The final scholarship spot has seemingly been filled for Coach Kelsey’s inaugural roster at the University of Louisville with Georgia transfer center Frank Anselem-Ibe. The 6-10, 215 pound senior chose the Cardinals over NC State, Wisconsin, and Georgia Tech.
Anselem began his collegiate career in the ACC at Syracuse where he started 6 of 36 games before transferring to Georgia his junior year, starting 9 of 60 games.
In four seasons, Frank Anselem is averaging a career 2.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.5 minutes of play per game.
When given the opportunity to start in the NIT this past season, FAI put up double-double against a hot Ohio State team. Frank had 10 points (5-8 FG) 10 rebounds, and a block in 27 minutes of play. The numbers aren’t anything to write home about, but Anselem-Ibe knows his role and doesn’t need the ball in his hands in order to make an impact.
One thing that is needed in Pat Kelsey’s offense is someone who thrives on the offensive boards and gets second chance opportunities; Anselem ranked in the 74th percentile in put back situations.
The most intriguing aspect of the Nigerian’s game is his defensive ability. His 7-5 wingspan and exceptional mobility allows him to truly test positions one through five.
With his quick feet, Anselem can contest guards around the perimeter while also stifling bigs in the paint, possessing a 7.9% block rate.
Frank started three of four NIT games Georgia appeared in this past season, where he more than doubled his regular season averages. Throughout the NIT, he more than doubled his regular season output with 5.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 20 minutes per game.
During the ‘23-‘24 season, Anselem averaged 9.1 minutes per game, 2.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks. Despite being eleventh on the team in minutes per game this season, he led Georgia in blocks per game and total blocks with 20 on the year.
With the intense speed of play needed in Coach Kelsey’s offense, it is important to have numerous bodies able to be rotated in and out. Anselem should be able to give valuable spurts of minutes when a more “traditional big” look is needed on the court.
Frank Anselem-Ibe becomes the TENTH senior on Pat Kesley’s first roster at Louisville, joining : Chucky Hepburn, Terrence Edwards Jr., Kasean Pryor, Reyne Smith, J’Vonne Hadley, Noah Waterman, Aly Khalifa (redshirt), Kobe Rodgers (redshirt), Aidan McCool (walk-on). Koren Johnson and James Scott are both sophomores, while top 40 player Khani Rooths is the lone freshman in the class.
Hype around the basketball program is as high as it has been in numerous years and we now wait for practices to start this summer.
