Louisville Live Will Be Live With Men’s Basketball Visitors

Posted on by Shawn Barbour

Last year, Louisville Live was a huge event that helped cement the 2019 recruiting class by helping land a commitment from current UofL Men’s Basketball F/C Aidan Igiehon. He was the final piece of that top 10 class. This year’s Louisville Live is set to be bigger both in scale, production, and recruiting.

Players from 2020, 2021, and 2022 will also be at Louisville Live for official and unofficial visits. Louisville is already laying the foundation for the next couple of classes in addition to this coming year’s class.

Here are the visitors coming in for Louisville Live.

(Click more for list)

2020 Class

Jaemyn Brakefield

Jaemyn Brakefield
Photo Courtesy of Cassy Athena

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: PF
  • Height: 6’8 
  • Weight: 210 lbs
  • National Rank: 38
  • Position Rank: 6
  • High School: Huntington Prep
  • Hometown: Huntington, WV
  • Offers: 32, including Louisville, Auburn, Michigan, Ole Miss, Michigan State, and Kansas, among others
  • Visit: Official Visit

As first reported by Jake Weingarten, Jaemyn Brakefield has had this official visit set since August. Brakefield is a player that Coach Mack and staff have been recruiting for basically as long as they have had the Louisville job. As mentioned above, he plays at Huntington Prep and is a former teammate of Louisville freshman F Quinn Slazinski. Many people probably recognize Huntington Prep as the former school of former Louisville C Gorgui Dieng.

Brakefield is being recruited heavily by the likes of Ole Miss and Michigan. National Champion Virginia recently offered per 247sports. He is set to officially visit Michigan and Ole Miss in October. He has already unofficially visited West Virginia. I am sure that the Louisville staff hope to blow him away during Louisville Live and get his commitment before he visits the other schools mentioned.

Brakefield is a combo type of F. He has the body of a PF, but plays the game almost like a SF. He is very good ball handler and can get to the rim and finish consistently. Despite liking to hang around the perimeter, Brakefield is a good rebounder. He is a really good shooter with 3-point range. Quick for his size, Brakefield is tough to defend. He can also pass decently. He would be an excellent get and fits as a PF or can play as a SF in Mack’s 4 out, 1 in system.

Jay Scrubb

Jay Scrubb
Photo Courtesy of Garrett Ellwood/USA Basketball

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: SG
  • Height: 6’6
  • Weight: 220 lbs
  • National Rank: N/A
  • Position Rank: N/A
  • High School: JUCO (John Logan College) 
  • Hometown: Louisville, KY
  • Offers: 19, including Louisville, Memphis, Cincinnati, Alabama, and Missouri, among others. 
  • Visit: Official Visit

Jake Weingarten was the first to report Jay Scrubb would unofficially visit UofL for Louisville Live.

However, Scrubb changed his visit from an unofficial one to an official one as reported by Evan Daniels. Scrubb is a player jumped in on early in the summer and they have been after him since. It makes sense as he is a Louisville native and played at Trinity High School. He fits what they want out of a scoring wing player and obviously the hometown factor is a strong point. His 6’6 frame and 2 years of JUCO experience are also valuable commodities UofL would love to add to the roster.

This is an interesting recruitment because, as a JUCO, Scrubb is eligible for the NBA Draft next summer. It is interesting because it appears there is a strong desire on his part to go pro. However, it definitely appears that if he chooses to stay in school, Louisville is likely at the top of his list. Memphis is making a good push for Scrubb as well, but in the end, I think his recruitment comes down to Louisville or the NBA.

Scrubb is a willing and able passer, but he is at his best putting the ball in the hoop. His handles allow him to get to the rim. He has good leaping ability allowing him to be a good finisher around the rim. However, he can score in the mid-range and from 3-point range. His shot is pure and silky smooth. If Scrubb decides he wants to play Division 1 ball and chooses to do so at Louisville, it would be a big recruiting win. He can play and would provide an immediate impact recruit.

