After UofL’s NIT loss, UofL players were asked by a host of reporters about their futures. Though none of them provided definitive answers about their futures, they did provide some clues.
Ray Spalding and Deng Adel were 2 players that provided some definitive answers. Both players advised they are going to test the NBA waters, but did not rule out returning to school afterwards.
It would be nice if both came back. Ray would be a Player of the Year candidate and if Deng plays more like he did his sophomore year he can be a very valuable player.
VIDEO | Louisville's Ray Spalding reflects on the 2018 season and his future: https://t.co/baWTawd66w via @YouTube
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) March 21, 2018
Ray Spalding confirms that he will 'test the NBA waters' and get feedback. Identity of Coach doesn't factor into his decision 'I came to college to play basketball & and my mom wants me to get an education'
— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) March 21, 2018
Deng Adel leans toward entering his name in the NBA draft pool to get feedback. "Just to see what I have to work on." https://t.co/J1NVM7jpx4
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer_) March 21, 2018
Louisville junior Deng Adel also confirms he will test the NBA waters again this year. Says he hasn’t thought about if he’ll turn pro or not once he does workouts and goes to the combine.
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) March 21, 2018
Dewayne Sutton, a Louisville native, seemed to confirm he will be back. This is very good news as Sutton is a very versatile player and, outside of Ray Spalding, the best rebounder on the team.
Louisville redshirt sophomore forward Dwayne Sutton: "I'm planning on coming back here, for sure. I haven't had any thoughts of leaving since I got here, and I think it's going to continue to stay the same." Said he's "just going to play basketball."
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer_) March 21, 2018
Of the freshmen on the team, Darius Perry advised he’s definitely coming back. He professed his love for UofL and called it “home.” This is great news because Perry is the best on ball defender on the team and has a chance to be the best player.
Darius Perry: "Right now, this is home for me. I love it here. I love all the guys I'm around, so I don't plan to go anywhere." https://t.co/a3XSPzoovl
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer_) March 21, 2018
Darius Perry said he chose Louisville for a reason, wants to continue to play with Thomas, Malik Williams, Nwora and rest of teammates.
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) March 21, 2018
Of the other freshmen, only Malik Williams and Jordan Nwora gave some hints about their future. Both seem to be waiting to see who the coach will be. However, Nwora did add that he “loves it here” which seems to bode well.
Hopefully, UofL can keep both. Nwora has unbelievable potential as a shooter, slasher, and rebounder as a 6’8 wing. Williams is unique as a 6’10 big man with long range shooting capability. He can be a match up nightmare. He’s also shown from time to time the ability to be a very good defender.
Louisville freshman Malik Williams was noncommittal about his future just yet. Obviously wants to see who the next coach is.
Freshman Jordan Nwora said he hasn't really thought about anything past the season but did add that he "loves it here."
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer_) March 21, 2018
Sophomore VJ King appears to be waiting like Nwora and Williams to see who the coach is before making a decision.
Keeping King is vital because of his athletic and scoring ability will definitely be needed especially if Adel chooses to leave. Also, you have to figure he will likely improve especially under a new, seasoned coach. That improvement could make him an All-American. He has that type of potential.
Others: Malik Williams, Jordan Nwora, V.J. King, said they’d wait for more clarity on coaching situation and other things before making a decision. None said they had made anything like a decision to leave.
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) March 21, 2018
