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Louisville basketball: Comparing the super six to past Cardinals

By Presley Meyer

MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: Samuell Williamson is introduced during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for Powerade)
MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: Samuell Williamson is introduced during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for Powerade) /
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Jaelyn Withers – SF/PF

Player comparison: Earl Clark

Jaelyn Withers is a guy who is not talked about near enough and could be the potential surprise of the Super Six class.

Meanwhile, Earl Clark is one of the most talented players to ever put on a Cardinals uniform, and went on to be an NBA draft lottery pick.

So, are we saying that Withers will ultimately wind up being a lottery pick? Actually, quite possibly.

Withers has the size and the tools to be a dynamic three at the college level, but what should excite Chris Mack is that he would be an awesome stretch four as well.

Louisville may be able to better utilize him at the three this year- especially if Jordan Nwora ultimately remains in the NBA draft- but Withers could be an asset as a do-it-all power forward after a summer or two under strength coach Andy Kettler.

Make no bones about it; Withers wants to make it to the NBA sooner rather than later. He says he envisions himself as a one or two-and-done type of player, it’s hard to disagree.

Withers’s skills are readily transferable to the league, and like Earl Clark, he is extremely versatile. Louisville had some issues with not having enough guys who could handle the ball, bring the ball up the court, and create in 2018-19. That won’t be the case when Withers is on the floor.

His coaches think that he can play as a guard and all the way down to power forward in college, and he is in a system where he has the potential to do just that.

Known for his remarkable run from an afterthought in the Dwight Howard trade package to bona fide star in a matter of months in the 2013-14 season, Clark was a smooth customer who could break ankles, and break hearts at the rim and from beyond the arc. “Clarksanity” only really lasted through the winter of 2013, but it was incredible while it lasted.

Much the same can be expected from Withers in a Louisville basketball uniform.

Louisville fans should look forward to some “Jaesanity” in 2019-20. (Okay, we probably won’t call it Jaesanity). Maybe not on a national scale, but Withers, much like Clark, could be a great surprise for everyone involved.

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