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Louisville basketball roundtable: Looking back at a historic offseason

By Jacob Lane

LOUISVILLE, KY - MARCH 28: Chris Mack speaks after being introduced as new men's basketball coach of the University of Louisville Cardinals as interim president Gregory Postel and athletic director Vince Tyra look on during a press conference at KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - MARCH 28: Chris Mack speaks after being introduced as new men's basketball coach of the University of Louisville Cardinals as interim president Gregory Postel and athletic director Vince Tyra look on during a press conference at KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Is there anything about the offseason, whether it be coaching related or player related, that has you skeptical about the upcoming season? If yes, why? If no, why?

Ethan Sprowles: My only concern is the lack of front court depth. Cards only have two centers and only one of them (Steven Enoch) plays primarily with the back to the basket. With this daunting grind of a schedule, our bigs will be tested. This team’s success will largely hinge on Enoch in my opinion.

GTC: For me it again comes back to bench play for this team. What I am expecting to be the starting 5 is very talented and if Darius Perry or Ryan McMahon is the first man off the bench I think the level of play does not drop off. After that there are a lot question marks. We do not know what to expect from bench/role players like Khwan Fore or Wyatt Battaile and I keep coming back to Malik Williams not being a back to the basket post player, so how will he look at the 5 position in a four out, 1 in offense?

Jacob Lane: The biggest uncertainty to me is Jordan Nwora playing the four position. Yes he’s 6’8 and a decent rebounder who can really stretch the floor offensively, but defensively going up against the Zion Williamson’s and Luke Maye’s of the ACC can he hold his own? I honestly don’t know and it worries me quite a bit.

Ross Prophater:  I think there’s talent on this team, but is there the right talent and personnel to embody the tough, physical and gritty brand that Chris Mack’s teams are known for? I worry a common theme with this team will be their struggle on the defensive glass and giving up too many 2nd chance possessions and 2nd chance points.

The Louisville basketball future has never been brighter than it is currently under the leadership of Chris Mack. Though this season will be a “rebuilding” year of sorts, this program is positioned to be a national championship contender for many years to come.

Next. Cards show real potential in first scrimmage. dark

Mack has established a new culture that is player focused and most importantly fun. Ladies and gentleman of Cardnation, we are in for a ride!

Over the next three weeks leading up to the Cards opening the season against Nicholls State on November 8th, the team at Big Red Louie will breakdown every single aspect of the 2018-19 squad, their schedule, and just what to expect. Stay tuned in.

Go Cards.

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