Earlier this week, media and fans had the opportunity to hear from BYU transfer Aly Khalifa for the first time in a long time, and he provided a crucial update on his body transformation and his feelings heading into the 2025-26 season.
Khalifa is expected to be Kelsey's starting center next season after he lost over 50 pounds last year and even grew an inch. The once 6-foot-11, 300-pound center is now officially 7-foot-0 and 250 pounds entering the 2025-26 season.
This insane body transformation is not only motivational to many, but it will also lift the Louisville basketball program. Khalifa spoke about his body transformation on Wednesday and how he feels after his knee injury.
Related: Aly Khalifa just became the piece that could unlock Louisville’s entire season
Aly Khalifa revealed two key changes that could make him unstoppable at Louisville
Khalifa transferred from BYU after averaging 5.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, but sat out all of last year after a knee injury. The 7-foot center had to wait anxiously to find out if he was going to be eligible to play next season, but just a couple of weeks ago, he found out he was officially cleared.
Now, Khalifa gave the fans a crucial update on how he feels entering the 2025-26 season and revealed two significant differences from now and when he played for BYU.
"I definitely feel a lot faster than when I played at BYU," Khalifa explained at his press conference. "I lost 50 or 55 pounds, got stronger, like I said, cardio on the court, just be able to play for longer minutes without getting tired. I realized this when I first started practicing back in February with the team, and this summer obviously, just being able to scrimmage and not get as tired and play faster,"
The drastic difference in Khalifa is unbelievable. Just looking at his face, you can see how much better he looks, and the fact that his rehab went great and he is practicing at full speed is crucial for Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals.
Khalifa is going to be a big-time player next season. His passing ability with the Cardinals' sharpshooters and his ability to knock down jump shots and hook shots are the perfect fit for Louisville.
The Cardinals want the Charlotte version of Khalifa, who shot 51.1 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from beyond the arc in his sophomore season. He averaged 11.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
For Khalifa to put up similar numbers, he must stay healthy, and he explained that losing 50 pounds and gaining muscle will help him stay healthy for next season.
"Obviously, taking a lot of pain off my knees and legs, and that was my pain problem, that is why I started getting injured, because I was too heavy on my knees, and now I am very light and just feel a lot lighter and a lot better, and I am really excited."
Khalifa confirming he is much stronger and faster is crucial for Louisville's frontcourt. Khalifa's body transformation will be something fans look back on when March rolls around and think how important it was that Khalifa was ruled eligible and that he lost all that weight and got healthy.
Related: Aly Khalifa's offseason rise has Mikel Brown Jr. dropping NBA MVP comparisons
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.