UofL WBB Senior Spotlight: Norika Konno

Name: Norkia Konno

Height: 5’10

Position: Guard

Louisville Stats: 2.6 ppg 1.2 rpg

Norika came to Louisville by way of Sendai, Japan and Card Nation has loved every second of it. Konno was a great addition to the Louisville program since she arrived. She probably hasn’t had the individual success she had hoped for, but she’s always been a team player and the teams she’s been a part of has been pretty successful.

Konno has dealt with the difficult tasks of not only a cultural difference, but learning a new language all while being a student-athlete. Norika has one of, if not the highest, basketball IQs on the team.

This season Konno’s family was able to see her play in person when the Cards faced Syracuse. Since Konno entered the starting lineup, the Cards have went 6-1. Konno’s ability to stretch the floor has been huge for the Cards; especially giving Hailey and the post players space to operate. Konno scored her career-high 12 points with a career-best 4 threes in a win over Clemson. Konno set career-highs in rebounds (8) and assists (7) in Louisville’s win over Longwood.

Before Norika’s 10 point, 8 rebound, 7 assists, 2 block, and 1 steal performance in a win against Longwood earlier this season, my favorite game was her 5 point, 6 Steal, and the 3 rebound performance in the NCAA tournament against Marist. I hope I don’t jinx her, but I believe Konno will have a triple-double before she leaves UofL.

Konno has accumulated 282 points, 118 rebounds, 104 assists, and a lifetime’s worth of smiles, cheers and high 5s. Besides, who knew Norika Konno had the dance moves she showed off at Louisville Live?

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