Power forward
Already Committed: The Cardinals lone commit in the 2021 class comes from 6’7″ 220-pound Chicago native Bryce Hopkins.
Hopkins is the prototypical Chris Mack recruit, and he is primed to make an instant impact in 2021. He is long, athletic, and extremely strong and physical. Though listed as a power forward, one could certainly envision him playing a role as a three at the next level- Particularly if his ball-handling and outside shooting continue to improve during his senior season.
Trey Kaufman
Sellersburg, Indiana
The commitment of Hopkins could be a deterrent to local 6’8″ 210-pound prospect Trey Kaufman.
A rising star at Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, Kaufman is one of the better-kept secrets on the recruiting trail. Still, coaches have been taking notice of Kaufman’s game, and he has been courted heavily by Indiana, Louisville, and Purdue among others.
At this point, Kaufman is probably an Indiana lean, and that’s fair. But don’t discount the Cardinals. Though he’s technically an Indiana prospect, Louisville is his hometown team, and the Cardinals want him badly.
“First of all, it is one of the best basketball programs in the country,” Kaufman told Cardinal Authority after a game in February. “It’s close to home. I could go on and on about the program.”
Kaufman also went on to say that he has a “really good” relationship with coach Mack and that he was impressed when he visited campus earlier in the year.
It will be a tough battle with the Hoosiers, but don’t discount Kaufman as another forward who could come in and make a big impact for the Cards.