Breaking News: Louisville Cardinals Basketball picks up Commitment From Best 5-star Shooting Guard Jordan Smith JR. on Monday, Who breaks down his decision. “Their fan base are crazy. It was packed, they literally gave me goosebumps of how supportive they are of the Cards”
The Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball program secured a massive recruiting victory on Monday, landing the commitment of Jordan Smith Jr., the nation’s top-rated five-star shooting guard. This monumental pledge signals a bright future for the Cardinals under the leadership of head coach Pat Kelsey, who has revitalized the program in his first season at the helm.
A Program-Changing Commitment
Jordan Smith Jr., widely considered the best shooting guard in the 2025 class, made his decision public after an official visit to Louisville that left a lasting impression. The electrifying guard cited the passionate Cardinals fan base as a key factor in his choice.
“Their fan base is crazy. It was packed; they literally gave me goosebumps with how supportive they are of the Cards,” Smith Jr. said after attending a Louisville home game. The atmosphere at the KFC Yum! Center, filled with die-hard fans rallying behind the team, played a major role in convincing the talented prospect that Louisville was the right place for him.
For Louisville, this commitment is a statement of intent. After several down years, the arrival of a player of Smith Jr.’s caliber signals that the Cardinals are once again a destination for elite talent. Known for his dynamic scoring ability, elite shooting, and playmaking skills, Smith Jr. is expected to be an immediate impact player when he arrives on campus in 2025.
Pat Kelsey’s Historic Turnaround
The commitment of Jordan Smith Jr. comes at a time when Louisville is experiencing one of its most successful seasons since joining the ACC in 2014. Under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals have turned their fortunes around, currently holding the program’s best record in ACC play since making the move to the conference.
Kelsey, who was hired in March 2024, has implemented a winning culture by bringing in experienced transfers and instilling a relentless, fast-paced style of basketball. Louisville’s success this season has put them back on the national radar, with the team climbing into the Top 25 rankings for the first time in four years.
A key part of this resurgence has been standout performances from transfer players like former Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn and Australian sharpshooter Reyne Smith. Hepburn, a veteran point guard, has provided leadership and consistent play, averaging 15.1 points and 6.4 assists per game. Smith, on the other hand, has brought an elite shooting presence, setting a program record with ten three-pointers in a single game.
With the team’s resurgence and the addition of a five-star talent like Smith Jr., Louisville’s future looks exceptionally bright. The Cardinals now have the momentum to compete at the highest level in the ACC and potentially reestablish themselves as a national powerhouse.
What’s Next for Louisville?
The commitment of Jordan Smith Jr. is just the beginning. With Kelsey at the helm, Louisville is expected to continue making waves in recruiting and build a team capable of contending for conference and national championships. Smith Jr.’s decision proves that the Cardinals are once again a destination for elite talent, and the excitement surrounding the program is only growing.
