Louisville basketball got a little extra star power in the gym this week, and it came from two familiar faces. J’Vonne Hadley and Ryan Conwell were back around the program as Pat Kelsey continues putting together a completely new-look roster for the 2026-27 season.
The Cardinals have already added 11 players this offseason, with LJ Wells the latest piece to arrive. Wells comes over from Northern Kentucky and gives Louisville more depth at forward. With so much turnover on the roster, Kelsey also wanted to lean on players who already understand what it means to wear the jersey.
That’s where Hadley and Conwell come in.
Both were popular figures with Louisville fans, and seeing them back in the gym drew plenty of attention. Louisville posted: "Look who's back in the gym 👀 #GoCards x @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/U38BpJkO6H"
Hadley spent his final two seasons at Louisville and was a key starter in both. Last season, he averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 56 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range.
Conwell’s lone season at Louisville was just as productive, and he led the Cardinals in scoring. The 4-star transfer from Xavier finished with averages of 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 40.8 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Both players are now teammates with the Miami Heat. Conwell was selected in the second round with the No. 37 overall pick, and Hadley joined as an undrafted free agent.
For Louisville, having those two back around the program offers more than just a nostalgic moment. The new group can take something from players who already succeeded in the system, and Kelsey’s staff gets a reminder of the culture being built in the program.
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Louisville Faces One Problem That Could Decide The SMU Game
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The bigger issue, though, is the one SMU brings at quarterback. Kevin Jennings has been a problem for Louisville in previous meetings, and Brohm made it clear the Cardinals have to do a much better job of keeping him from taking over the game again. With the Mustangs tempo, Jennings dual-threat ability and Louisville still sorting through its health, this matchup may come down to whether the Cardinals can stay disciplined long enough to make SMU play on their terms. [Read more 🡒]
Louisville Could Get A Big Boost Before Its First Real ACC Test
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Browns status matters because Louisville has already shown it can put points on the board, but the next step is doing it against a conference opponent with more on the line. The Cardinals are still early in the process of figuring out their rotation, and any added backfield help would only make that challenge easier as they head into a game that could tell them a lot about where they stand. [Read more 🡒]
Louisville Defense Faces A Major Test Against SMUs Tempo Attack
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For Louisville, the task is as much about endurance as it is execution. Ellis has pointed to the need for proper pass-rush lanes and keeping Jennings under control, whether hes working from the pocket or looking to extend plays, while the Cardinals also expect to lean on a deeper rotation as they manage the pace and the hot, muggy conditions. Its the kind of matchup that can expose one missed assignment in a hurry, which is exactly why Louisvilles defense is treating every snap like it could swing the night. [Read more 🡒]