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Louisville basketball: Transfer portal update. Who’s trending to the Cardinals?

By Jake Hook

A disappointed senior Louisville guard El Ellis listens as head coach Kenny Payne talks about a play late in the second half where Louisville lost 71-54 to Virginia Tech Tuesday night at the KFC Yum Center. The Cards finished 4-26 overall, 2-17 in the ACC. Feb. 28, 2023Louisville Vs Virginia Tech Final Home Game 2023
A disappointed senior Louisville guard El Ellis listens as head coach Kenny Payne talks about a play late in the second half where Louisville lost 71-54 to Virginia Tech Tuesday night at the KFC Yum Center. The Cards finished 4-26 overall, 2-17 in the ACC. Feb. 28, 2023Louisville Vs Virginia Tech Final Home Game 2023 /
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Churchill Abass – PF/C – 6’9 – NBA Academy Africa

News broke on Thursday that Kenny Payne was no longer state side, and that sent all of Louisville Twitter into a tizzy thinking about one certain African-born big man.

For months, the staff has been linked to the tank-like Churchill Abass, but, until Thursday, there had been no solid proof of a visit or personal contact between the staff and the ferocious dunker.

That all changed this week, when it was announced that Kenny Payne has travelled to Senegal to watch Abass and 50+ other prospects at the NBA Academy Africa Showcase.

If everything goes to plan, Payne should come back stateside with a commitment announcement, or at least the knowledge that Abass will commit soon.

According to On3, Abass is currently ranked as the 77th best prospect in the class of 2023. Many Louisville fans have seen the highlights of his ferocious dunks, and that has them dreaming of the next Montrezl Harrel.

I’ve watched five full games of Abass, and I’m also excited to see what he can eventually bring to the Cards, but fans need to be aware he is still a project. An athletic beast of a project, but a project nonetheless.

Yes, it’s true Abass loves to dunk everything he can, but it’s also true that outside of ten feet from the basket he’s pretty lost.

In the five games I watched, I saw him knock down one perimeter shot (on numerous attempts), struggle with the timing of his jump, feature almost no post moves, and sometimes look lost and out of control with the ball.

But, Abass is also extremely strong, extremely athletic, loves to box out, and loves to attack the rim when he gets the ball in the paint.

I think Abass could end up being an incredible college player, but fans need to know he won’t be junior year Montrezl Harrel the first time he steps on the court.

I’d love for the staff to add him, but I’d expect him to be a 10-15 minute sub in year one that provides good energy and a physical presence off the bench.

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