Elite incoming talent will help Louisville basketball take next step

Louisville basketball will be getting a big jolt in the front court in 2019-20, one that features an “Irish Hulk” and the Cards first one and done player in the new era of college basketball.

Chris Mack and Louisville basketball played the 2018-19 season with just 10 scholarships players, leaving him limited when it came to using different variations in the front court, which at time hampered their ability when playing against heavy front court teams who got their big men in foul trouble.

While the wing was a fairly strong area for the Cardinals this season, we saw at times that the lack of depth forced Mack into playing Jordan Nwora and Dwayne Sutton more than he probably should’ve, especially when VJ King was struggling.

Fortunately, Chris Mack and staff are bringing in the 7th ranked recruiting class per 247 Sports, headlined by five star wing Samuell Williamson and four star big man Aidan Igiehon. Help is definitely on the way.

The mid-range game and a secondary scorer were two things that were missing from the UofL offense this season and both will be covered next year because of the play of incoming freshman and McDonald’s All-American Sam Williamson.

The 6’6 forward has a developed mid-range game and can create his own shot off the dribble, something that was severely lacking from Mack’s first-year roster. Possessing this skill is going to force the coaching staff to find minutes for him amongst established starters, Jordan Nwora (shall he return), and Dwayne Sutton. Look for him to potentially steal minutes at the shooting guard position as well and maybe even start for the 2019-20 team from day one. He’s that good.

Williamson had an impressive week of practice at the McDonald’s All American game where he was able to put other top players on notice that he’s the real deal.  Despite being the lowest ranked player in the prestigious game, he had 11 points and 3 rebounds. His peers are overwhelmingly calling him the biggest sleeper of the game.

Over the course of last season, the combine stats (8.5 PPG and 5.65 RPG) for the center position was solid between Steven Enoch and Malik Williams. However, Chris Mack and big man guru Mike Pegues preach toughness, which is a trait that seemed to be missing at times down low between the two bigs.

Enoch is an enormous center who has an NBA body and outside touch but often didn’t display a good feel for the game when posted on the low block. Often times, he was lost on defense and didn’t utilize his size (6’10”, 260lbs) advantage enough against ACC opponents, especially when forced to have to protect the rim or hedge and rotate on pick and rolls.

Malik Williams made major strides from his freshman to sophomore season by rebounding with more vigor and developing a semblance of a low post game. However, the 6’11” Williams still has a slight frame weighing in at 245lbs and really is more of a four than a five in the Chris Mack 4-in-1-out offensive scheme.

The answer to toughness may come from Aidan Ighieon. Igiehon is a 6’10” 235lb center that is considered one of the biggest physical freaks in the 2019 class. Known as the Irish Hulk, Igiehon physicality and rugged style of play will force Chris Mack into giving him minutes to spell Williams and Enoch or even play alongside them. Look for Ighieon to play a role similar to former Louisville Cardinal great, Montrezl Harrell for the 2013 championship team.  He’ll provide the spark and occasionally have a big game for the Cards next season.

In all, look for the Cardinal’s woes in the frontcourt to turn into a strength with the addition of Igiehon and Williamson.  Louisville basketball will have serious depth at all positions. Coach Mack’s hardest problem might be finding a way to get his talented roster the appropriate minutes.