4. Kasean Pryor, F
Injuries were the story of Kasean Pryor’s first year in Louisville, with a season-ending torn ACL injury occurring during the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament held during Thanksgiving weekend. The senior forward was the highly touted transfer entering Pat Kelsey’s first season due to his versatile play and size. Pryor spent the time he had prior to injury displaying these talents and entering a groove for the Cardinals just as his season ended abruptly.
Coach Kelsey was fortunate enough to persuade Pryor to return to Louisville and complete the work he started last season, both as a leader and a contributor for the Cardinals. The question is, what exactly will Pryor’s role be this season? Will he start? Will he be a high-minute bench contributor? How will his minutes coincide with the likes of Khani Rooths and J’Vonne Hadley, who both also anticipate being key contributors for this team?
Additionally, will Pryor be able to return to his former playing shape after the injury? These are all thought-provoking questions that haven’t really been answered by Kelsey or others, as Pryor has been working through his injury rehab. The non-conference should give fans plenty of insight into how Pryor’s role develops and his capabilities with the team. It will also be interesting to see Pryor’s response to a potentially new role this season.