Louisville’s 2013 hoops recruiting class is one of the most anticipated groups in years and maybe ever for some.There is anticipation not only for the groups talents but for what they could potentially add to an already stacked Cardinal line-up. Louisville’s 2013 group is ranked 8th by Scout, 9th by 247Sports, 7th by Rivals and 8th by ESPN. It will feature the number one ranked Juco player in Chris Jones, a top 20 player in Terry Rozier, a top 50 guard in Anton Gill and a top 100 physical big man in Akoy Agau.
One by one the new Cardinals made it to campus to begin their new journeys. They have all got registered for classes and have started their summer workouts. The word already coming out of those workouts is about Jones being a tireless worker and how Agau showed up to campus 25 pounds lighter than when he was here for the Derby Classic.
I have said all along that I think Jones and Rozier will make the most immediate impacts this season while Agau and Gill will be great role players as they wait their turns into the rotation. Recruiting gurus have all talked very highly about this group and the Recruiting Nation hoops experts on ESPN recently discussed what 2013 class would outperform their ranking this season and Louisville topped their list.
Here’s what ESPN Recruiting Analyst Dave Telep had to say: “Even though it’s ranked No. 8, Louisville’s class has an excellent chance to outperform its ranking. The Cardinals have returning backcourt pieces and also usher in more backcourt assistance. Juco point guard Chris Jones is a tough, tough kid. Five-star post-grad point guard Terry Rozier was one of the biggest revelations this past season and could turn out to be Trey Burke reincarnated. Meanwhile, ESPN 100 shooting guard Anton Gill will carve out his niche and ESPN 100 power forward Akoy Agau gets to play apprentice for a season. Combine the pieces and you have the makings of a group that can over-deliver.”
I know I’m very excited to see how this group blends with the great players we already have and I do think this Louisville team will have something to say about the upcoming 2013-14 NCAA Championship.