Louisville basketball’s five most intriguing players in 2020

No.  1 – David Johnson

To me, David Johnson is the clear-cut best player on this Louisville basketball team. However, at the same time, he is also the most fascinating guy to watch heading into 2020-21.

Anyone who follows college basketball remembers Johnson’s breakout play at the start of  the conference season last year headlines by a ridiculous performance on the road at Duke.

Johnson had some serious hype entering the season, but it was put on hold before the Cardinals even played a game after he sustained a shoulder injury. Luckily, Johnson recovered quickly, but working his way into a veteran-laden lineup was a legitimate challenge- Even after his breakout performances.

Now, after the departure of some key pieces from last year, this is Johnson’s team.

The macro storyline has to be how Johnson’s performance could ultimately change the trajectory of the Louisville basketball program as a whole. A Louisville native and a Trinity high school alum, Johnson is the next in line from the 502 to come through UofL and make a jump to the league.

There are some massive names around the Louisville area that Mack and co. are going to want to keep in their back yard, and a local kid like Johnson being handed the keys and asked to lead his hometown team could go a long way towards sending a message to future local recruiting classes.

Winning on the recruiting trail starts by creating relationships and owning your territory. Johnson is the potential face of the future of Louisville basketball.