Louisville basketball: Projected 2020-21 starting lineup 1.0

David Johnson #13 of the Louisville Cardinals listens to head coach Chris Mack (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
David Johnson #13 of the Louisville Cardinals listens to head coach Chris Mack (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 29: Samuell Williamson #10 of the Louisville Cardinals dribbles the ball against the Bellarmine Knights during an exhibition game at KFC YUM! Center on October 29, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 29: Samuell Williamson #10 of the Louisville Cardinals dribbles the ball against the Bellarmine Knights during an exhibition game at KFC YUM! Center on October 29, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Samuell Williamson – Wing (So.)

2019-20 stats: 4.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.6 apg 

There’s not a more important person to develop in the offseason than sophomore Samuell Williamson.

Williamson showed flashes of just how good he could be this year, but ultimately fell off a bit as the lineups tightened up and more veteran players ate up a lot of the minutes.

Williamson dropped 16 in the season opener at Miami, and his scoring versatility was often underrated when the Cards needed a little variety in the lineup.

His goal heading into next year should be to take the reigns from Jordan Nwora as the next primary scoring threat for the Cards. His outside game is improving, and his handles and ability to finish at the rim will be incredibly valuable.

Williamson has the ability to keep defenses honest as a drive and dish guy. As he gets into the paint, he is excellent in the midrange game. He showcases a bevy of off-balance floaters and an old school mentality as far as where to take advantage of opposing defenses.

Much like Scrubb and Johnson, a ton of Williamson’s potential hinges on his ability to improve from beyond the arc. If he can become a 38-ish percent shooter from deep, there’s not a doubt in my mind he will take over the role as the team’s leading scorer.