Three new transfer portal entries. Louisville basketball must seek to address the gaping deficit

1. PF Kanon Catchings – BYU

2024-25 stats: 34 G, 7.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 2.3 SPG, 41.1% FG, 1.4 3PM, 35.0% 3PT.

Kanon Catchings has the most potential on this list, as the true freshman was a consensus 4-star talent out of high school. Catchings is transferring from BYU after one season and is now a 4-star prospect in the portal, as well as one of 247Sports’ top 50 athletes to join the portal.

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The 6-foot-9 forward graduated from high school ranked 41st overall and eighth best forward in his class. He is currently looking for a new team after averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 3-pointers per game while shooting 41.1 percent from the field and 35 percent from three. The Cardinals have yet to contact Catchings, but Kelsey and his staff should do so promptly.

He is exactly the guy supporters are looking for, since he can shoot from beyond the arc and add much-needed height to the Cardinals’ forward position. Catchings would spread the floor and be a danger on offence, forcing the defence to worry about him. The 4-star prospect would not only assist the Cardinals this season, but as a future player, he would be an excellent addition to Wooley’s lineup.

Louisville requires Catchings’ length on both ends of the floor, and his potential is just what Kelsey seeks. He is someone Kelsey can nurture and keep for the future, but he might also be the Cardinals’ missing link next season in their quest for the National Championship.

2. AJ Storr – Kansas

2023-24 stats: 34 G, 16.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 43.4% FG, 1.3 3PM, 32% 3PT.

This player is a risk, but it may be a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. AJ Storr is transferring from the Kansas Jayhawks following a poor season. Storr averaged 6.1 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting only 38.7 percent from the field and 29.1 percent from outside the arc. So many people are undoubtedly wondering why the Cardinals should pursue him.

His ceiling is high, since he was one of the top players in the Big Ten the previous year and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team during his sophomore season with the Wisconsin Badgers. Kelsey is one of the nation’s top developers, and a possible Storr acquisition may be worth the risk; at 6-foot-7, he averaged 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the field for the Badgers.

Storr is an athletic forward who can play anywhere on the court. He is extremely agile and can pull up in the midrange or explode past his opponent to flush it for two. Kelsey needs a forward who can spread the floor and divert attention away from his backcourt. The Kansas transfer is among the greatest accessible.

The 4-star transfer portal prospect’s performance last season is cause for concern, but the Cardinals should consider his potential. Louisville has yet to contact Storr, but they should attempt since he is an ideal role player to play with Brown, Wooley, Conwell, and McKneely.

Fans suggest Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey focus on small forward and power forward positions. The Cardinals appear to have a forward position vacancy, with rookie Ryan Conwell slated to start at small forward.

Conwell, at 6-foot-4, is undersized, leaving a little gap in the Cardinals’ small forward lineup. Fans also clamour for a stretch four who can compete with these top shooters. Someone with height who can spread the floor and play lockdown defence. Kelsey will have some intriguing lineups next season, and as of now, the Cardinals don’t know whether they will get Kasean Pryor or J’Vonne Hadley return, and are also waiting to hear from 5-star prospect Nate Ament.

Louisville had a wonderful shot with Notre Dame’s Tae Davis, but the 4-star prospect officially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners this afternoon. Davis was a 6-foot-7 forward who spaced the floor by receiving the ball outside the arc and used his agility to break down his opponent.

Kelsey must now rethink her strategy and try to uncover a secret gem in the gateway in this location.

Three Forwards Louisville basketball must target after losing out on four-star Tae Davis.

So far, the Cardinals have the best offseason in the league, and if they can sign a stretch four, they will have a devastating lineup. Kelsey still has several squad spaces vacant and is anticipated to pursue some forwards with those spots available.

So, after missing out on one of the top players to enter the portal, here are three forwards that Louisville basketball could target.

3. Kennard Davis Jr. – Southern Illinois

2024-25 Stats: 34 G, 16.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 45.5% FG, 2.0 3PM, and 37.6% 3PT.

Kennard Davis, a great scorer from Southern Illinois, would be a huge addition for Kelsey and his Cardinals. The sophomore transfer is 6-foot-6 and weighs 215 pounds, with the talent of a guard but the build of a small forward.

Davis would be an ideal fit for the Cardinals’ backcourt since he like to play from behind the 3-point line and spread the floor. The 4-star talent from St. Louis averaged 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc.

The agile forward scored 20 or more points in 11 games last season, including a season-high 26 points against Murray State. The transition from the MVC to the ACC would be difficult, but his talent and athleticism would be a perfect fit for this Kelsey team.

Last season, he averaged 2.0 3-pointers per game. To take attention away from their shooters, the Cardinals need a forward who can splash it from downtown or midrange. Davis will be a difficult pick because he is one of the greatest players available and a consensus 4-star prospect. Louisville should try to contact him to see if he is interested in playing on a National Championship contention club; if so, he would be an ideal role player for this Cardinals roster.