Louisville basketball: Projecting the next NBA draft prospect

The University of Louisville basketball program has pumped out a ton of NBA draft picks over the years. Who is next in line?

In the spirit of today’s NBA Draft and the anticipation of former Louisville basketball star Jordan Nwora being selected, it’s worth discussing who Louisville’s next NBA draft pick is.

If Nwora is drafted tonight, the Cardinals would have had a drafted player in seven of the last eight drafts with nine total players drafted in that time period.

There may not be one obvious candidate on the team. But, there is some talent with plenty of potential to work their way into being one of the lucky 60 players selected.

What does it take to get drafted in the NBA?

While stats are an important thing to look at when evaluating talent, it’s not all about that. Players primed for the NBA need to be able to set themselves apart from their counterparts in numerous ways.

The two key ingredients from the get-go are size and athleticism. A player with above average size for the position that can be as athletic as a player much smaller than them will have eyes glued on them from an NBA draft perspective early and often.

The next thing that evaluators will likely look for is what you do that is “elite” caliber. Are you an elite shooter? Shot creator? Slasher? On-ball defender? Shot blocker?

If you have an elite trait that sets yourself apart, you are likely to be noticed very quickly by scouts.

If you have all three of above average height for the position, great athleticism, an elite trait, and you have the stats to back it up? You have set yourself a one-way ticket to being drafted.

Who possesses what it takes to get drafted on the Cards roster?

I have identified two players that are the most likely to get drafted on the Louisville basketball roster. They may not surprise you.