Louisville Basketball: 2017-2018 Cardinals season preview

Louisville will finish towards the top of the ACC once again, but how will they adjust to life without star Donovan Mitchell? Who will take a step forward and replace his production?

Louisville enjoyed a strong 16-17 regular season before ultimately bowing out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to Michigan. While the Cardinals did not advance as far as anticipated, they flexed a dominant defense and had multiple players breakout.

One of those breakout players, Donovan Mitchell, improved so much in his sophomore season that he was selected in the lottery of the NBA Draft. Mitchell averaged 15.9 ppg, but scouts were most intrigued by his combination of improved three-point shooting, elite length, and top-notch athleticism. The talented 6’3 combo guard not only led Louisville offensively but also was a key cog defensively. His departure cannot be overstated.

Mitchell was not the only Cardinal in the regular rotation to leave the program. Mangok Mathiang has exhausted his eligibility after five years with Louisville. The 6’10 center averaged 7.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 1.1 bpg as a senior and provided a defensive presence inside.

Jaylen Johnson has also left the program, but he surprisingly left with eligibility remaining. Johnson averaged 8.0 ppg and 5.8 rpg as a junior and paired with Mathiang to form an imposing frontcourt.

Even though Louisville lost some key pieces from last season, the Cardinals’ replacements will be more than capable of filling the necessary voids. While Louisville’s calling card was their interior defense last season, this season they will emphasize their bevy of talented wings who bring length and versatility. The Louisville defense should be as strong as ever even though they lose three quality defenders in Mitchell, Johnson, and Mathiang.

This article will analyze Louisville’s starters, reserves, and top non-conference games. It will conclude with a team overview which will include Louisville’s projected placement nationally and in the ACC.

****Update from Editors**** This was written before the FBI investigation, so keep this in mind.