Louisville's overlooked 4-star is already forming a deadly duo with Mikel Brown Jr.

The 2025-26 season is tipping off in about four months from now, and the Louisville basketball fans are anticipating the debut of their historic 5-star commitment, Mikel Brown Jr. The 5-star phenom committed back in early January 2025, and is the second highest rated commitment in program history.

While Brown is set to guide the team's ship next season and be the face of the program, Louisville fans are also excited for some of the Cardinals' key returners. Many fans are bringing up J'Vonne Hadley and Kasean Pryor, but a name that has flown so far under the radar is 4-star commit from the class of 2024, Khani Rooths.

Rooths has the potential to be a crucial piece off the bench for Louisville, and some believe he could even start at the end of the season. Well, with the summer practices underway, the Cards' key returner is quickly forming an elite duo with the Cardinals' 5-star commitment, and this duo has the potential to take over the ACC and the nation.

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Rooths and Brown have the potential to be an elite dynamic duo

Rooths is coming off a solid freshman season, but looks to take a massive leap in his sophomore campaign. The 4-star averaged just 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds, while shooting 39.3 percent from the field in 13.4 minutes per game. However, his role skyrocketed towards the end of the season, and Kelsey was praising the freshman for his effort and improvements.

The once 6-foot-8 205-pound forward is now 6-foot-10, 210 pounds, and is showcasing drastic improvements in his summer workouts. Rooths is the Cardinals' secret weapon, and with him growing two inches this offseason, and developing a jump shot and his playmaking abilities, it is clear that he and Brown are poised to be an elite duo.

A video surfaced on the internet earlier this summer, showing the two working out and growing chemistry. The video shows them running pick-and-rolls and pick-and-pops, and also Rooths' jump shot looking much smoother. Brown displays his elite athleticism, slamming multiple dunks.

Rooths is seen dribbling around cones, using hesitation moves, and developing his ability to dribble effectively. The increase in Rooth's height is a massive conversation, as he now has the potential to be an NBA-caliber player.

The video shows great potential for this duo. If Rooths can be a reliable forward to screen for Brown and pop to the corner or wing and knockdown jumpers, then this duo can take over the league.

With Rooths growing two inches and developing his jump shot, as well as creating chemistry with Brown, the potential exists to be a candidate for Most Improved Player in the ACC. The truth of reality is that Rooths most likely won't get a spot on the starting rotation, but he has the full capability to be a crucial piece off the bench.

The Cardinals saw last season how important depth is, and with Rooths coming off the bench and the improvements he is showing in offseason workouts, it is clear this team has a legitimate path to an NCAA Title. If Louisville wants to win its first NCAA Title since 2013, then Rooths must continue to develop that jumpshot and must continue to grow this chemistry with Brown to keep the floor spaced.

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For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason, stay tuned.