Jacob Gazzo, NR (6’8, 2022 – forward) - Stanford (Jerod Haase)
Andrej Stojakovic, #19 (6’6, 185 – forward)
Kanaan Carlyle, #41 (6’2, 170 – guard) - Texas (Chris Beard, Fired)
Ron Holland, #6 (6’8, 195 – forward)
AJ Johnson, #18 (6’5, 160 – guard) - Washington (Mike Hopkins)
Wesley Yates, #32 (6’4, 200 – guard)
Christian King, NR (6’7, 190 – wing)
There are two names I’m watching extremely closely here. Kanaan Carlyle, a highly regarded Overtime Elite prospect who is currently the 41st-best player in the country and signed with Stanford. As well as AJ Johnson, the 18th-best player in the country who is currently in the fold for Texas.
The two are in vastly different situations but could each find themselves with open recruitments should coaching moves be made. Stanford could very well move on from Jerrod Haase, who has been able to recruit at a high level but not win. While Texas may be swinging for the fences following the midseason firing of Chris Beard.
Carlyle and Johnson’s recruitments could heat up with Louisville being involved, should they back out of their Letters of Intent. Landing either would be massive for Kenny Payne and his future.
Other coaches who could be fired include Bobby Hurley, Patrick Ewing, and Mike Hopkins, all of whom hold commits from four-star guards.
Be on the look out for part two, following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season.
One thought on “Louisville basketball roster watch 1.0: Late-season availability report”