Gethro Muscadin

Gethro Muscadin
Photo Courtesy of 247sports

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: C
  • Height: 6’10
  • Weight: 215 lbs
  • National Rank: 122
  • Position Rank: 16
  • High School: Aspire Academy
  • Hometown: Louisville, KY
  • Offers: 20, including Louisville, Minnesota, Memphis, Kansas, and Texas Tech, among others
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit

Muscadin is a newer recruit that Louisville has gotten in on. Jody Demling was the first to report he would be at Louisville Live. His size, athleticism, and skill are all things Louisville likes to have in their C prospects. Some of the skills Muscadin possesses are a lot like former recruit Zach Loveday. Muscadin blew up over the summer and has begun to really receive a ton of interest from high major D1 schools. He is originally from KS. Louisville just offered Muscadin yesterday.

Memphis and Minnesota seem like strong contenders. Kansas was, but with the recent Notice of Allegations, it will be interesting to see what Muscadin does with them. Texas Tech is set to receive an official visit from  Muscadin. Muscadin already officially visited Kansas and Minnesota. This recruitment is just beginning so it will be interesting to see where Louisville sits with Muscadin after Louisville Live.

Muscadin  is very good at getting open around the rim and dunking. His length and athleticism allow his teammates to throw alley oops which he dunks with regularity. Muscadin can shoot it as well, from both the mid-range and from the three-point arc. His stroke is pretty smooth for being a big man. His athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. Muscadin fits some of the things Chris Mack likes to have his C do. However, he will definitely need to bulk up.

JJ Traynor 

JJ Traynor
Photo Courtesy of @PURE_PROSPECTS Twitter Account

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star 
  • Position: PF
  • Height: 6’8
  • Weight: 195 lbs
  • National Rank: 80
  • Position Rank: 14
  • High School: Bardstown 
  • Hometown: Bardstown, KY
  • Offers: 7, including Xavier, Missouri, Cincinnati, DePaul, Northern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, and Evansville. Significant interest from Louisville and UK
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit 

JJ Traynor is set to take an unofficial visit to Louisville Live tonight. While UofL hasn’t officially offered, they have visited this legacy recruit numerous times over the past few weeks. I’m sure an offer will likely be in the offing.

While the Cards are showing significant interest, arch rival UK is also showing quite a bit as well. There have been rumors a UK offer is imminent, but it has yet to materialize. Offers that Traynor does hold include Cincinnati, Xavier, Missouri, and Western Kentucky. Based on some crystal ball picks, Cincinnati seems like a likely destination if the Cards and Cats don’t offer. If they do, my gut feeling is it will be a battle between those two. However, with Cincinnati in on him relatively early, that relationship could win out.

Traynor is athletic, long, and really just starting to grow into his own. He is a shot blocker and has nice touch around the rim. He displays a good ability to handle the ball and has a decent mid-range jumper. Traynor is a good rebounder both offensively and defensively. I love seeing that he can block out when defensive rebounding. There is a ton of upside and potential with Traynor and I can easily see Coach Mack developing the best version of JJ Traynor.

2021 Class

Khristian Lander

Khristian Lander
Photo Courtesy of 247sports

Player Profile

  • Rating: 5 Star
  • Position: PG
  • Height: 6’1
  • Weight: 160 lbs
  • National Rank: 12
  • Position Rank: 1
  • High School: Francis Joseph Reitz
  • Hometown: Evansville, IN
  • Offers: 13 including Louisville, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, and Michigan, among others 
  • Visit: Official Visit

Khristian Lander was first reported to be visiting for Louisville Live by Jake Weingarten. Lander is a player that this UofL staff has been in on since they arrived on campus. He visited twice in the summer and fall of 2018. First, he visited on August 26th and then on October 28th. Now that he is officially visiting the Cards, it is pretty clear that Lander is a top target in 2021. It is unlikely he reclassifies, but it seems that Louisville is right near the top for Lander.

So far, this is the only official visit that Lander has scheduled. However, being that he is a 2021 prospect, you can expect that he will take all of his official visits. As it stands, Indiana, his home state school, appears to be the main competition. However, Lander is still receiving offers as he was recently offered by Tennessee. UK is also recruiting the prized 2021 prospect.

If UofL makes the impression on Khristian Lander that I expect at Louisville Live, it will likely put them way out in front of the other schools. Lander is a big time player. As you could see with his national and positional rank, he is one that I am sure many other blue bloods will come looking to poach. Lander is the complete package and truly an elite guard. He has a silky smooth jumper that he can hit off the bounce or that catch. He is an electric ball handler and athlete; quick as lightning and able to get to the rim and finish at will. He is an excellent passer and sees the floor unbelievably well. He is a potential one and done type of player. Lander is actually ranked higher than Devin Askew in the 2021 rankings and that says a lot because Askew is the real deal.

