Louisville Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Cardinals

Louisville basketball lost their top two players in Carlik Jones and David Johnson to the NBA, but head coach Chris Mack didn’t hesitate to look once again to a few graduate transfers to strengthen the Cardinals backcourt and offensive attack in 2021-22.

Graduate transfers Jarrod West (Marshall) and Mason Faulkner (Western Carolina) headline the Louisville basketball 2021 recruiting class. They should battle things out for the starting point guard spot but they could find themselves together on the floor given their ability to make plays and shoot the 3-ball.

The Cardinals finished 14th in ACC basketball this past season in 3-point field goal percentage (30.8 percent) and were 12th in scoring offense (68.0 ppg). With additions all over the place and three returning starters from a season ago, things should look completely different, but in a good way as Louisville basketball looks to contend for the conference title.

Big man Malik Williams returns after appearing in just three games while battling a foot injury. Jae’Lyn Withers and Dre Davis are back as well, looking to break out in the lineup with some more experienced playmakers joining the rotation.

With 10 total returners and nine newcomers, shrinking the roster should be the biggest task Coach Mack has on his hands this season. Here’s a look at the 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Louisville basketball.