2011 College Basketball Recruiting Report: Louisville Cardinals

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Louisville Cardinals had an inconsistent season last year. They lost to teams that they were suppose to beat easily, and beat teams they weren't suppose to beat. But overall, the season ended on a bad note with a loss to Cal in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Their four seniors left and Samardo Samuels went to the NBA, leaving the Cardinals at a point where they are going to have to prove themselves.

It's definitely not an unachievable feat with a coach like Rick Pitino. Not to mention, they are equipped with McDonald's All-American Peyton Siva, Rakeem Buckles, and KyleKuric .

But the 2011 recruits are going to be very important. After this season the Cardinals hold a chance to further improve their roster instead of losing players to graduation or the draft.

Here is a look at the 2011 recruits that have committed or are considering Louisville.

Verbal Agreements

G Wayne Blackshear 6'5''

One thing that sets Blackshear apart from other recruits is his ability to stretch the defense. At 6'5" he has the ability to shoot lights out. He is also a very good slashing guard. He makes the precise cuts to the rim and finishes strong when he gets there. He will have the ability to crack the starting lineup once he reaches Louisville with his style of play.

F Ryan Taylor 6'5''

Taylor has one of those inside-out games that you have to respect. He was once considered a 6'5" power forward, but transformed into a dominant wing threat. He has equipped himself with a shot and his intensity cannot be taught.

C Zach Price 6'10''

Price has an NCAA-ready frame. At 6'10", 230 pounds, he can be a great post presence. He is a great rebounder with excellent box-out skills, and has a great effect on defense. With Price, Louisville has a great post presence they haven't seen in a while.

Considering

*F Quincy Miller

Miller is definitely not out of sight at Louisville. His best friend Deuce Bello has heavy interest in the program. But it's going to take a lot more than Bello to lure Miller away from Kentucky.

*G Nick Johnson

Johnson has interest in the University of Louisville. This isn't a long shot; he could be sporting red and white in 2011-12.

*F Jakarr Sampson

Sampson listed his five favorites last month, and Louisville was among them.

G Jabarie Hinds

Hinds is very high on West Virginia, but he spoke to a lot of Louisville officials about the offer. It's not a long shot. Louisville is still in contention.

F Mike Shaw

Shaw has interest in Louisville but when he listed his favorites, the Cardinals weren't amongst them.

*G Deuce Bello

Bello reports that he has high interest in the Louisville program. If he commits he could bring in his best friend Quincy Miller.

F Chane Behanan

Behanan has a lot of interest in the Kentucky program. In fact, he is reported to be waiting for the recruiting letters from their program.

G Angel Nunez

Nunez enjoyed his Syracuse visit a lot!

G Kedren Johnson

Johnson had Louisville and Tennessee as his favorites. However, once he lowered his list to four, neither was among them.