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Louisville women’s basketball: Predicting the 2020-21 rotation

By Dalton Pence

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Head coach Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinals reacts against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs during the first half in the semifinals of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on March 30, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Head coach Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinals reacts against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs during the first half in the semifinals of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on March 30, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 02: Louisville Cardinals mascot is seen during an exhibition game against the USA Women’s National team at KFC YUM! Center on February 2, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 02: Louisville Cardinals mascot is seen during an exhibition game against the USA Women’s National team at KFC YUM! Center on February 2, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Like the starting lineup, the supporting cast is going be to be filled with studs. Walz will have his hands full with determining rotations and situational fits, but it’s a fantastic problem to have. Let’s take a look at some names that will make an impact.

Backcourt

Even with starting four guards, Louisville has a handful more that will contribute. Defensive specialist Mykasa Robinson will be one of the first players off the bench, as her intensity and effort are not easily matched by her opponents. Norika Konno offers a three-level scoring option that will certainly see an important role. Former Pac12 players Ahlana Smith and Kianna Smith will both see significant action too, as both have respective abilities of affecting games due to perimeter shooting, overall scoring, and facilitating.

Frontcourt

Outside of Dixon, the Cards will need their youth in the frontcourt to be able to contribute considerably. Redshirt-sophomore Molly Lockhart saw limited action last season and will likely be a rotational piece as she develops her offense in the paint. Redshirt-freshman Ramani Parker offers quality shot-blocking skills along with good length and toughness down low. Top-freshman Olivia Cochran will also be called on to contribute right away; although footwork and interior offense will need some work, her strength and talent will make her a force both on the boards and in transition.

Redshirt Candidates

It has already been announced that freshman Malea Williams will be redshirting this season, but she may not be the only one. With the crowded backcourt, Canadian standout Merissah Russell could also be redshirted in a similar fashion to Green last season. Russell is a good finisher with good dribble moves and the ability to create her own shot.

dark. Next. Where does the Louisville frontcourt rank in 2020?

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