Report: Louisville Forward Kamari Lands to Enter Transfer Portal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The first roster management domino for the Louisville men's basketball program has reportedly fallen.

True freshman forward Kamari Lands will be entering his name into the transfer portal, according to a report by On3's Joe Tipton. The news comes just three days following the end of the Cardinals' season, and he is the first player to enter the transfer portal this offseason.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, and teammates for all the support they have given me throughout my decision," Lands said in a statement to On3. "I would also like to thank the Louisville staff and fan base for everything they have done for me and my season here at Louisville. I have nothing but love for you guys.

"With that being said the staff and I have come to the mutual decision to part ways, and I plan on putting my name in the transfer portal to further my journey.”

Due to NCAA legislation adopted this past August, Lands cannot officially enter the portal until Monday. Players can no longer enter the portal any time they want, and have just a 60-day window starting the day after Selection Sunday to do so.

Playing in all 32 games and making six starts, the 6-foot-8, 220-pound wing demonstrated flashes of potential as a scorer and three-point shooter on multiple occasions, averaging 5.9 points per game while shooting 32.1 percent on three point attempts. That being said, he struggled with consistency, shooting only 32.6 percent from the field and averaging just 1.9 rebounds per game, while often struggling as a defender.

Lands stating that it was a mutual decision to part ways does not come as a complete surprise. Following Louisville's season-ending loss to Boston College in the ACC Tournament, first-year head coach Kenny Payne said that he would be evaluating who "deserves" to be in the Louisville jersey and return for next season.

The Indianapolis, Ind. native originally committed to former Cardinals head coach Chris Mack, and stayed true to his commitment to Louisville after Mack and UofL mutually parted ways and Payne was hired last March. He was Louisville's highest-ranked commit in the Class of 2022, coming in as the No. 69 prospect in the nation according to 247Sports.

Lands was one of the most prolific scorers in the 2022 recruiting cycle. As a senior for Phoenix (Ariz.) Hillcrest Prep, he averaged 33.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, while also shooting 55 percent from the field.

He will likely not be the last Louisville player to enter the transfer portal. The Cardinals finished their 2022-23 campaign with an overall record of just 4-28 and 2-18 in ACC play, setting the program record for most losses in a single season.

(Photo of Kamari Lands: Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports)

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