Following an eventful 2024-25 season, Louisville basketball enters a new era under head coach
Pat Kelsey with a roster built on versatility, experience, and high-level talent. The Cardinals have
combined seasoned transfers and emerging young stars to create one of the most balanced
and dynamic groups in the ACC. The Cards open up the pre-season tonight vs #19 Kansas at 730 pm on the ACC Network.
RETURNING GUYS
J’Vonne Hadley
● Position: Guard / Wing
● 2024-25 Season Stats: 35 games, 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds per game, 51.8% FG,
38.1% 3PT.
● Accolades & Impact: Started all 35 games last season, led the team in rebounding, and
notched seven double-doubles.
Hadley enters as a seasoned two-way contributor: a guard/wing who can rebound, shoot from
deep, defend multiple positions, and bring veteran leadership that cannot be overlooked.
(Click Read More for all of the previews)
Read more: 2025-26 Louisville Men’s Basketball PreviewKasean Pryor
● Position: Forward / Center
● 2024-25 Season Stats: 7 games (before season-ending ACL tear), averaged 12.0
points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 36.8% FG.
Though his season was cut short by injury, Pryor came in with proven multi-level scoring ability,
a 6-10 frame and the versatility to play inside/out. He is expected to return from his ACL tear
and resume his role as a key front-court piece even though his official return date hasn’t been
set.
Aly Khalifa
● Position: Center / Forward
● 2024-25 Season Status: Redshirted (rehabbing knee injury).
● Accolades & Impact: At BYU he averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists, and
was among the nation’s top big men in assist-to-turnover ratio. Khalifa brings a rare
combination of size & passing ability for the interior.
Kobe Rodgers
● Previous Stats: At College of Charleston (2023-24) averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds,
2.2 assists, shot 50% FG and 45% 3PT.
● 2024-25 Season : Redshirted while rehabbing a knee injury.
Rodgers is a proven shooter and defender who followed Coach Kelsey from CoC and
with the redshirt year behind him, he arrives ready to contribute as a reliable two-way
guard capable of spacing the floor and locking up defensively.
Khani Rooths
● Position: Forward
● 2024-25 Season Stats : In his true freshman season at University of Louisville, Rooths
appeared in all 35 games, averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 13.4
minutes per contest.
Rooths is in line for a major sophomore season leap. He offers the type of forward who
can defend multiple positions, finish at the rim, and grow into a more complete offensive
threat. One thing he really has focused on this summer was his catch and shoot three, a
skill that will unlock a new level to his game.
INCOMING TRANSFERS
Ryan Conwell — Indiana St., USF, Xavier
● Position: Guard
● 2024-25 Season Stats : As a guard at Xavier University in 2024-25, he averaged 16.5
points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, and shot 41.3% from three-point range.
● Accolades: Third Team All-Big East
Conwell brings multiple years of Division I experience and consistent scoring—especially
from deep. He fits as an upperclassman guard who can step into a major offensive role
immediately. With his veteran status and shooting ability, he gives the roster a reliable option in
high-leverage back-court minutes. The Senior was also nominated as Preseason First Team
All-ACC, alongside Freshman Mikel Brown Jr.
Isaac McKneely — Virginia
● Position: Guard
● 2024-25 Season Stats & Accomplishments: While at University of Virginia, McKneely
averaged 14.4 points per game, shot 42.1% from three-point range (led the ACC) and
started all 32 games.
● Accolades: All-ACC Honorable Mention
McKneely is a proven sniper from distance with good size for a guard (6’4”). He adds elite-level
shooting, high IQ, and depth in the guard rotation. Isaac is sure to follow Reyne Smith as one of
the most lethal shooters in Louisville MBB history.
Adrian Wooley — Kennesaw State
● Position: Guard
● 2024-25 Season Stats : During his freshman year at Kennesaw State University, Wooley
averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting
42.2% from three.
● Accolades: Conference USA Freshman of the Year and First Team All-CUSA.
Wooley is an ascending guard with scoring versatility, playmaking ability, and defensive
instincts. Joining Louisville, he will be a high-impact contributor who can create his own shot,
facilitate, and defend. He fits well into a rotation that values guard-driven offense and back-court
depth.
INCOMING RECUITS: Mikel Brown Jr.
— 5 star, #6 Overall In 2025 Class
● Position: Point Guard
● Accolades : McDonald’s All-American, Nike Hoop Summit standout, Preseason First
Team All-ACC.
Brown enters as one of the top guards in the nation, known for his high-level decision-making
and shooting touch. At the McDonald’s All-American Game, he posted 6 points and a game-high
5 assists with only one turnover, also taking home the 3-Point Contest title. He followed that
performance with 17 points in the Nike Hoop Summit for Team USA.
Brown’s combination of poise, shot creation, and playmaking makes him an immediate impact
candidate — a floor general who can lead from day one.
Sananda Fru — #25 Overall, #1 International Power Forward
● Position: Power Forward, Center
Fru brings international polish and pro experience to the frontcourt. In Germany’s BBL
Quarterfinals, he delivered a dominant performance with 21 points (7/9 FG), 15 rebounds, and 4
blocks. His combination of strength, mobility, and touch around the rim makes him a modern two-way
big who can impact the game on both ends. Fru will make an immediate impact as an interior
anchor.
Mouhamed Camara — NBA Africa Prospect
● Position: Forward
Camara joins the program from NBA Africa as a high-upside defensive prospect. Known for his
energy, rim protection, and athleticism, he projects as a long-term development piece. While his
offensive game remains raw, his defensive instincts and physical tools give him the potential to
become an impact rotation player over time.
Camara seems to be a foundation piece for the future and a player who will grow significantly in
the next few years.
Vangelis Zougris — International Big
● Position: Power Forward / Center
● Accolades: Two-time FIBA U20A All-Tournament selection
Zougris arrives with valuable professional experience from Greece’s top division — the same
league that produced stars and even hosted Rick Pitino’s Panathinaikos stint. His exposure to
intense road environments in Europe means he’ll be unfazed by hostile college atmospheres.
A versatile big with toughness and skill, Zougris adds a mature, battle-tested presence to the
roster and will provide dependable minutes right away.
