The Louisville Cardinals 2025-26 roster will be one of the deepest in the nation. Head coach Pat Kelsey is cooking this offseason, as he will bring in one 5-star from the 2025 class, one 5-star from the transfer portal, and two 4-stars from the transfer portal. He has also convinced J'Vonne Hadley to return for his final year.
Bringing Hadley back for next season is massive for this Cardinals team. Louisville will now have a certified small forward, a 3-and-D wing, a stretch four, and a veteran leader. Hadley was a crucial piece of last year's team, and whether he comes off the bench or starts, he will also be a crucial piece for next year's team.
Hadley's return will elevate this team from National Championship contenders to favorites. Louisville is ranked in the top five in many way-too-early rankings, and after securing Hadley for another year, it will only make the Cardinals better.
5 Louisville Cardinals who benefit the most from J’Vonne Hadley returning
Hadley was on the Cardinals' historic team last year when they broke multiple program records, including the most conference wins and securing a trip to the ACC Tournament Championship game. Louisville was searching for some defense and stretch forwards, and they did just that by bringing back their elite fifth-year senior.
Hadley was the Cardinals' leading rebounder last year with 7.3 rebounds per game, and now playing next to the Cardinals' elite shooters will only help Hadley improve his game. Bringing back Hadley affects the Cardinals more than people realize, and he will be a pivotal piece on this Pat Kelsey team. Here are five players who will benefit the most from J'Vonne Hadley's return.
5. Khani Rooths
This may surprise some, but Khani Rooths will benefit tremendously from Hadley deciding to return. Yes, Rooths minutes next season might take a hit, and some are now speculating if he will hit the transfer portal, but if he decides to stay a Cardinal, he will learn a lot from Hadley. Hadley will be one of the veteran leaders on this team next season, and with Rooths being just a true freshman last season, he still has so much to learn.
Rooths was a former 4-star high school recruit and a top-40 prospect. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged just 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds last and struggled from the field as he shot just 39 percent. However, he was one of Kelsey's gritty players and was seen hustling every minute he got on the floor. Hadley didn't secure a lot of minutes early in his career, and now he will enter his fifth and final year and become a pivotal role model for Rooths.
Louisville must also consider the future, and with some key pieces leaving after the 2025-26 season, Rooths might be a crucial player on that 2026-27 roster. Rooths should learn a lot from Hadley this season, and while he might see a minute decrease or not the role he was expecting if he decides to stick around and wait for his turn and take all the information and knowledge from Hadley, then he should skyrocket his junior year.