Louisville basketball is trying to bring more offensive consistency to the two guard position, and Darius Perry appears to be finding a groove for the Cards.
The start of conference play signaled a complete change of playing style, attitude, and focus for Louisville basketball.
The Cards have gone from a team who got out to lackadaisical starts to one known for throwing the first punch. The results have been better than anyone could have expected going into somewhat of a transition year under first-year head coach Chris Mack. However, it has also resulted in some much different line ups.
One player that has fallen off since the start of the new year is sophomore combo guard Darius Perry. Chris Mack, choosing to value possessions and quality of pass and shot selections, removed Perry from the lineup, opting instead for a more veteran lineup with grad transfers Khwan Fore and Christen Cunningham in the back court.
Perry, who those close to the situation have alluded to having had some private personal issues going on, had been inconsistent at best for the Cards. He began the season with 14, 13, and 17 point games, but has yet to reach double figures since the first week of the season. His three point shooting percentage went from off the charts to well below his average his freshman year, and his turnovers sky rocketed. In a game against Kentucky, he committed 5 crucial turnovers, 3 of which were in the early going and helped UK get ahead and play with a comfortable lead all game.
Since then, Perry has spent more time on the bench that he has on the court. And often time when he found himself in the game, he seemed to force things way too much.
However, of recent, Perry has really turned things on at the two guard position. Against Duke, he scored three crucial baskets in 17 minutes, and scored 8 points on Saturday against Clemson, including two huge threes that put Louisville ahead for good.
Perry may be turning a corner at the most pivotal time for the Cards. After struggling late over their last three games, Louisville is in need of someone who can provide instant offense. When Khwan Fore is on the floor, he is a guarantee to be a lock down defender, but often struggles to keep the offense flowing. Long, athletic teams can afford to double up on Louisville’s more productive offensive players when Perry is not in the game. However, when he is in the lineup, Perry possesses the ability to stretch the floor from deep or get into the paint with his speed.
Louisville is in need of a secondary ball-handler who can take the pressure of Jordan Nwora and Christen Cunningham, particularly in late game situations when fatigue begins to set in. Should Perry continue an upward trend in minutes played and continue to keep turnovers down, Louisville will have another weapon on both sides of the floor.
Additionally, Perry can help provide Cunningham some much-needed rest. One reason that opposing full court pressure is effective against the Cards in late game situations is “CC” plays the bulk of Louisville’s minutes at the point guard spot. Should Perry be able to guide the offense, Cunningham can get some extended rest going into media timeouts.
Moving towards March, Darius Perry can continue to help Chris Mack’s squad become a more complete team. Having one more weapon in their arsenal bodes well for the remainder of the season.