Kasean Pryor announced late yesterday afternoon that he would return for his final year. The former USF Bulls power forward transferred to Pat Kelsey and his Cardinals last offseason and appeared in just seven games before tearing his ACL. Pryor's return is monumental for the Cardinals' National Championship quest, as he was the Cardinals' glaring missing piece.
Louisville basketball has had a tremendous offseason, as they brought in three elite playmakers from the portal and have only lost one player. The transfer portal deadline was yesterday, meaning the Cardinals only lost guard Koren Johnson. Kelsey had a magical offseason, and it is not over, as they are in contact with a couple more players in the transfer portal.
Louisville is expected to be one of the best teams in the nation next season, and after Pryor's announcement, the team only got better.
5 Louisville Cardinals who benefit the most from Kasean Pryor returning
Pryor was on pace to be a key piece in the Cardinals rotation last year as he was trending to be an everyday starter. Louisville was searching for a forward who can space the floor and be reliable on defense, and after striking out on Nate Ament, it was clear that Pryor was Kelsey's No. 1 target.
Pryor was the Cardinals' leading rebounder during his time, and now he will play alongside some of the best shooters in college basketball. This roster is perfectly suited for a stretch forward, meaning Pryor will enhance the entire team and elevate it to the next level. Here are five players who will benefit the most from Kasean Pryor's return.
5. J' Vonne Hadley
J'Vonne Hadley is probably thrilled right now that the Cardinals are bringing back their elite power forward. Last season, after Louisville got hit by the injury bug, Hadley was shifted from a shooting guard position to the power forward position.
Louisville's 6-foot-6 guard will now look to be a key player, most likely coming off the bench and playing the small forward position. With Pryor returning, Hadley will no longer worry about playing some power forward minutes and will look to be the Cardinals' elite defender who can dominate the paint if he has to.
Hadley and Pryor will bring veteran leadership to this new Louisville team, as the two players are just a few returning players who saw meaningful minutes last season. Hadley must be happy he doesn't have to play a lot of power forward minutes and can now look to improve his skills at the small forward position and emerge as the Cardinal's dominant 3-and-D wing who can back his defender down with his big frame.
Hadley will most likely see some power forward minutes, but with Pryor returning, it is clear that his No. 1 focus will be the small forward position.
Reactions: 3 Massive reactions to J'Vonne Hadley returning to the Louisville Cardinals