If anyone understands how to reload, it’s Rick Pitino and the Louisville program that he has led to four straight Sweet 16s, a run that also includes two Final Fours, and one title.
They’ll have to showcase that ability once again, as they lose three of their top four players to the NBA or graduation. Our latest Recruit and Reload focus is on Louisville.
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Key Losses: Montrezl Harrell (NBA Draft), Terry Rozier (NBA Draft), Wayne Blackshear (graduation)
Possible Losses: N/A
Key Returners: Quentin Snider, Mangok Mathiang, Chinanu Onuaku
Key Newcomers: Donovan Mitchell (four-star, shooting guard), Raymond Spalding (four-star, power forward), Deng Adel (four-star, small forward), Trey Lewis (transfer)
Breakdown: If we were to include Chris Jones, Louisville is set to lose four of their starting five from opening night a year ago. Now, Jones has been gone for months, but Harrell and Rozier have entered the NBA a year early. What this means is that Rick Pitino will lean on Snider and transfer Lewis (Cleveland State) extremely hard for his perimeter production. Lewis averaged 16.3 points per game a year ago. Adding some depth to that duo will be freshman Mitchell, who can score in bunches; the question will be whether or not he’s ready to defend at the level that Pitino demands. The Cardinals’ frontcourt should be steady up front with Mathiang and Onuaku, but adding depth with Spalding and Adel will give them some nice versatility and athleticism, the kind that we’re used to seeing at UL of late. Ultimately, this team’s fate rests on how much Snider progresses over the off-season and whether or not Lewis can take advantage of the offensive freedom that he’s likely to have at UL.
