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Louisville basketball: Five burning questions entering 2019-20

By Will Reddington

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - MARCH 09: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots over De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on March 9, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - MARCH 09: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots over De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on March 9, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 13: Lamarr Kimble #0 of the Saint Joseph’s Hawks shoots against Justin Tillman #4 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament finals at the Barclays Center on March 13, 2016 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 13: Lamarr Kimble #0 of the Saint Joseph’s Hawks shoots against Justin Tillman #4 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament finals at the Barclays Center on March 13, 2016 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

How will Fresh Kimble compare to Louisville grad transfers of the past?

Louisville has had a lot of success in the grad transfer market over the last few years. Since grad transfer rules were implemented, Louisville teams have counted on guys like Damion Lee, Trey Lewis, and Christen Cunningham to play a pivotal role within the program – even if it’s just for a year.

These guys all had major success at smaller schools and earned their way to a spot on the national stage at Louisville. Kimble is no different, but he may be the most tested of any grad transfer we’ve seen come through the university so far. He played at Saint Joseph’s in the Atlantic 10 conference, which is by no means the power five. But it’s a conference that tends to put to multiple teams in the NCAA tournament.

Damion Lee came from Drexel, Trey Lewis from Cleveland State and Christen Cunningham from Stamford. The Atlantic 10 is a much higher level of consistent conversation than those guys had experienced before Louisville. They made the transition seamlessly. There’s no reason to think Fresh Kimble can’t do the same.

Kimble missed all of 2017-18 with a foot injury. But last season at Saint Joe’s, he averaged 15.6 per game. He’s also the only player in Saint Joseph’s history to serve as a captain for three seasons.

Louisville will lean heavily into Kimble’s leadership on and off the floor this season. If Kimble can remain healthy and continue to make strides in his game, he could be a huge piece for this Louisville team.

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