Louisville basketball has yet to earn a commitment in the 2026 cycle, but the Cardinals have recently been trending toward one of the top international stars aiming to play college basketball next season. Pat Kelsey and Louisville will likely have to try to replace Mikel Brown Jr., as the 5-star freshman is trending toward not only a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft but also a top 10 pick.
Bill Self's retirement rumors may give Pat Kelsey the recruiting redemption he needs
So, with Kelsey having to try to get a dominant ball handler and replace multiple elite guards in his backcourt, Louisville is quickly trending toward the British point guard Quinn Ellis. It is being reported that the Cardinals are one of the top teams recruiting Ellis, but Kelsey and Louisville are in a bit of a recruiting showdown with Kentucky and Duke.
Louisville basketball in the mix for elite PG Quinn Ellis
The Cardinals will lose four of their starters this offseason, including Brown, Ryan Conwell, and Isaac McKneely. So, with Kelsey having to rebuild its backcourt, it is being reported that he is going the international route and is trying to get Ellis.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound point guard is 22 years old and will turn 23 years old next week. He currently plays for Olimpia Milano in the Italian Serie A League and also plays in the EuroLeague. This past season for Olimpia Milano, the Cardinals' target averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range.
Ellis would be a huge addition to the Cardinals' backcourt if Kelsey can find a way to make him a Cardinal. He would bring experience from one of the world's best basketball leagues, and the Cardinals' backcourt would be led by Ellis and London Johnson, both from the NBA G League.
Thursday is when Louisville fans really began to buy into the Ellis buzz that the Cardinals might be the "perceived favorite" after Pat Kelsey tweeted a wink emoji.
😉
— Pat Kelsey (@patkelsey) March 26, 2026
Many thought this could be about MLB opening day because the Reds were playing, but many fans are hoping it is about Ellis. But what the growing narrative is that Louisville is in the mix for the 6-foot-5 international guard, and they are emerging as one of the favorites in the race.
Related:Â Louisville must waste no time and contact the perfect Mikel Brown Jr. replacement
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.