C- Aly Khalifa
PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mikel Brown Jr | Adrian Wooley | Ryan Conwell | Kasean Pryor | Aly Khalifa |
This is the moment everyone has been waiting for: the center position. If Khalifa is available, it is reasonable to predict he will be the Cardinals' starting center next season. It is uncertain what Sananda Fru is just yet, and while his potential is extremely high, we just know more about the talented transfer from BYU.
Khalifa did not see much in his lone season with BYU, but in his two years with the Charlotte 49ers, he showcased his elite skills and earned Conference USA Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-11 transfer would not only be a massive threat in the paint but could also shoot the ball well from downtown. In his freshman season, he averaged 7.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from beyond the arc.
He then averaged 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 51.1 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from beyond the arc and splashing 48 3-pointers. He has made 97 total 3-pointers in three seasons, meaning he would space the floor out even more for this guard-heavy lineup.
Without Khalifa - Sananda Fru
PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mikel Brown Jr | Adrian Wooley | Ryan Conwell | Kasean Pryor | Sananda Fru |
If Khalifa is not available, the starting role will go to Fru. The German commit has tremendous upside and potential, as he is ranked as the 25th best recruit in the class of 2025. Fru could be the starter even if Khalifa is available next season, but if the appeal doesn't overturn the NCAA decision, then it is a lock that the spot is Fru's.
The 6-foot-11, 240-pound forward has a 7-foot-5 wingspan and is extremely athletic. He has the skills to play outside the 3-point line, drive to the rim, and finish through contact. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 66.8% from the floor, per Real GM.
He was recently named the Basketball Bundesliga's Best German Young Player. The 21-year-old now joins the elite company of past winners. Fru can dominate both sides of the floor and be the perfect James Scott replacement.
Related: Louisville basketball’s 4-star commit joins elite NBA company after top honor
The dream world is to see these two center dual it out for the starting role, but if Khalifa is ruled inelgible then Kelsey is still sitting pretty with Fru as his starting center.
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason, stay tuned.