For the Louisville Cardinals, the 2017-18 season was an extremely confusing one. After an extensive FBI investigation, the school had to fire long time head coach, Rick Pitino. With all of this going on throughout the basketball season, the players struggled on and off the court. This didn’t stop them from pulling off a decent season. Now, the Louisville team looks to boost up form last year and get back in the ACC Race with new head coach, Chris Mack.
Returning Players:
The Louisville team loses four of their five starting players from the 2017-18 basketball season. The only player that remains from last year is shooting guard, V.J. King, who played a not-so-large role last year. King was a supporting guard with averaging (8.6) points, (3.3) rebounds, and (0.9) assists. The new implemented system with Chris Mack that involved physical defense and go-ahead offense will fit around King. The use of King’s height (6″6) will be used by Mack, almost guaranteed, to match against smaller guards. Look for the new starters to look to King to guide them through a tough ACC slate and possibly get a good shot at NIT or March Madness.
Incoming Players:
The Cardinals had no recruiting class whatsoever on record for this year. With this news, it is implied that Louisville has focused on the transfer side of the ball and is full of spots. However, the transfer class for Louisville is fitting of what they need. The Cardinals bring in four transfers: Christen Cunningham (guard), Akoy Agau (forward), Khwan Fore (guard), and Matt Hanna (guard). It comes to a shock tot many that Louisville would recruit-in so many guards, after all only one left. However, the Louisville staff is building for a defensive nightmare packed with quick scorers. For this group, all of their skills would fit right into what Chris Mack wants. Although they didn’t bring in a recruiting class, they made moves on the transfer side that made it work.
Key Games:
Nov. 21, Nov. 23 Tennessee and Kansas/Marquette – I included the full NIT Tournament that Louisville will take part in because of its impact. Any combination of these three teams will prove a tough test for this newer Louisville team. Chris Mack and the team alike will look to showcase their play.
Dec. 29 v. Kentucky – What a way to end your non-conference slate, but with your in-state rival. Kentucky has been a consistently good basketball program under Calipari. This will be the last chance to get in good experience before going into a tough ACC Slate.
Feb. 2 v. North Carolina – This will be the first game to a very rough stretch of games for the Cardinals. This stretch will consist of UNC, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Duke, Clemson, Syracuse, and Virginia. If Louisville wants a spot in the NCAA Tournament, they better start showing signs here.
Projected Season:
Record: 17-14
ACC Tournament: Second Round
NCAA Tournament: MISS
Photo Credits: https://www.cardchronicle.com/2016/2/5/10923720/louisville-basketball-postseason-ban-ncaa-tournament-2016
