With the Louisville Cardinals' season wrapped up, it's time to scout for talent that could propel them further next year. As the Cardinals focused on their NCAA Tournament journey, a few mid-major players caught the spotlight, and one standout could look fantastic in Louisville red.
Although Furman, a No. 15 seed, fell to No. 2 UConn with a score of 82-71 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, freshman guard Alex Wilkins put on a performance that had the Huskies on high alert. His display suggests he could be a game-changer for the Cardinals if Pat Kelsey can entice him to the Power Four level.
Wilkins, who should be on Kelsey's radar immediately, showcased his skills against top-tier competition, tying for a team-high with 21 points, along with four assists and a rebound. His sharpshooting was evident as he nailed four three-pointers out of eight attempts.
This performance wasn't an anomaly. Throughout his freshman season, Wilkins has been a revelation, leading Furman with 17.8 points and 4.7 assists per game. His shooting stats are impressive, hitting 46% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc, averaging nearly two deep shots per game.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Wilkins' combination of size and shooting ability makes him a formidable opponent, whether facing mid-major defenders or potential NBA prospects. Under Kelsey's system, Wilkins could become even more lethal.
The Transfer Portal opens on April 7, right after the national championship game, and stays open until April 21. While Wilkins hasn't announced any plans to transfer, it's likely that major programs are already eyeing him. The allure of advancing to a higher level is hard to ignore for a player of his caliber.
Kelsey's challenge will be to position Louisville as Wilkins' top choice when he decides to make his move.