And now, the summer hiatus -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 NOW THAT THE BALLS HAVE STOPPED BOUNCING

And, so, we now go into the time of year at Cardinal Couple, where there are no events to follow at the UofL campus, no scores to report and no games to cover. 

It is a time of year when we reflect on the upcoming season and what we think we happen with the fall sports. We are also likely to cover how some of the Cardinals women's athletes that are in the "pros" are doing with their particular teams and any changes that may occur in player personnel on the various UofL women's sports squad rosters. 

Obviously , we will keep out eyes open for transfers, both in and out of the program. Since I tend to follow women's basketball very close and am our designated courtside reporter for all home games, let start with Jeff Walz's program

Transfers out, so far, from the squad are Isela Arenas, Eseosa Imafidon and Nyla Harris. Arenas went to Auburn, Harris to UNC and we don't have an update on where Imafidon went. Losing Harris is the biggest blow to the squad. She averaged 8.6 points per game and started 23 times for the Cards last season, She played three seasons for Louisville. 

Transfer in...the Cards WBB squad has Reyna Scott, previously with Oklahoma coming in and Skylar Jones, from Arizona. Both are guards. Scott averaged 5.3 points a game and Jones averaged 10.7. Jones is listed at 6'6" and Scott is 5'10". 

The Cards projected starters for the 2025-26 season?  Experts seem to think Imani Berry will land the point guard spot and Taj Roberts will be the starting shoot guard. Skylar Jones and Mac Randolph should battle for the "3" spot and power forward looks to have Elif Istanbulloglu slotted to start there. The big question is, who will be the center? Isla Juffermans, the Aussie, at 6'4" looks to be the prime contender for the spot, but Anaya Hardy could get a long look. Incoming freshman Grace Mbugna might weave her way into a starting or strong supporting role on the front line as well. She's 6'5" out of Danville Christian Academy and chose Louisville over Kentucky, Baylor, Duke, Florida, LSU, NCST and West Virginia.

We'll certainly report more on the WBB squad's news and notes as they occur this summer and other items that could affect the Cards WBB squad. With longtime associate coach Steph Norman leaving the staff in April to join Arizona St. WBB, we will also monitor any additions to the staff.

Stay with Cardinal Couple all season long for out unmatched coverage in women's sports. 

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

To all our mother readers out there, a Happy Mothers Day to you!! If you still have a mother, please wish her a Happy Mothers Day and do something special for her. You never really miss them until they are gone. I think of my late mother daily and wish I could tell her the things I forgot to say, or didn't say enough... while she was still living. 

Remember...A mother's hug lasts long after she lets go. 

paulie