BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: LOUISVILLE

April 10, 2007

VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Preston Knowles (G), Clark County High School


Projected 2007-2008 Roster


Seniors: Juan Palacios (F), David Padgett (F/C), Terrence Farley (C)
Juniors: Andre McGee (PG), Terrence Williams (SF)
Sophomores: Edgar Sosa (G), Jerry Smith (G), Derrick Caracter (BF), Earl Clark (G/F)
Freshmen: George Goode (F), Clarence Holloway (C), Preston Knowles (G)
2008 Commitments: Jeff Withey (C)


Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals added a third member to their 2007 recruiting class when Preston Knowles decided to make a verbal pledge to the Cardinals and the Cards Get the Clark County Star (Louisville Courier-Journal) who will sign a LOI at a 2:30 press conference on the opening day of the spring signing period.



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Preston Knowles was a virtual unknown in recruiting circles as he was not a fixture on the reputation-making AAU circuit, meaning not a lot of exposure for the 6'2 guard. Knowles averaged 21.4 PPG and 7 rebounds a game. He made 91 3-pters on the season (38.6%) as he helped his team to the 10th Region title this season. Knowles was also courted in recent weeks by Virginia Commonwealth, Louisiana State, South Alabama and Miami of Ohio. It was believed that VCU was the leader for Knowles until a visit to Louisville last weekend which netted the Kentucky native a scholarship offer from Rick Pitino. Knowles has not always had a smooth career at Clark County as he was suspended several times as a sophomore and at least one game as a senior. His high school coach, Scott Humphrey, insists Knowles is not a bad kid, just that he was hard on him to instill discipline in him to reach his potential. With a scholarship to Louisville, it looks like Knowles is on his way.

Knowles joins George Goode and Clarence Holloway in the 2007 recruiting class. Goode is one of the ideal players for the Pitino system with his length and ability to hit the 3-ball and rattle the rim with an impressive dunk. Goode will need to get stronger to battle inside in the Big East as he tips the scales at a rather slight 205 lbs currently. Goode is a player that can do just a little bit of everything and with his body filling out and using improved strength to be even more dangerous on the boards and defensively. Goode selected the Cards over Oklahoma St, Missouri, Kansas, Baylor and Marquette. Originally expected to be part of the 2005 class, Holloway did not qualify academically and opted to attend prep school after graduating from Harlan High school in Chicago. After a stay at IMG Academy, a brief flirtation with the NBA draft and his current home at Boys to Men Academy in Chicago, Holloway intends to be in Louisville next year. The 7'1 Holloway averaged 15 pts and 10 rebounds as a senior at Harlan, playing at over 300 lbs. He says his academics are in order and his current weight is closer to 275 lbs.

Since our last report, the Louisville roster has seen a change as Jonathan Huffman recently decided to transfer. Being behind Scott Padgett, Terrence Farley and Derrick Caracter for at least another year and with Clarence Holloway coming in, playing time never seemed to be in the cards for Huffman and he is looking at his options with other schools. Early 2008 commitment Martez Walker and Louisville have also parted ways.


Louisville has one scholarship remaining and we will keep following the Cards on the recruiting trail in their pursuit of filling that grant. However, at this point, it looks like their recruiting of freshmen for 2007 is done, but they definitely seem to be entertaining the thought of adding a transfer. Stay tuned...