Russ Smith, Luke Hancock and Stephan Van Treese have moved on, taking with them all their experience, all those record-setting wins, including two Final Four appearances and a national championship.

Basketball is back at the University of Louisville, with a lot of new faces at Sunday’s Red-White Scrimmage. So many of them at both ends of the court, making a printed copy of the roster almost a necessity.

They held a scrimmage at the KFC Yum! Sunday, something akin to a coming out party for players in new leadership roles and newcomers, resembling an all-star game more than a scrimmage with little defense despite the 75-72 score.

Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell

— Montrezl Harrell will again be a scoring machine but will he be better than 60% from the free throw line? Appeared lucky to hit one of three Sunday despite all the extra work on free throws during the off season. Looked like he had spent more time on three-point shots.

— Wayne Blackshear more assertive for sure, looking for more shots, aggressively going to the basket, pulling down 11 rebounds, five on the offensive end. Another new beginning for him, also changing his jersey number from No. 20 to No. 25.

— Chris Smith, trimmed down, quicker, taking charge in the closing minutes. Needing to carry over some of that enthusiasm to defense.

— Terry Rozier, the leading scorer with 25 points, could have doubled his production with better shot selection.

— Anton Gill is the guard who will create chaos when he goes in for a layup, making some of the unbelievable Russ-type.

— Anas Mahmoud, the seven-foot freshman from Cairo, mature beyond his years and experience, cool under pressure, could well be a leader before his time.

Lots of youth and growing up to do with one of the toughest schedules in the program’s history coming up. Rick Pitino will have to be patient.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.