BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: LOUISVILLE

October 22, 2007

VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Jared Swopshire, (SF) IMG Academy Bradenton, FL.


Projected 2008-2009 Roster


Seniors: Andre McGee (PG), Terrence Williams (SF)
Juniors: Edgar Sosa (G), Jerry Smith (G), Derrick Caracter (BF), Earl Clark (G/F), Reginald Delk (G)
Sophomores: George Goode (F), Preston Knowles (G)
Freshmen: Melquan Bolding (G), Samardo Samuels (BF/C), Terrence Jennings (C), Kyle Kuric (G/F), Clarence Holloway (C), Jared Swopshire (SF)


Louisville adds another, their 5th commitment, to the incoming class of 2008 as Jared Swopshire commits while on an official visit this weekend. He was the third commitment in a week as the Florida Forward Commitments to Cardinals (Louisville Courier-Journal).


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It certainly has been a busy, busy time to follow Louisville recruiting the last several months. For the class of 2008 we have seen Rick Pitino seal commitments from Martez Walker, Jeff Withey, Melquan Bolding, Samardo Samuels, Kyle Kuric, Terrence Jennings and now Jared Swopshire. Walker and Withey subsequently de-committed, as did an early 2009 commitment, Lamont 'Mo Mo' Jones, but Rick Pitino marches on and has his sights set firmly on the big prize in the class of 2008, Tyreke Evans.

Swopshire, a 6'8, 185-pound small forward, averaged 20 points and eight rebounds a game for IMG last season. He chose the Cards over Marquette, whom he visited last weekend for their 'Marquette Madness' and Clemson. Swopshire is originally from St. Louis and will get a chance to play in Louisville this season as his IMG team will play American Christian of Aston, Pa., in the All-American Shootout on Dec. 7 at Freedom Hall.

Swopshire is a long, lanky athlete that plays very smooth. He could definitely use a little meat to his bones and become more aggressive and physical, but expect Rick Pitino to instill that in him when he arrives on campus. Coach Pitino and his trainers have done a good job taking weight off of players, now they will have to add some weight on to a player. Swopshire, because of his size and skill, has a lot of potential and as his body matures physically he could become a top wing talent in the Big East.


Swopshire joins Terrence Jennings, Kyle Kuric, Melquan Bolding and Samardo Samuels in the incoming class for 2008. Again, on paper, Rick Pitino has 'over-recruited' the class with 15 scholarships currently distributed. Rumors have come out that senior Terrence Farley could redshirt this season as he is behind David Padgett and Derrick Caracter on the depth chart this year. Farley has looked really good this Fall, but a knee injury to Juan Palacios might spell an immediate need for his services. Also, Padgett has been slowed due to injury again and Caracter can sometimes find himself in Pitino's doghouse due to weight issues. Of course, the injury to Palacios also could bring the possibility of a medical redshirt for him if his recovery lasts longer than the initial prognosis of up to six weeks.

As with any talented Louisville team, there are possibilities for early departures for the NBA. Rumors in New Jersey insist that Caracter and Earl Clark, both sophomores, will aggressively look into the 2008 NBA Draft. Strong seasons by Edgar Sosa and Terrence Williams could also have them testing the waters. Also, since Pitino has been at Louisville, players trasnferring out of the program is also a common practice with all the talent he brings in annually.

Also, Louisville might not be done yet as we head towards the early signing period, the attention will remain on Louisville's recruitment of Tyreke Evans, who is also being courted aggressively by Villanova, Memphis, Seton Hall, UConn and Texas. Many believe Louisville has been the leader for a long time and that has not changed to this point. However, until he actually signs the LOI, this recruitment is not over. We will continue to follow the potential twists and turns to the end in the Evans saga.