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Predicting the starters in Louisville’s first exhibition game

By Caleb Hall

An image of Kenny Payne is seen on the giant scorers screen before the Cards take on visiting Western Kentucky. Payne finally got his first win as head coach for Louisville as the Cards fight to beat WKU 94-83 at the Yum! Center in downtown Louisville Wednesday night. Dec. 14, 2022Louisville Men Vs Western Kentucky Basketball 2022
An image of Kenny Payne is seen on the giant scorers screen before the Cards take on visiting Western Kentucky. Payne finally got his first win as head coach for Louisville as the Cards fight to beat WKU 94-83 at the Yum! Center in downtown Louisville Wednesday night. Dec. 14, 2022Louisville Men Vs Western Kentucky Basketball 2022 /
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Louisville guard Skyy Clark drives against teammate Tre White during the Red-White scrimmage game at the KFC Yum! Center Oct. 11, 2023.
Louisville guard Skyy Clark drives against teammate Tre White during the Red-White scrimmage game at the KFC Yum! Center Oct. 11, 2023. /

Predicting Payne’s starting guards for Louisville

Point Guard: Skyy Clark, Sophomore Transfer

Skyy Clark was arguably Kenny Payne’s biggest pick up this offseason, and he should likely start for Louisville in the first exhibition game. In Louisville’s red and white scrimmage game he had 11 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals, in the 32 minute scrimmage. Clark is one of the two labeled point guards on the roster along with Ty-Laur Johnson, and he should look to get the bulk of the minutes for that position.

Clark is a talented player and didn’t fit well in the Illinois system he played in a year ago. Hopefully he can find more success with Payne and the Cardinals this season. Starting with his first exhibition game with Louisville against Simmons College.

Shooting Guard: Mike James, Redshirt Sophomore

Mike James was one of Louisville’s brightest spots last season, and he looks to continue that streak this season as he should look to start for Payne’s Cardinals. In the red & white scrimmage James scored 12 points and looked deadly shooting the ball, just as he did last season. Last season for Louisville James averaged around 10 points and 3 rebounds, while shooting 35.7% from three and 45.3% overall. James was able to score and even create offense for himself last year, and he looks to continue to be a big part of this Louisville offense come this season as well.

Koron Davis will likely back up James at the SG spot, and although Davis is a good rotational piece, James will definitely start over him. Look for James to bring some sharp offensive focus to the exhibition game tonight.

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