NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact freshmen classes for 2022-23 season

Montverde Academy's Dariq Whitehead (0) reacts after forcing a turnover during the second half of the GEICO Nationals quarterfinal between AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) and Montverde Academy (Fla.), Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.Montverde Academy defeated AZ Compass Prep 72-63.GEICO Nationals 2022: AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) vs. Montverde Academy (Fla.), March 31, 2022 /

6 of 25

NCAA Basketball Louisville Cardinals guard David Johnson Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Louisville Cardinals

New head coach Kenny Payne was able to keep the commitments of a pair of four-star prospects in Devin Ree and Kamari Lands, both of whom are true small forwards and wings. Lands is 6’8 and 200 pounds and are known for his versatility and shooting skills from the perimeter. He can create his own offense and has a good jumpshot as well.

Ree is a quality scorer as well as a 6’7 wing, capable of shooting and slashing to the basket with ease. He may not be as versatile an offensive player as Lands but is a good defender and has the potential of leading Louisville in scoring in either his first or second year with the program.

Louisville didn’t add a single scholarship guard this offseason, leaving just El Ellis in the backcourt. So automatically, look for Lands to play a lot at the shooting guard position. He has the potential to do so due to his versatility and if Ree can handle the wing, could actually solve the potential logjam at wing. In fact, don’t be shocked if Lands ends up running the offense when Ellis is on the bench.

For the Cardinals’ sake, they’ll need both Lands and Ree to be effective freshmen out the gate. If not, things could get bad for the team next season.

Home/NCAA Basketball News