Joe Girard – Syracuse Orange
2022-23 season stats: 16.4 ppg, 3.0 apg
Louisville Basketball fans should be very familiar with the senior guard, who played several games against them as a Syracuse player. He had 28 points on 7/18 shooting in the lone matchup against the Cardinals, which was Girard’s second-highest total this past season. His season-high was a 31-point effort in the overtime win against Richmond.
Girard has 123 starts in four years and is one of the better shooters in the transfer portal. But as a career 38% shooter from the field and some defensive issues, there are some flaws as well. Still, he’s a proven power conference performer that can play out the gate and off the ball at the two-spot as well. If he doesn’t commit to Clemson after this weekend’s visit, Louisville should take a look.
Phillip Russell – Southeast Missouri State Redhawks
2022-23 season stats: 18.1 ppg and 5.1 apg
The two-time All-OVC guard was exceptional for the NCAA Tournament Redhawks, scoring in double figures in all but one game. That includes two games of 37 points, with one including 10 assists and 15/18 shooting from the free throw line against Little Rock. Russell shot 36% from the three-point line and is an explosive 5’10 playmaker.
Russell originally started at Saint Louis so this would make him a two-time transfer and if he didn’t graduate from SEMO, could be at risk of having to sit out. But with two years left of eligibility, he’s someone the Cardinals can stash with an extra roster spot just in case he doesn’t get a waiver.