Louisville basketball recently returned to the University for summer workouts and practices. As these workouts have been underway, the fans have slowly noticed something about one of the Cardinals' key returning stars.
Khani Rooths is coming off a solid freshman campaign, during which he averaged 13.4 minutes per game, scoring 3.3 points and grabbing 3.0 rebounds. He shot a little under 40 percent from the field, but it is crucial to remember how high this kid's potential is.
The 20-year-old was a 4-star recruit in the 2024 class, and Louisville fans were expecting him to have a key role off the bench next season. It is clear after an offseason update that he will be a big-time player next season and for the rest of his collegiate career. It is reported that the small forward has had a massive growth spurt, making the once 6-foot-8 forward now have an NBA body and even more potential.
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Khani Rooths growth spurt skyrockets his potential
Rooths was a player who sparked the team off the bench last season with his energy, effort, and athleticism. He showed his age at times while on the court, but the more time he spent on the floor, the more comfortable he felt, and that was evident later in the season.
Entering his sophomore season, he has expectations to be a crucial piece off the bench and provide solid minutes in the rotation. Well, now he stands tall at 6-foot-10, 210 pounds, and the fans are now raising his potential even more.
The biggest thing that jumps out to me from the updated @LouisvilleMBB team roster is the growth of Khani Rooths. Listed last year at 6'8" 205 pounds has grown to 6'10" 210 pounds! A guy with those measurements and improving skillset is likely going to be a big favorite of NBA… pic.twitter.com/cQ0ggKOlW5
— Raashaan Myers (@raashaan) July 7, 2025
The two-inch growth spurt is a huge difference for someone with his skills and potential. For reference, Kevin Durant was 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds in college. While Rooths has a long way to go to be a player like Durant, his offseason mixtapes are going viral, and he now has the height to become a college basketball superstar.
With his growth spurt, he has developed a much smoother shot and is already showcasing the ability to run a pick and roll game with the Cardinals' 5-star guard, Brown. Rooth's ceiling is through the roof, and his growth of two inches this offseason is just another reason to be excited for the 20-year-old and the future.
He has a chance to have a breakout season and contend for the ACC Most Improved Player. With the cast around him, he should learn a lot and take a massive leap from his freshman season. He has a year under his belt and knows what it takes to be successful at this level. He has been training all offseason, and from the clips, it is clear he is growing and getting bigger.
Rooth has a chance to be Kelsey's glaring x-factor this season, and it wouldn't shock many if by the end of the season, the 6-foot-10 sophomore is playing crucial minutes and one of Kelsey's best forwards.
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For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.