Louisville basketball is now at the point in the season where it is win-or-go-home. There is no more room for questions or uncertainty. One would think that the major question about Mikel Brown Jr.’s return will be answered on Wednesday when Louisville plays its first game in the ACC tournament. With him back, it not only boosts the Cards' confidence but also brings a consistent scorer back to the starting lineup.
Three crucial moves Pat Kelsey must make in the ACC Tournament for Louisville
This would obviously mean that Adrian Wooley, Brown Jr.’s replacement in the starting lineup, would have to go back to coming off the bench. However, another look at the roster could suggest that someone else should be bumped from their starter minutes. That player is transfer senior Isaac McKneely.
McKneely has had a disappointing season to say the least. The three-point specialist came to Louisville after playing three seasons at Virginia and shooting almost 42% from three during that time. He has had up-and-down moments this season, proving to be very streaky while also disappearing in big games. He is averaging just 10.8 points per game and shooting just 39% from three. Sophomore Adrian Wooley has played the majority of his minutes in the games that Brown Jr. has missed due to injury. In those games, he is averaging 8.5 points and shooting 45% from the field.
With every game being do-or-die from here on out, it is time for Pat Kelsey to make a change and spark this offense by pairing Wooley and Brown together in the starting lineup over McKneely. Here are three reasons why that makes a lot of sense after looking a little closer at the numbers.