Louisville Basketball: 8 potential guard options after not landing Emoni Bates

Javohn Garcia – UMass Minutemen

2021-22 stats: 6.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.0 apg

The 6’2 guard had more playing time as a freshman, averaging 10.4 ppg in 26 mpg and 10 starts. He had a strong stretch in the middle of the season that included 29 points combined against Saint Louis. But a new coaching change and roster turnover saw Garcia enter the portal later in the offseason.

There’s a chance that the ACC is too high a level for Garcia but he can score in a variety of ways and as an off-guard would be a fine option at the two-spot. The question would be if his lack of size would be a problem on the other end.

CJ Kelly – UMass, Albany, Norfolk State

2021-22 stats: 10.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 apg

The 6’5 guard had a strong start to last season as a starter, including 24 points against Rutgers and five other games with 15+ points. But as expected, his production slid once he went to the bench. But Kelly showed that he can produce offensively and can be an impactful player for a team like Louisville.

Kelly has good size and is a capable, albeit streaky three-point shooter. He hails from Long Island and could be looking somewhere to start and have a sizeable role but the Cardinals would be a solid fit if he wanted to play at the high-major level and still be part of the rotation.