Louisville basketball will look to keep turning the corner as it enters its final nine games, and certain players will have to step up for that to happen. Louisville has gotten consistent production from its star players like Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell, however, what really dictates how good this team can be comes down to how the role players play.
Louisville has had a couple of guys step up big over the past two weeks, and that continued to be evident over the Cardinals' last three wins over Virginia Tech, SMU, and Notre Dame. Here are three hidden gems that will step up for Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals.
3. Vangelis Zougris
Vangelis Zougris has been a very interesting player for Louisville this season. Zougris was never going to be a huge rotational piece for Pat Kelsey and Louisville, but was meant to be a guy who could play some physical minutes, get a couple of rebounds, and make some hustle plays.
While he has not been outstanding by any metrics, Zougris has played some seriously physical minutes for Louisville after the new year, and that is all Pat Kelsey can ask for. Zougris's stats do not jump out at you with 2.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. However, for an undersized forward, Zougris gives Louisville some of the hustle and physical play it is looking for and needs at times.
2. Kasean Pryor
Kasean Pryor has been an interesting player for Louisville in 2026, but he looks like he is finally starting to turn the corner after his game against Notre Dame this week. Pryor had 10 points, 5 rebounds, plus an assist and a steal against Notre Dame on Wednesday, which was, without a doubt, his best game of the season so far.
Last season, Pryor was looking to be a dominant force for the Cardinals, but he got hurt with a season-ending injury before he could even get going at Louisville. If this is a message for what is to come next from Pryor, then Pat Kelsey should be very happy that Pryor is finally starting to get back to the player he was before his injury last season.
1. Khani Rooths
Khani Rooths has been one of Louisville's best players since returning from illness, playing against SMU and Notre Dame. Rooths was starting to come along in the weeks leading up to his illness, and Louisville was missing his presence in a big way.
Rooths came back from injury last Saturday against SMU and posted a 12-point and 10-rebound game against the Mustangs, while having 12 points and 12 rebounds against Notre Dame. Not only has he put up good numbers in these games, but he has also played very good physical defense and is fighting in the paint for every loose ball he can get his hands on.
Rooths will continue to grow into a bigger role on this team as he keeps playing better and putting up better stat lines. Rooths is undoubtedly Louisville's biggest gem this season, and that will continue to grow as Louisville looks to turn the corner on the season heading into March.