Iowa Transfer Folgueiras Key Piece as Louisville Adds Fifth-Year Forward LJ Wells
Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey landed a major depth piece just 40 days before tip-off, as fifth-year forward LJ Wells committed to the Cardinals out of Northern Kentucky University. Wells, the namesake plaintiff in the Wells vs. NCAA eligibility case, joins a loaded frontcourt that includes Iowa transfer Alvaro Folgueiras, who starred during the Hawkeyes' Elite Eight run last season.
The 6-foot-8, 220-pound Wells averaged 15 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last season for NKU. He was named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team after posting 22.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in the conference tournament. Over his four-year Norse career, Wells scored 1,055 points and pulled down 639 rebounds.
What does the Wells vs. NCAA case mean for college athletes?
Wells is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules for Class of 2022 prospects seeking a fifth year. A Jefferson County judge granted a temporary restraining order allowing Wells, along with football player Jabari Mack and fellow transfer Seth Trimble, to compete this season. The case highlights ongoing legal battles over athlete eligibility and the NCAA's regulatory power.
How did Alvaro Folgueiras perform for Iowa last season?
Folgueiras transferred to Louisville after a breakout season with the Hawkeyes. The Spanish forward turned it on during Iowa's NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight, and he carried that momentum into Louisville's summer exhibition in the Baha Mar Hoops League. Folgueiras posted 12 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes, while fellow transfer De'Shayne Montgomery added 20 points and four rebounds. Both shot 3-of-4 from three-point range.
What does Louisville's frontcourt look like for 2026-27?
Coach Kelsey rebuilt the frontcourt entirely in the offseason. The Cardinals' portal class is ranked Top 3 nationally by most outlets, headlined by Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga. Wells adds proven scoring and rebounding to a group that already features Folgueiras and Montgomery. Louisville opens the season with an exhibition against Kansas at Phog Allen Fieldhouse on Oct. 21.
What challenges does Louisville face early this season?
The Cardinals face a brutal November and December schedule. They travel to Memphis on Nov. 15, then play three games in the Players Era tournament starting with Texas Tech, with St. John's or Oregon possible in the second round. December brings a home game against Texas in the ACC/SEC Challenge, a road trip to defending champion Michigan on Dec. 5, and a visit to rival Kentucky a week later.
Louisville has won just one NCAA Tournament game since 2017, a first-round victory over South Florida. With this roster, Kelsey faces heightened expectations to change that narrative.
John Damon is a sports contributor for Just The News Iowa.