Louisville basketball: Evaluating the performance of the Cards freshmen

Josh Nickelberry – Guard 

Grade: C-

I’m a firm believer in that observing the wrinkles in a player’s skill set can be more telling than the stat sheet itself. Josh Nickelberry is averaging merely 4 1/2 minutes per game, meanwhile putting up only 0.8 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.1 apg and shooting 12 percent from the field. But with freshmen, sometimes it’s all about the eye test.

Though his assist-to-turnover ratio is 1/1, the North Carolina high school scoring record-holder has exhibited that he can be a floor general in a couple of flashes this season already. Nickelberry has certainly shown his ability to protect the ball and keep his dribble alive amidst stifling pressure on a couple of occasions.

I expect him to become more comfortable at the one later in the season.

Quinn Slazinski – Forward

Grade: C

In a perfect world, Slazinski would be able to hop into the lineup for a good five to seven minutes a game to spell some of our more experienced players. But the hard fact about this particular freshman is that he simply does not possess the reaction speed required for Chris Mack’s Pack line defensive switching.

In fact, Quinn is a well-equipped shooter, having made 50 percent of his three-pointers that he has attempted this season (though only a few). I grade him a C because with his progression defensively and perhaps some quickness drills behind the scenes, I can see this kid helping Louisville step on the gas in games where a run is unfolding.

He brings that vibe to the floor and he spreads it infectiously while he’s on the bench as well.

Aidan Ighiehon – Center

Grade: C+

Conditioning. Attitude. Effort. Well, and shooting 62 percent from the field while averaging just over a point in five minutes per game. That pretty much sums up Aidan IIgiehon’s time here at Louisville thus far.

I see a hungry young man with a great disposition. But you want to talk about hype? Excitement? Igiehon brings those elements to a fanbase that has been starving for another devouring figure like Montrezl Harrell.

This is not me chiseling that comparison into stone, but I will say that we all know his main pitfall is defense.

The question is, how do you tell when a young man of that size and athleticism is ready to see more than a few more game reps? Only time will tell, but my inkling is he will have a more prominent supporting role than most believe as the season moves along.