Trey Kaufman

Trey Kaufman
Photo Courtesy of Jody Demling/247sports

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: PF
  • Height: 6’8
  • Weight: 210 lbs
  • National Rank: 61
  • Position Rank: 14
  • High School: Silver Creek
  • Hometown: Sellersburg, IN
  • Offers: 7 including Louisville, Indiana, Purdue, Xavier, Evansville, Indiana State, Wichita State, and Iowa
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit

Jake Weingarten was the first to report that Trey Kaufman would visit for Louisville Live. He is a player that is has blown up a bit over this summer. Sellersburg is in the wider Kentuckiana area so Kaufman could be considered a local recruit. It is relatively early in his recruitment, so I wouldn’t expect anything from Kaufman even after Louisville Live.

It appears that the favorites for Kaufman’s services are from a trio of college basketball powers. IU, Purdue, and Louisville. With Kaufman visiting Louisville Live, it’s obvious Louisville is very strong with him. However, it remains to be seen what will happen with his recruitment since he’s just a junior.

Kaufman is an excellent prospect because he is so versatile. At 6’8, he can post up, back to the basket, and score. His jump shot is fluid and the mechanics look good. It gives him range out to the 3-point line. His ball handling and basketball IQ make him a dangerous perimeter player as well. This is one Coach Mack will definitely be recruiting heavily.

Bryce Hopkins

Bryce Hopkins
Photo Courtesy of Prep Hoops

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Height: 6’6
  • Weight: 220 lbs
  • National Rank: 71
  • Position Rank: 16
  • High School: Fenwick 
  • Hometown: Oak Park, IL
  • Offers: 11, including Louisville, Indiana, Illinois, Xavier, and Wisconsin, among others
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit 

Joe Henricksen was first to report Bryce Hopkins would visit for Louisville Live. Hopkins is a prospect Coach Mack and staff got involved with over the summer. He unofficially visited campus back on August 28th and, as is evidenced by the fact he is back again for Louisville Live, enjoyed it.

Indiana appears to be a strong competitor for Hopkins, as does Illinois and Cal. Cal is getting a junior official visit.

Hopkins, to my eye, looks like a prototypical Chris Mack player. He’s already big and strong for his age. As a PF, he’s versatile. Hopkins knows how to seal defenders on the block, play with his back to the basket, or play on the perimeter. While on the perimeter, he is a very good shooter from behind the arc and he’s a good driver off the bounce. He plays with toughness and a high motor and it shows in his tenacious rebounding. This guy is fun to watch as a rebounder. It’s no wonder UofL is showing interest here.

Zion Harmon

Zion Harmon
Photo Courtesy of USA Basketball

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: PG
  • Height: 5’10
  • Weight: 160
  • National Rank: 37
  • Position Rank: 5
  • High School: Marshall County 
  • Hometown: Benton, KY
  • Offers: 13, including Louisville, Tennessee, Kansas, LSU, and Western Kentucky, among others 
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit 

Harmon is an in-state player that visited UofL back in February 2018 when David Padgett was still interim coach. He received an offer from Coach Mack back on August 21st of this year and is now set to make an unofficial visit for Louisville Live.

While it’s pretty obvious Harmon is high on the Cards, many recruiting analysts think that if UK were to offer they would probably move to the top of his list. Being that he is a 2021 player, his recruitment is wide open, but Louisville is a school that’s firmly a contender at this point. LSU and Kansas seem to be the main competitors outside of UK.

Harmon, though not a typical Mack PG due to his size, is unbelievably talented. He can shoot it from all 3 levels, he is a maestro with the ball in his hands, he’s lightning quick, and he sees the floor and passes wonderfully. His quickness enables him to get to the rim and he has a toughness and a variety of shots yo finish over bigger opponents. His passing allows him to find open men off penetration for easy buckets. He can catch and shoot, hit step back shots, or hit mid-range pull up jumpers. There’s no wonder as to why Chris Mack is recruiting this young player and bringing him to arguably UofL’s most important recruiting event.

