NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early ranking of 2022 Maui Invitational field

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: A Maui Invitational basketball on the floor during a third round Maui Invitation basketball game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Brigham Young Cougars at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Kenny Payne is introduced as the University of Louisville men’s basketball Af5i5601 /

8. Louisville Cardinals

After the Chris Mack era ended in disaster, the Louisville Cardinals are rebuilding again, this time under Kenny Payne. He should be able to get the house in order, but it probably won’t happen by the end of his first year and certainly not by November.

That’s not to say the cupboard is completely bare. Point guard El Ellis decided to come back and play under Payne. As the presumed lead guard for the Cardinals, he will have every opportunity to break out this season. Sydney Curry also returns at center and will look to build on a good final month of the year.

Payne also made a solid move in the transfer portal, reeling in Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. The forward didn’t reach his potential in Tennessee, but it’s a low-risk move to see if he can hit it in Louisville.

Frankly, the biggest focus for Louisville – at least this summer – has nothing to do with the current year’s roster. Instead, all eyes will be on the recruitment of prized prospect DJ Wagner, who is being pursued by both the Cardinals and rival Kentucky Wildcats.

Louisville will be competitive this season and competitive in this tournament because they always are. But they have the unenviable task of opening the Maui Invitational against Arkansas, which could start the program down the path of three consecutive losses in Hawaii.

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