After entering the transfer portal three weeks ago, J’Vonne Hadley has decided to transfer to Louisville for his final year of college basketball.
The two-year starter was a hot commodity on the transfer market. The senior from St. Paul, Minnesota was being courted by both Iowa State and Michigan State, both legit contenders in the Big 12 and Big Ten, respectively. He surprised both, however, when he went with Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals.
The Cardinals are in the midst of a total rebuild. Kenny Payne was just fired after winning 12 games in two seasons (!) and replaced him with College of Charleston’s head coach. Every single scholarship player on Lousville entered the portal, so Kelsey has been very busy recruiting experienced players.
So far, Kelsey brought over two Charleston starters in veteran guard Reyne Smith and 6’11 freshman James Scott. He also recruited James Madison star Terrence Edwards, Jr., who was one of the most highly coveted players in the portal. Now Hadley figures to be a glue guy whose defense, rebounding and selfless play make everyone around him better.
As for the Buffs, Tad Boyle and staff have lost nearly the entire rotation from last season. KJ Simpson entered the draft and signed with an agent. Tristan da Silva and Cody Williams are expected to enter the draft. Eddie Lampkin Jr. went to Syracuse and Hadley is off to Louisville. Luke O’Brien is also graduating and transferring, but he hasn’t announced yet.
Colorado hasn’t landed anyone yet, but they’re recruiting mostly experienced players who could start right away. Two players visited last week: Trevor Baskin from Colorado Mesa and Andrej Jakimovski from Washington State. (If you don’t know Baskin, please watch him because he’s legit.) CU is also recruiting centers and guards, but it’s unclear exactly who at this point.
