Louisville Basketball: Cards Could Be Pursuing Familiar Target
By Jacob Lane
A local media member who is very well connected to the Louisville basketball program tweeted that the Cards may be close to landing a former player, who is now a graduate transfer.
There’s no way to tell if there’s anything to it, but for those of you who known Bob Valvano, you know that there aren’t many people more connected to the Louisville program than the ESPN 680 radio host.
Valvano has done radio here locally for quite some time, and has joined legendary play-by-play man Paul Rogers, on the Cardinal broadcast on iHeartRadio for many years.
During that time Valvano has become very well connected to the program. Now with his good buddy Dino Gaudio on staff, I’d say just about anything that is “reported” should be taken seriously. Even if it is by Twitter.
This afternoon Valvano tweeted out that a former Cardinal player, who transferred away for a bigger role, may be a target of the Louisville staff. That player.. Akoy Agau.
My first guess of avg UofL fan reaction if Akoi Agau returns to UofL is they will not be enthusiastic...BUT take a breath and it makes good sense. A 6-8 player (with one year commitment) with major college experience who knows area is a good June get. I'd take him no doubt.
— Bob Valvano (@espnVshow) May 31, 2018
After playing in 22 games over two seasons, big man Akoy Agau packed his bags and headed for a bigger role, committing to play for John Thompson III at Georgetown. The 6’9 big man played in 32 games, averaging 15 minutes per and scoring 4.5 ppg. After that one season Agau once again decided to transfer, this time being able to play right away, moving to play for SMU.
He didn’t see much playing time at first, but eventually ended up receiving heavy minutes after the Mustangs suffered numerous injuries. In the final 10 games of the season, Agau averaged 8.3 points per game, even scoring a career high 21 points against UConn, and 5.6 rebounds per game.
There’s been no word from Akoy Agau himself or SMU on whether he is indeed moving on once again, but with another year of eligibility remaining after missing a season at Georgetown due to injury, he likely will be granted a sixth year of eligibility.
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While many fans may be upset about the addition, if it indeed happens, there’s no reason to be. Even if Agau underachieved and never lived up to his four star rating come out of high school, that doesn’t mean this is a bad addition to the team.
Adding a quality big man, who has experience playing major college basketball, is a big win at this point in the summer. Yes, Agau has never been a big contributor, and never really caught on at Louisville, but for just one year, he could be given spot minutes and provide the Cards another big body down low.
Chris Mack and the Cards currently only have three big men on the roster, junior’s Steven Enoch and Dwayne Sutton, along with sophomore Malik Williams. Agau’s rebounding and big body would be a nice addition and would provide quality depth for the Cardinals.
Next: Thursday Recruiting Roundup
Agau was a four star recruit WAY back in 2013 when he committed to Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals.