Louisville basketball has already made some splashes in the 2027 recruiting class, with the most recent being Isaac Ellis. The Cardinals have two commitments in the 2027 class, while they only have one in the 2026 class. The Cardinals' lone commitment in the 2026 recruiting class is London Johnson, one of the first former G League players to commit and return to college basketball.
While the whole nation erupted in criticism of this move, Kelsey emphasized that there is no difference between schools getting players from international professional leagues. Well, with Louisville struggling to land commitments from the 2026 class, the Cards are back in contact with a G-League player and a former 5-star recruit.
It was reported yesterday that Louisville is one of many teams that reached out and are interested in Kyree Walker after he showed he is interested in playing college basketball next season.
Related: Louisville basketball lands elite 2026 PG from NBA G-League
Louisville basketball contacts former G-League SF
Walker is playing for the Nalaikh Bison in the Mongolian Basketball League and previously played in the NBA G League. After the 2021-2022 season, averaging just 4.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per game, Walker decided to go overseas to try to make a name for himself. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged over 17 points for Nalaikh Bison in the Mongolian Basketball League last year
However, now that the NCAA and college basketball are allowing these former G League players to play next season, he is the next former high school star who went the professional route to show interest in playing in college basketball.
Former G League standout Kyree Walker is exploring a return to college basketball and is available immediately, according to Chris Diaz. Walker has already drawn interest from a wide range of programs.
— The Basketball Tribune (@TheBBallTribune) December 18, 2025
Currently, Walker is competing in Mongolia’s top professional basketball… pic.twitter.com/rJPCDx1m70
Walker was back in the 2020 class, where he had offers from Kansas, Arkansas, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and other powerhouse programs. He was ranked as high as a 4-star recruit and No. 188 in the nation and top 25 in the small forward position.
The Cardinals are now one of 15 schools that have already reached out to the former 4-star and G League player and are in a recruiting battle with elite programs such as Texas Tech, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Michigan, and others.
It was also reported that Walker will be in Las Vegas to watch UNLV and Fresno State, so if Louisville wants to make some noise with the former 4-star, they have to act fast. With Louisville struggling in the 2026 class, aside from 5-star Bruce Branch, the program hasn't generated much noise in recruitment recently. Adding a player like Walker to join Johnson would make it a unique but experienced 2026 recruiting class.
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.