The Louisville Cardinals learned early Wednesday morning that their elite lob threat and fan favorite, James Scott, entered his name in the transfer portal before the deadline.
The transfer portal deadline was April 22 at 11:59 p.m., and even though it was announced today, players from all over the country are expected to be announced throughout Wednesday and Thursday as the paperwork takes a couple of days.
Scott was a valuable piece in head coach Pat Kelsey's historic season and emerged as one of the Cards' nation's favorite players. The high-flying power forward was one of the best dunkers in the nation, as he earned 79 dunks in his lone Louisville season. Scott's 79 dunks are the third-most in a season in Louisville basketball history.
Louisville basketball loses fan favorite 4-star center to the transfer portal
The 6-foot-11, 210-pound forward took a massive leap last season as he started in 31 games and emerged as a valuable piece for Kelsey once Kasean Pryor tore his ACL.
Scott shot an impressive 75.5 percent and averaged 7.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. The Cardinals' former elite lob threat had a massive paint presence, which will make Louisville attack the portal for someone with his caliber to protect the rim on one end and slam it home for two on the other end.
His incredible shooting percentage led the Cardinals last season, and his even more impressive shooting percentage of 78.1 percent on two-point attempts led the ACC. Scott quickly becmae a fan-favorite last season as his ability to swat shots on one end, and run the floor and get KFC Yum! Center jumping with a massive slam on the other end made him a great energy player for Kelsey.
Related: 2 Dream, 2 reach, 2 realistic targets for Louisville after Nate Ament's update
Louisville big man James Scott has entered the transfer portal, sources told ESPN. Started 31 games for the Cardinals this past season, averaged 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 23, 2025
Kelsey's forward and center depth take a hit when Scott leaves, making Kelsey attack this area in the portal. The Cardinals lose their best rim protector and dunker, with Scott departing, making Louisville attack the portal again.
Scott is the only player to leave this portal, hopefully the last. Louisville has brought in three transfers and will now look for at least one more.