Projected Starting Lineup
G – Andre McGee, 5-10 Sr. (20.3 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 1.9 APG)
G – Jerry Smith, 6-1 Jr. (28.8 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG)
F – Terrence Williams, 6-6 Sr. (35.9 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG)
F – Samardo Samuels, 6-8 Fr. (5-Star Freshman Prospect)
F – Earl Clark, 6-9 Jr. (28.5 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG)

Impact Bench Players
G – Edgar Sosa, 6-1 Jr. (21.4 MPG, 7.6 PPG, 1.8 APG)
G – Reginald Delk, 6-4 Jr. (Mississippi St. Transfer)
F – Terrence Jennings, 6-10 Fr. (4-Star Freshman Prospect)

Guards
Louisville will once again go with the same backcourt starters in McGee and Smith. Neither one of them were a large part of the offense last year, but they were both very effective when they were. Both of them shot over 38% from 3 point range, and are great at forcing turnovers. Sosa was also pretty involved last year, but he needs to improve his decision making. The Cardinals also bring in Reginald Delk, who transferred after his sophomore year at Mississippi St. Delk is a very smart and athletic player who will provide good depth for the Cardinals.


Forwards
Louisville has to replace three of its quality big men as they lost seniors David Padgett and Juan Palacios, as well as Derrick Caracter. However, they do return two starting forwards in Terrence Williams and Earl Clark. Neither one of them really standout, but they’re quality players who are excellent rebounders. Freshman Samardo Samuels is a huge prospect who will give the Cardinals are big interior presence.

Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that Louisville is going to be a very dangerous team this season. They were an excellent defensive team last year, especially on the perimeter, so expect that to continue under Pitino with all the guards returning. One thing the Cardinals will have to improve on is their 3 point shooting, as they shot under 35% last season. The bottom line is that this was a top 10 team last year, and they returned a majority of the team while adding an immediate impact freshman. Plus, it seems like Williams and Clark haven’t quite hit their peak yet. Look out for Louisville. They’re going to be very good.