Louisville basketball: Class of 2021 recruiting big board 1.0

Big men

After senior captain, Malik Williams departs at the end of the season, Louisville will have a serious void down low. Only center Aidan Igiehon will remain, and as of right now, we are unsure of what kind of player he will wind up becoming.

That means there is a big-time void left up front, and the Cardinals are going to be in search of a center that can not only provide depth but serious minutes.

Micawber Etienne

Suffield, Connecticut

We start with 6’10” 220-pound Micawber Etienne- the No. 1 rated player in the state of Connecticut, and one of the best centers in this class.

Etienne is particularly interesting because there’s an outside chance that he could reclassify and go straight to college this summer.

As it stands, Etienne isn’t going to come in and completely change the dynamic of your team, but he is a gifted athlete who has a ton of upside.

Etienne showcases the ability to finish well inside, and he moved well for a big center. He outmuscles opponents for rebounds consistently and is a great passer, particularly out of the low post.

This guy is unlikely to be a four-year player, and he is still a sneaky one to look out for if the Cards are trying to add depth on the back end with a reclassification.

Efton Reid

Richmond, Virginia

At 6’11” 225-pounds, Efton Reid is a player that would serve as the centerpiece of Louisville’s 2021 class.

Reid would be a fantastic, need-based addition with one-and-done potential.

Here’s what Jerry Meyer of 247Sports has to say about Reid’s game:

"“Has NBA center size. Game is skill-based and not athletically based. Has good footwork and touch in post. Can stretch defense to three-point line. Comfortable with the ball as a passer. Has good hands and rebounds his area. Not a big shot blocker. Positional defender inside. Needs to improve quickness to defend on perimeter.”"

A skilled back to the basket big with the ability to stetch the floor with excellent footwork and passing skills? That sounds like a player that most Louisvile basketball fans could get behind.

Here’s what our Jacob Lane had to say about Reid last month:

"Reid is a game-changer with his size and scoring ability who could take what Mack has done with the bigs at Louisville to the next level for years to come. There will be tough competition for the nation’s 18th best player in the class of 2021 (according to 247 Sports), as Virginia, Miami, Georgetown, Iowa State, North Carolina State, and Kentucky all have a significant interest in the developing big."

The Cards are in dire need of a big in this class, and though Virginia has a bit of an advantage as far as proximity to campus and recent success, Reid feels like he’s a bit more in Louisville’s wheelhouse given his high upside and need to play right away.

Reid would be a tough get, but he would be a game-changer for the Cards and Chris Mack’s best commitment to date.