With the 2025-26 season soon approaching, the Field of 68 stopped by a Louisville practice and interviewed Pat Kelsey amongst a multitude of Louisville players.
They discussed the roster and its depth, the staff, their plan in the transfer portal, and more. Here are the main points from the hour-plus of interviews, with injury updates, thoughts on the roster, and more.
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When asked about the returners from his team, Pat Kelsey emphasized the importance of them coming back: “We are starting way ahead this year versus starting from scratch with the entire team last year.”
Kelsey also added that it helps to have veterans lay the foundation and provide leadership for what he looks for. The returners can also help in terms of guidance throughout practice and provide pointers for what he’s looking for.
Louisville’s transfer portal plan is to identify and act. Kelsey was complimentary of Louisville’s support from multiple channels, emphasizing the strong value of assistance and resources, which helped them in acquiring talent.
Not only did he mention the resources in terms of portal acquisition, but also the caliber of his staff. When discussing his staff, he added the following: “I feel like I have the best staff in the country.”
Jeff Goodman also added the following on the newly-promoted Executive Director of Player Personnel and Strategic Initiatives, Brian Kloman: “Nobody has more ideas than Brian Kloman.” Kelsey commented that Kloman is forward-thinking and creative, as well.
Overall, Louisville’s cohesive staff, combined with their approach/resources in the portal, allowed them to execute in the portal at a high level.
Rob Dauster brought up the point of lineup management with all of the talent Louisville has acquired. He asked Kelsey how he manages all of the talent with the variance in roles and playing time. When asked, the 2nd year coach emphasized the essence of competition and that this allows roles to be defined. He added that recruiting the right guys that prioritize winning and culture are essential to team-building, as well.
One of the major talking points of Kelsey’s discussion was Point Guard play and Mikel Brown Jr. Kelsey went on to call Louisville’s program “point guard U,” which sparked some buzz.
The Cardinals have had some quality guard run through the program, such as Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Siva, Terry Rozier, and Chucky Hepburn, to name a few, and Kelsey wants to continue a tradition of strong guard play with Mikel Brown, Jr. Going forward, it seems to be guard play will be heavily prioritized in recruiting and schematically.
A recurring theme throughout the show was how much depth this team has. Multiple players cited this team being 9-10 players deep, with multiple lineup combinations at their disposal.
When Kelsey was asked about the team’s depth, he said the following: “One of the strengths of our team is our depth.”
For instance, in the backcourt, Louisville will be flexible with having at least five guards to rotate. A multitude of them are used to playing different roles, which will also enhance their flexibility.
For example, Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely have the skillsets to play with and without the basketball. They are both capable isolation scorers, but can excel off the ball as spot-up and movement shooters. This will allow more on-ball centric players like Adrian Wooley and Brown to take on ball-handling reps. Additionally, Conwell and McKneely can take on primary creation reps, too, allowing other guards to get off the ball to conserve energy. Kobe Rodgers will be a huge asset on the defensive and was described as a great leader by Kelsey, as well.
When asked about the frontcourt, Pat Kelsey added, “I don’t think our frontcourt gets enough credit.”
In the frontcourt, Louisville will have versatility at the 5 spot, with three players being able to play that role. Additionally, each of those players has a different skill set.
Aly Khalifa will provide floor-spacing and passing, Vangelis Zougris will give them toughness and physicality, while Sananda Fru will provide rim-pressure and rim-protection. With their versatility at the 5 spot, they will have the flexibility to play a different five-man depending on the personnel they are facing.
J’Vonne Hadley and Kasean Pryor will also add value at the four with their versatility on both ends of the floor.
A big talking point of the offseason was Kasean Pryor and whether or not he would rejoin the Cardinals. After numerous offseason moves were made and awaiting further decision from the NCAA about his eligibility, the 6-foot-10 forward was able to use an additional year for the 2025-26 season through playing in the JUCO ranks previously.
Furthermore, the storyline turns to his knee and how he has progressed in rehab. When asked about his recovery, Pryor said he’s been doing 5v0 workouts, and he’s right where he’s supposed to be in terms of his recovery timeline. He has not started engaging in contact drills yet.
When asked about the recovery process and the injury itself, he said the following: “This has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.”
He mentioned the mental and physical struggles of the first six weeks of his recovery, detailing how he could barely move on his own. He’s in better spirits now and also mentioned he’s slowly ramping up his rehab process day by day. Pryor expects to be back by the first or second game.
Lastly, it was revealed that the senior could have a seventh year of eligibility if he were to decide to come back to college after the season. Pryor says he prioritizes winning and a shot at the NBA.
The momentum continues to build surrounding the incoming freshman from DME Academy (FL). Multiple players were asked about playing with Mikel Brown, Jr., and what he brings to the floor.
When Virginia transfer Isaac McKneely was asked about Mikel Brown, Jr., he gave him high praise, calling him, “One of a kind.” He also mentioned that the incoming freshman guard has put on twenty pounds of muscle and plays like a senior. Lastly, he said, “I think he will be one of the best point guards in the ACC if not the country.”
Additionally, Kasean Pryor complemented Brown’s approach, saying it’s, “Second to none.” He went on to add that he’s very mature and humble, while also being a hard worker.
