And just like that, the Louisville Cardinals 2022 recruiting class has departed. Louisville freshmen Fabio Basili, who committed to Louisville only six and a half months ago, and Devin Ree, who likewise has been with the program less than a year, plan to enter their names in the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on Monday. Both players leave behind a team that has been under the leadership of coach Kenny Payne since March of 2022. Devin Ree was the first Cardinal player to commit to Kenny Payne.
Fabio Basili, a 6-foot-4 point guard from Orlando, Florida, was among the more highly touted freshmen in Louisville’s recruiting class last year. He was ranked as the 291st-best prospect in the country by On3 and was expected to make an impact for the Cardinals right away. However, Basili struggled to find consistent playing time in his first year with the team. In 17 games, Fabio Basili averaged just 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game.
Devin Ree, a 6-foot-8 forward from Jackson, Mississippi, also had a limited role on the team last season. Devin Ree played in just 16 games and averaged 0.9 points and 0.6 rebounds in 4.3 minutes per game. Despite his lack of playing time, Ree was known for his athleticism and potential, and many Louisville fans were hopeful that he would break out in his sophomore season.
The decision of Basili and Ree to enter the transfer portal doesn’t seem entirely their choice. On Tuesday, after Louisville’s swift exit from the ACC tournament, coach Kenny Payne made it clear there would be significant roster changes. Earlier yesterday, Kamari Lands announced his departure from the program, acknowledging it was a personal decision between himself and the school staff, as reported by On3’s Joe Tipton.
It’s unlikely Fabio Basili, Devin Ree, and Kamari Lands will be the only departures from the Louisville basketball program this offseason. Both center Sydney Curry and guard El Ellis participated in senior day, which could signify their departure from the program. However, both El Ellis and Sydney Curry have an extra year of eligibility from the COVID shortened season, so they could decide to stay another year if they so desired. The loss of El Ellis would be a significant setback for the Cardinals.
Screenshots of a conversation involving JJ Traynor were shared on social media yesterday, signifying he has not decided whether to return to the program at this point. Traynor will be a senior in the fall and has developed into a productive leader on the Cardinal’s team. His loss would be a heavy blow to the fanbase, which has grown to love his intensity and polished defense.
With the roster questions heading into the offseason, one certainty exists—this Louisville team will look drastically different in 2023-2024. Kenny Payne appears to be closing in on several transfers and 2023 prospects. It’s up to him now to get new kids on campus. Now more than ever, Kenny Payne has an opportunity to showcase his ability to recruit and build a successful basketball team. The Louisville team this fall will be Kenny Payne’s Louisville team—there will be no debating it.