Malaki Branham

Malaki Branham
Photo Courtesy of Steve Helwagen, 247sports

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: CG
  • Height: 6’4
  • Weight: 175 lbs
  • National Rank: 25
  • Position Rank: 3
  • High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary
  • Hometown: Akron, OH
  • Offers: 8, including Louisville, Alabama, Kansas State, Duquesne, Xavier, Ohio State, Akron, and Iowa

Jody Demling first reported that highly ranked junior Malaki Branham would visit Louisville Live. Branham is a 2021 combo guard that Louisville already has offered. The 6’4 CG is one of 4 2021 players and one of 3 guards. He hails from the high school that produced Lebron James. It appears Louisville Live will be one of Branham’s first visits.

It seems quite early in Branham’s recruitment. While he has the 8 offers, there are quite a few schools showing some significant interest in the OH G; Michigan, Michigan State, and Maryland are among them. The fact Branham is visiting for Louisville Live seems to show that Louisville is in pretty good with him.

Branham is a power CG. He is a very physical player, able to finish through contact and able to rebound very well for his position. His court vision is good and he is a very good passer. His shot is good and he can hit from mid-range and 3-point range. His physical toughness is what really stands out. He bullys defenders and can post up smaller guards that try to defend him. It is obvious why he holds an offer from UofL and why Coach Mack likes him.

2022 Recruits

Brandon Miller

Brandon Miller
Photo Courtesy of 247sports

Player Profile

  • Rating: 5 Star
  • Position: SF
  • Height: 6’6
  • Weight: 175 lbs
  • National Rank: 11
  • Position Rank: 3
  • High School: Cane Ridge
  • Hometown: Antioch, TN
  • Offers: 1 Tennessee. Interest from Louisville, UK, Ole Miss, and Texas Tech
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit

Evan Daniels first reported sophomore Brandon Miller would visit UofL for the second annual Louisville Live event. Miller does not have a Louisville offer yet, but he is a 2022 recruit so it is not abnormal. The fact Miller is visiting UofL for Louisville Live I think speaks volumes about what Miller and the staff think of each other; it says that there is definitely a strong mutual interest.

Tennessee, his home state school, is the only school early on to have offered Brandon Miller. However, Louisville is obviously showing a ton of interest and UK is as well. After this weekend’s visit to Louisville Live, Miller is scheduled to next unofficially visit UK on October 11th. He has also visited Alabama unofficially on September 21st.

Miller is a long, lanky, athletic player. He has a silky smooth shot and can hit it off the catch and the bounce. Miller is a very willing and good passer and can get to the rim where his length allows him to finish. Miller is able to move well without the ball and get open for shots as well. While he will likely have to add strength, Miller’s skills are definitely the kinds that Mack covets. I have a feeling that if all goes well at Louisville Live, Louisville will be in Miller’s recruitment for the long haul.

Paul McMillan

Paul McMillian
Photo Courtesy of 247sports

Player Profile

  • Rating: 4 Star
  • Position: PG
  • Height: 6’1 
  • Weight: 170 lbs
  • National Rank: 34
  • Position Rank: 5
  • High School: Woodward Career Technical
  • Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
  • Offers: 2 Xavier and Cincinnati. Interest from Louisville, Purdue, and Ohio State
  • Visit: Unofficial Visit

McMillan is a 6’1 Cincinnati, OH guard that Louisville is starting to show interest in. It appears Louisville is one of the initial visits for McMillan.

It is extremely early in McMillan’s recruitment. Obviously, the two hometown schools are likely high on the list for the Cincinnati PG. However, with Louisville getting a visit, it is pretty obvious that McMillan and Louisville have a high mutual interest.

From what little I could see of McMillan, he quick, but not a  particularly bouncy PG. He is a very, very good ball handler and is able to bully his way to the rim and finish. He has a nice shot that he can hit from behind the arc or inside the arc. His ability to penetrate allows him to draw the defense and he uses that ability to find open teammates for open shots. While a good passer, McMillan is an excellent scorer. He can finish through a lot of contact and almost seems to enjoy it. He is a tough, Cincy PG and I am sure that is something Mack likes a lot about McMillan.

*”player profile” contains link to 247sports profile link. Click on it beneath player photo and it will take you directly to 247sports profile of that specific player. 

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