4. Khani Rooths
Khani Rooths got the starting nod for the Cardinals against Jackson State as J’Vonne Hadley was in concussion protocol. Hadley is considered “hopeful,” and even though he’ll be a needed addition back, Rooths has still been the man. Rooths leads the Cardinals in points and in rebounds so far in this short season, and has done so efficiently.
In the two games the Cardinals have played, Rooths averages 18 points on 61.9% shooting with 8.5 rebounds to add to his resume. The sophomore still has room for improvement as he’s only shooting 25% from beyond the arc, but he still has the confidence to shoot them.
If Rooths can have another performance like the ones he’s shown on one of the biggest stages he’ll see, Louisville will be able to compete with Kentucky. Now, if he also hits his threes, the Cardinals might blow out the blue blood program.