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Louisville has ‘a lot to like’ according to 2024 four-star SF Jalen Shelley

By Cameron Franck

Louisville assistant coach Danny Manning, right, confers with head coach Kenny Payne during the Cards game against Syracuse Jan. 3, 2023.Louisville Vs Syracuse Basketball Jan 2023
Louisville assistant coach Danny Manning, right, confers with head coach Kenny Payne during the Cards game against Syracuse Jan. 3, 2023.Louisville Vs Syracuse Basketball Jan 2023 /
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Four-star small forward Jalen Shelley, of Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas just finished up his official visit to the University of Louisville this past weekend. Heading into the visit, On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has him committing to the Cardinals over any other program. Currently, he has a 48.5% chance to pick the University of Louisville and Head Coach Kenny Payne over any other program.

And now since his official visit has concluded, it only seems like things continue to move in the right direction.

Last season, as a member of the Prestonwood Christian Academy Lions, he helped lead them to a 26-6 record and a trip to the TAPPS state basketball tournament. A once raw and lean forward with potential is slowly turning into a quality player who is capable of playing at the Division I level.

"“There’s an immense natural talent and he’s clearly turning the corner from prospect to player.”"

According to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings, Jalen Shelley is a four-star prospect and in the Top 55 players in the Class of 2024. He would be a huge addition to the 2024 recruiting class for Kenny Payne, as TJ Robinson remains the lone commit at the moment.

When asked about the direction Head Coach Kenny Payne is taking the program, he said:

"“I really liked hearing what he has planned and the direction they are headed in. There was a lot to like…I like what they are trying to do.”"

He is still very uncommitted at this point, but with the waves that the Louisville basketball program has been making recently in the recruiting landscape, it definitely makes the program much more attractive to prospective recruits, even despite the 4-28 record last season.

Out of 15 roster spots, six people who were on the team last year won’t be on the team next year. And we are still waiting on El Ellis’ official decision on whether or not he is coming back. And with the additions of Skyy Clark, Trentyn Flowers, Dennis Evans, Kaleb Glenn, Curtis Williams Jr., and Koron Davis, this Louisville team will look vastly different next season.

There is no better time than now to be a Louisville Cardinal. And it seems Jalen Shelley is on track to become one.

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