CBS Sports writers Jeff Borzello, Matt Norlander, and Gary Parrish ranked the top 100 basketball players for the upcoming college basketball season. Four Cards made the list and here is what they had to say:
4. Russ Smith (Louisville)
Vitals: 6-1 | Sr. | G
Comment: Smith was the best player on the nation’s best team last season. His return to Louisville for his senior season will give the Cards a chance to repeat as national champions.
16. Montrezl Harrell (Louisville)
Vitals: 6-8 | Soph. | F
Comment: Rick Pitino told me this summer that he expects to coach Harrell for just one more season. This will be college basketball’s breakout player, most think. — GP
39. Chane Behanan (Louisville)
Vitals: 6-8 | Jr. | F
Comment: Behanan is famous for being the recruit Rick Pitino once said was his best since Jamal Mashburn. Behanan’s not that, but he is reliable within 12 feet of the hoop. He should be a double-double guy this year now that Gorgui Dieng’s 9.4 rebounds per game are gone. — MN
70. Chris Jones Louisville
Vitals: 5-10 | Jr. | G
Comment: Peyton Siva was a nice senior leader, but most think Louisville upgraded a point guard with the addition of Jones. He’s the reigning National Junior College Player of the Year. — GP