Louisville Basketball: Breaking down potential graduate transfer options

Guard – Mike Cunningham – USC Upstate

2017-18 stats: 13.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.0 apg

Schools interested: Western Kentucky, UAB, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tulane, VCU, South Carolina, Nevada

Mike Cunningham is a 6’1 point guard, who spent his first three years playing at small mid-major South Carolina Upstate. While the school hasn’t achieved much success over his three years on campus (combined 34-63 record), Mike Cunningham has been the team’s best player for most of that team.

In his junior season Cunningham was the team’s second leading scorer (13.7 per game) and the team’s best passer, averaging 3 assists per game.  He also hit several big shots this season to help USC Upstate seal victories. Cunningham isn’t the best shooter, but with the ability to go off the dribble and catch-and-shoot, he’s the type of player who could excel in a limited role for Chris Mack.

Louisville is in desperate need of a back-up point guard. As of right now Darius Perry is the only player on the roster capable of getting the team into their offensive sets. Cunningham could instantly provide leadership, big shot making, and experience of the bench.

There’s no way to tell if a player who spent three years of his eligibility at a small school would be able to make the jump and achieve success at the next level. However, for Chris Mack and the Cards it may be worth the shot.