Another huge domino in the transfer portal just dropped. After Bryce Hopkins announced his decision to commit to St. John’s, a more dynamic transfer has announced his own decision. Kennesaw State star freshman Adrian Wooley announced that he is committing to Louisville to play for ACC coach of the year Pat Kelsey. Despite playing for Kennesaw State, Wooley was ranked third among transfers according to 247sports.com. He put up incredible numbers as a freshman, so his potential will be through the roof. What can Wooley bring to the Cardinals after their incredible turnaround season? Will he be able to keep Louisville on the top of the ACC?
Kennesaw State Star Adrian Wooley to Transfer to ACC Powerhouse Louisville
Who is Adrian Wooley?
Despite his elite ranking in the transfer portal, many people have probably never heard of Adrian Wooley. In his freshman year, Wooley averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the Owls. He also brought intense defensive pressure, averaging 1.4 steals per game. Wooley may have even won Player of the Year in Conference USA if it weren’t for the incredible breakout season from Jacksonville State transfer Jaron Pierre Jr. Wooley proved his ability to score and stuff the stat sheet.
Some players struggle with efficiency at such a high volume of scoring, especially as a freshman, but Wooley defied the odds. He shot 51.2% from the field and an elite 42.2% from three. As the main focus on the Owls, Wooley managed to break through all the attention and put together one of the most efficient seasons for a high-scoring guard in the country. Wooley will bring elite play to Louisville.
How does he affect Louisville?
Louisville put together a shocking season in the weak ACC. Under first-year coach Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals won 27 games and made the NCAA Tournament after winning only 11 games in the previous two seasons combined. There was one problem with their roster: they were mostly seniors. Chucky Hepburn took over control of the team, but he and several other stars on the team were seniors. It was a great one-year run. However, would that matter if Kelsey couldn’t bring in the talent to keep this up?
Wooley solves multiple problems. First, he solves the roster hole at guard. Wooley will come in and play immediately for the Cardinals. He may take over Hepburn’s role as the superstar of the team. However, he solves another problem with his age. As a freshman, Louisville could have Wooley for three years if he chooses. If he is successful for the Cardinals, it wouldn’t make sense for him to leave for any place other than the NBA draft. He may not stay longer than a year, but unlike most of the transfers from last year, Wooley has the chance to stay around for a while.
Can Louisville Stay Atop the ACC?
Duke currently controls the conference and has a good chance to win the national championship this weekend in San Antonio. However, the second tier of ACC teams were Clemson and Louisville. They both finished 18-2 in the ACC and looked strong until losses in the NCAA Tournament. Pat Kelsey is an elite coach, but he needs the talent to compete. The ACC has several reasons for optimism moving forward, and Wooley is the next piece to that story. Louisville needs to fill the roster around him, but Wooley has the potential to lift Louisville to the next level. If Kelsey can bring in a few more top recruits, don’t be surprised to see Wooley and company leading Louisville to another ACC championship game and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Photo credit: © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
