LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville forward Khani Rooths, one of the program's more promising young frontcourt pieces, is expected to enter the transfer portal, according to a report from 247Sports.
Rooths, who just completed his sophomore season with the Cardinals, averaged 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in a little more than 16 minutes per game, often providing energy and length off the bench while working his way into a larger role.
His departure means a near total-rebuild of the frontcourt for Pat Kelsey, after center Sananda Fru was reported to be opting for the portal late Monday. Vangelis Zougris, who started the final five games of the season in the post for Louisville, remains.
The 6-foot-8-inch forward showed flashes of development throughout the season, including a 20-point performance on opening night against South Carolina State and multiple double-doubles. He recorded a 12-point, 10-rebound effort against SMU on Jan. 31 after returning from illness, and pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds against Notre Dame on Feb. 4.
Rooths also had an 11-rebound game against Boston College and consistently impacted games on the glass, finishing the year as one of Louisville's more active rebounders per minute.
He appeared in his first collegiate game in November 2024 against Morehead State and gradually carved out a role in the rotation, including earning his first career start during the season.
Rooths' departure would mark another roster shift for coach Pat Kelsey as Louisville navigates the offseason and the evolving landscape of college basketball roster management. Rooths has two years of eligibility remaining.
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