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“We have some big-time players coming in. I can’t say any names yet.” Exploring U of L men’s basketball’s roster overhaul

By Spencer Laws

After fans endured one of the worst seasons in Louisville men’s basketball history, a big change was evident.

It couldn’t be the coach; even though first-year head coach Kenny Payne seemed to struggle in adjusting to the role, cutting him was not an option for athletic director Josh Heird.

With the new landscape of college basketball revolving around the Transfer Portal and NIL money, a turnaround for this program can come a lot quicker than you may think.

Six Portal Departures

It started quickly, with a total of six players hitting the portal, including both seniors — four-year player Jae’Lyn Withers and JUCO transfer Sydney Curry–, all 3 of the true freshman (Devin Ree, Kamari Lands, Fabio Basili), and sophomore Roosevelt Wheeler.