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.
.@LouisvilleWBB's @CoachJeffWalz reflects on what it was like to see @KonnoNorikaReek's family in attendance last night for the Cards' game against Syracuse. –> https://t.co/LyLcuuihnC pic.twitter.com/kI1n8n7Iva
— Andrew Chernoff – WISH-TV (@ADChernoff) December 30, 2022
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.
“I found a home here because of my teammates, coaches and fans.”
We’re proud to be your home, @KonnoNorikaReek❣️#GoCards pic.twitter.com/GF2bmejvpE
— Louisville Women’s Basketball (@LouisvilleWBB) February 25, 2023
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?
