It’s Darius Perry’s Time in Louisville

With Quentin Snider gone, the Cards have some serious shoes to fill at the point guard position. Is Darius Perry ready?

In 2018-2019, Louisville men’s basketball will look completely different on the floor. This will be due in large part to the absence of Quentin Snider. In his four years in red and black, Snider started 97 games, and was a silent leader from the beginning of his time in college. Snider averaged 12 points, 4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 32 minutes per game last season. Additionally, his leadership on and off the court acted as the glue that held the team together.

The departure of Snider, due to seniority, leaves a considerable hole on both ends of the court at the point guard spot.

Trying to fill that void will be Darius Perry. If there is a spot for great optimism in 2018-19. Perry is it. In 14 minutes of action, Perry averaged 4 points, 1.5 assists, and a rebound per game. But, it was his maturity, enthusiasm, and excellent skill set that provided optimism for onlookers.

Perry’s season numbers seem pretty bland, but consider his game by game numbers. Perry’s playing time his freshman season was entirely circumstantial. He played less than 10 minutes on fourteen occasions. Depending on the match up, as well as the play of Quentin Snider, Perry was inserted when he was needed. And he made the minutes count when he got them.

In his very first college game, Perry didn’t miss from the floor or the free throw line, en route to a 17 point game. He put up 10 points and 7 assists against George Mason, 8 points and 3 assists at Virginia Tech, and contributed wherever he was needed. When called upon by David Padgett, Perry was expected to come in and provide energy, and tenacity on defense. Perry played in 13 games where he failed to commit a turnover, and had an assist in 24 games.

What is most telling about Perry is the coach’s trust in him. As a first-time head coach, it was extremely beneficial for David Padgett to have a senior, level-headed point guard. Yet, it was often Perry who was trusted to lead the Cards in crunch time. That speaks volumes about what kind of player Perry could be when he gets serious playing time.

So, what is it that makes Perry unique, and can Louisville actually improve at the point guard position because of it?

Perry is the prototypical Louisville point/ undersized two guard under Pitino. Edgar Sosa, Preston Knowles, Peyton Siva, Russ Smith… This is the same brand of mold from which Darius Perry was cast. 6’2,” 170 pounds, but quick, and can jump out of the building. Pesky on defense, and hard to pick up on offense. Excellent spot up shooter.

The player that Perry most reminds me of is Russ Smith. In fact, in his no. 2 jersey, it can be easy to get them momentarily confused. Perry is lightning quick. He can split a double, or maneuver quickly into the lane, past his man or into the soft part of a zone, and then make a quick pass or shoot. Perry has a freakish leaping ability that reminds one of Smith. You will think he is going to lay it in and will go up to cram a dunk, or you might think he is out sized, and he will out jump someone for a rebound, or get into the passing lane for a deflection or steal.

Additionally, like Russ, he is just a goofball. He is a notable member of the bench mob, and loves to get out of his mind on the sideline. It’s incredibly entertaining what this man can do with a towel in his hand without warranting a bench warning.

Perry could potentially give Louisville what is has really been missing since Snider’s arrival, and that is quickness and a true ability to get into the lane at the point guard position. Snider did have the ability to drive and dish, but he is much more methodical. Truth be told, ‘Q’ was a step or two slow at times, and that can cost a team at the point guard position. Perry has the ability to stay with anyone on defense, and can get around even the quickest defenders on offense. This ability could bode well for a team who will often have four other good shooters on the floor.

Overall, Darius Perry could have the ability to develop his game under Chris Mack, and become an excellent player in his sophomore season. With the departure of some key pieces in the back court, Perry could be instrumental in Louisville’s success going forward.