Louisville's Returners Taking Next Steps as Leaders for Year Two Under Kenny Payne

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Following the debacle that was the 2022-23 season, Louisville men's basketball head coach Kenny Payne was very decisive when it came to flipping the roster. Not long after the book was closed on their 4-28 campaign, the Cardinals' first under Payne, he and his staff got to work on the recruiting trail, eventually signing nine newcomers for the 2023-24 season.

That being said, not everyone on the roster will be a fresh face. Four scholarship players are returning for year two under Payne: guard/forward Mike James, forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, forward J.J. Traynor and forward/center Emmanuel Okorafor. Hercy Miller is also back, but has been reverted to a walk-on.

Unlike the newcomers, these four players know what it is like to be at rock bottom. Over the course of the offseason, each of the newcomers have taken steps forward in their own unique ways in an effort to make sure Louisville does not have another season like last year.

"I'm watching the guys that were here, me set a standard, and they all have embraced it and gotten better," Payne said.

According to Payne, who spoke with the local media late last month, James appears to have taken the most noticeable and vocal of the leadership roles among the returning players. On top of that, he is continuing to improve his overall skillset to improve his efficiency.

While the 6-foot-5, 215-pound wing was Louisville's second leading scorer last season at 10.1 points per game, he only averaged 3.3 rebounds, and had an assist-to-turnover rate of 0.52.

"He has worked so hard on his ball handling, on his shooting. that I could put him all over the court now, and he'd be comfortable. I like that," Payne said. "And, his ability to lead when he's never been in a position in college to lead. Now, he's vocal now. He's dragging guys along and telling guys, 'Stay away from this, we can't do this, we got to eat right, we got to train right, go harder.' That's leadership."

As for Traynor, he has been someone who has showcased his potential on numerous occasions, putting up 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last season. However, he has struggled at times with his confidence and finding his voice throughout his career.

Over the offseason, the 6-foot-8, 190-pound forward has taken a large forward in this department. Now, he is operating physically and mentally at an energetic level, and can properly concentrate on playing the game of basketball.

"No longer am I watching him hold his head down when he misses a shot," Payne said. "I'm watching him now have the confidence to get past it. To just play basketball, knowing that his success is predicated on how he digests energy."

With Okorafor, it was always a matter of just getting acclimated to college basketball. The native of Nigeria and NBA Academy Africa joined midway through the 2022-23 season, appearing in just five game before an ankle injury shut him down.

The 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward/center has benefitted immensely from a full offseason of preparation. Plus, he gained valuable experience during his time in Canada at GLOBL JAM, averaging double figures in scoring and logging double-double for BAL Select in their finale.

"He worked hard, and this summer, he goes to Canada and he performs," Payne said. "People look at him and say, 'Wow." The people from NBA Africa say, 'Wow, he's gotten better.' I like that."

Finally, Huntley-Hatfield has made significant progress when it comes to toning his physique. After playing the entire 2022-23 season at around 15 to 20 percent body fat, Payne says that Huntley-Hatfield is now down to eight percent.

"I love that," Payne said. "That means he's understanding what I'm trying to do."

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man was Louisville's leading rebounder with 5.4 per game while also scoring 6.7 points per game, but was very inconsistent. He scored in double figures in eight of his 24 games played, but scored five points or less in 10 games.

(Photo of Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, Kenny Payne: Jamie Rhodes - USA TODAY Sports)

You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:

Facebook - @LouisvilleReport
Twitter - @UofLReport
Instagram - @louisville_report

You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter