Louisville basketball: Where would Jordan Bruner fit with the Cards?
Louisville basketball is on the short list for Yale grad transfer Jordan Bruner, but is he a good fit for the Cardinals?
Louisville basketball and head coach Chris Mack are narrowing in on some new additions to the 2020-21 squad, including Yale graduate transfer Jordan Bruner.
The 6’9” forward from Columbia, South Carolina was a problem for opposing Ivy League teams over the span of his career on both ends of the floor, and now he is looking to take his talents to a major power five program that needs him.
Bruner has narrowed his list to Louisville and five other teams, including Baylor, Gonzaga, and Maryland. But is he a good fit for the Cards?
As a do-it-all player for Yale, Bruner wasn’t shy of stepping into the spotlight and being a go-to option on offense. Bruner displayed the ability to bring the ball up the floor on his own and handle the ball all over the court- huge asset for a big man.
Bruner is top five all-time at Yale in blocked shots and he is a versatile defender. His length was a real problem for opponents and that translates at the four spot at his next destination.
He averaged 10.9 points, nearly 10 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during his senior season, and would be looking to bring that tenacity for the ball and excellent vision as a passer to Mack’s system.
Bruner feels like a perfect fit for Louisville. He isn’t going to be a go-to scorer for the Cards, but he is a guy who can stretch the floor with his shooting (32 percent from three last season) and he can crash the boards and create extra possessions.
On defense, Bruner is a great fit with his size in Mack’s modified pack line, and he would be a massive help for Malik Williams and Aiden Igiehon crashing down on defenders. With his size and shot-blocking ability, Bruner would also serve as a solid back-up five in a pinch.
In regards to Louisville’s depth chart, obviously Quinn Slazinski and Jae’Lyn Withers were slated to take a step forward next season, but they are largely unproven commodities. Given Bruner’s ability to slide over to the five and Slazinski’s ability to perhaps play some at the three, Louisville may not be as deep as you might think at the four spot.
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That’s why Bruner would be the perfect one year fit. On a team that is looking for one or two more guys to get them to the next level, Bruner feels like a can’t miss prospect.