Louisville basketball recently learned it missed the cut for 5-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. The Cards haven't had the best 2026 recruiting class so far, as they have yet to land any high school commitments and have only secured London Johnson from the NBA G League.
Well, just yesterday afternoon a former Louisville target decommitted and became available once again. Chris Washington Jr. committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 8 after he cut his list down to Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, Cincinnati, Villanova, and Florida A&M.
NEWS: 2026 Top-30 overall recruit Chris Washington Jr. has decommitted from Alabama, he told @Rivals.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) November 17, 2025
The 6-8 small forward is reopening his recruitment. https://t.co/wZvxoRvEt2 pic.twitter.com/tsocOIwHZp
However, more good news for the Cardinals as he reopened his recruitment, meaning Louisville could be back in the mix and try to gain some momentum for the elite recruit.
Former Louisville basketball target decommits from Alabama
Washington Jr. is an elite scorer who has emerged as one of the best players in the 2026 recruiting class. The 4-star recruit ranks as high as No. 30 in the nation and No. 9 in the small forward position. He is also ranked as the No. 1 player from Tennessee.
With the Cardinals' recent recruiting woes and striking out on Tyran Stokes, Taylen Kinney, Rippey Jr., Colben Landrew, and many others, Washington Jr.'s availability might be a huge opportunity for the Cardinals. Kelsey loves his guards, but at 6-foot-8, 185 pounds, he could be an elite small forward playing next to Adrian Wooley and Khani Rooths.
One of Washington Jr.'s dominant skills is his offense in transition. As many know, Kelsey loves his players to play fast, and when watching Washington Jr., it is hard not to imagine Louisville a great fit. The Cardinals were cut from his list in September, but with Louisville beating Kentucky, hopefully, some recruits are taking note and listening to his message from the other day about how Louisville is the place to play.
It will be challenging to earn his commitment, as he has received offers from elite programs such as Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, Villanova, Florida State, and others. The early signing period closes in just two days, so the 4-star small forward will either commit here soon or have to wait until April when it reopens.
Related: Pat Kelsey gives fiery recruiting pitch after Louisville's dominant win over Ohio
For all the latest news and updates on the Louisville basketball 2025-26 season and recruiting, stay tuned.