The transfer portal is set to close this evening, as the one-month portal deadline is on Tuesday, April 22. The Cardinals have had a massive offseason so far, as they have secured commitments from three players within the top 20 on all recruiting websites.
Louisville basketball has only seen one player exit this offseason, Koren Johnson, who quickly left Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals after Louisville landed 5-star transfer Adrian Wooley. The Cardinals hope to keep it that way, however, with today being the deadline, some names across the country could start entering the transfer portal.
Today marks the final day for players to enter the portal, meaning all eyes will be on several key Louisville players. However, there is one player in particular that Louisville basketball fans have been anxiously awaiting, meaning this one final decision could make or break the Louisville Cardinals' championship dreams.
Louisville basketball's X-factor is final piece for National Championship quest
Kasean Pryor is the Cardinals' final piece for their 2026 National Championship quest. Pryor has hours to decide if he wants to be a Cardinal next year, as the portal will officially close this evening.
Louisville has done a tremendous job of filling their backcourt with elite playmakers and shooters, but now they need a stretch four who can shoot the ball and play elite defense. Pryor is that exact player they need, as last season, in just his seven games, he demonstrated flashes of why he is Louisville's final puzzle piece for their National Championship quest.
As the hours begin to tick away, every second favors that he will be a Cardinal next season. Louisville was anxiously waiting to see if 5-star Nate Ament would commit to Kelsey's Cardinals, but once he announced his commitment to Tennessee, it was clear that the Cardinals' new No. 1 target this offseason was to bring Pryor back.
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The 6-foot-10 power forward transferred last season from USF after averaging 13 points per game and being an elite all-around playmaker. He also averaged 7.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, demonstrating that he can be Kelsey's stretch four, as he shot 44.7 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
Kelsey has done an excellent job of building a National Championship roster, and now it is evident that with today being the transfer portal deadline, the Cardinals are just waiting to see if Pryor will return. If Pryor stays, this roster is set, and the Cardinals will need to add some depth in some areas.
However, if Pryor shockingly transfers, Louisville will have to try to snag that stretch four from the portal. All signs currently point toward Pryor staying, especially after Ament committed to the Volunteers, and Pryor would most likely be the Cardinals' starting power forward next year if he does return.
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All of the Cardinals fans are anxiously awaiting the official announcement from Pryor. Kelsey needs to work just one last miracle this offseason and secure Pryor's commitment, making this roster a legitimate contender for a National Championship.
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason, stay tuned.