Louisville basketball: Looking at potential roster turnover for 2019-20

Ryan McMahon – SG

RS Junior

Unlike Jordan Nwora, Ryan McMahon is not likely to leave Louisville for the NBA. However, Ryan McMahon is a player that Louisville fans should be paying close attention to over the next few weeks as a potential transfer.

Why do I say that? Do I know something you don’t?

To answer the second question, first – no, I don’t know anything. Mentioning Ryan McMahon as a possible transfer is more about the current model of college basketball than anything else. Because McMahon is a redshirt junior, who has already been on campus for four years at Louisville, he will graduate in May and would be eligible to play right away should he chose to walk away from the Cards.

McMahon, who put up career bests in points, assists, and 3 point shooting percentage in his first year under Chris Mack, is a player who at times struggles against the size and length of ACC competition. While he was phenomenal in many games for Louisville, he also was virtually unplayable at times due to not being able to guard bigger guards or handle the pressure of more athletic players.

With Chris Mack bringing in guards who fit better in his style of play, McMahon could be in a position where he sees his minutes dip in his final season, which may not be something he’s interested in. This could result in McMahon looking to move on to a smaller school with more playing time and the ability to be a team’s first or second option at the mid-major level.

Again, I know nothing about this. In fact, McMahon has already gone to social media to recap the season and look ahead to next year, saying he “already can’t wait for next year.”

Could the allure of more playing time for a mid-major team be attractive to Ryan McMahon for his swan song, or could the potential of being a role player on a championship caliber team (assuming everyone on this list returns) be what he imagined all along?

My prediction: Ryan McMahon returns to Louisville for his senior season