Six bold predictions for Louisville basketball in 2019-2020
By Jacob Lane
Charron Elliott (@CharronElliott1): Louisville basketball will make it to the 2020 NCAA Final Four in Atlanta
Even with injuries to junior Malik Williams and freshmen sensation David Johnson to start the season, I think the Cardinals have enough to talent to have a good start to the season and get the jump-start they need in the win column to eventually earn a high seed.
I expect returning junior Jordan Nwora to average 20 points per game and lead the ACC in scoring, especially with all of the help around him that will force defenses to think twice about doubling. The freshman Aidan Igiehon, who should get an opportunity to play a big role, will eventually lead the team in rebounds and will force Steven Enoch to be more consistent in the level of intensity he plays with each game.
Perhaps the most important key to a final four run by the Cardinals will be the three-point shooting of Ryan McMahon, who will make some big shots in the NCAA tournament and some clutch free throws in late games. We saw last season how much value he brought to the team, despite being a “one-dimensional player” at times, and this season that shouldn’t change. With all of the returning talent, I fully expect defenses to forget about McMahon, giving him ample opportunity to kill teams from deep.
Darius Perry is another player who will have a breakout performance in the NCAA tournament for Louisville scoring the basketball and pressuring the opposing ball handlers. This is the first real recruiting class for second-year head coach Chris Mack and I believe the newcomers will be some of the best to ever wear the black and red.
It won’t be easy by any means, as Louisville will have to deal with the usual terrors of the ACC like Duke, Virginia, and UNC – but with the talent on the roster and experience in the ACC this year will be a record season.