By Andrew Hornback
The University of Louisville men’s basketball team will look to replace starting forwards Earl Clark and Terrence Williams, as well as reserve guard Andre McGee, with a freshman class that was ranked 17th in the country.
Freshman forward Rakeem Buckles comes in as the highest-rated player in the class. Buckles was the No. 36 overall high school player in the country in his senior season. Buckles recorded 8 points and 5 rebounds in the Cardinals’ exhibition game against Bellarmine University, and played 15 minutes against Georgetown College in the Cards’ first exhibition.
“When I got here, I woke up everyday like, am I really in Kentucky?” Buckles said. “I’ve gotten used to it though. I just want to do my best on the court, and am glad I get to practice against some great players every day. I’ve gotten a lot better since I’ve been here.”
All-American point guard Peyton Siva, now a freshman at U of L, was ranked as one of the top five point guards coming out of high school. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound floor general averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 assists, while leading Franklin High School in Seattle, Washington to a state championship last season. Siva’s speed will help him feel at home in U of L’s offense.
“I’ve always liked the way Louisville played,” Siva said. “A big reason I came here was the offense. I feel it fits me and I love playing the fast-paced style.”
Siva led the Cards, with 9 total assists during their two exhibition games. His passing skills could be used to replace the 10 assists per game lost by the departures of Clark, McGee and Williams.
Indianapolis high school star, forward Stephan Van Treese will look to add to the Cardinals’ already deep frontcourt. Van Treese averaged 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds as a senior in high school, and was second team All-State in Indiana. Van Treese has been developing his skills at U of L, by challenging himself in practice.
“I get to go against another great big guy in practice every day, with Samardo,” said Van Treese. “It’s tough sometimes, but I know it will make me better, and help me do the things Coach has asked me: defend, rebound and hustle up and down the court.”
Former Kentucky All-State forward Richie Phares, from Scott County, will also join the Cardinal frontcourt this season. Phares helped lead Scott County to a state title as a sophomore, and averaged 18 points and 8.8 rebounds as a senior. However, he did not play in either of the Cards’ exhibition games.
Shooting guard Mike Marra, from Smithfield, Rhode Island, rounds out the freshman class. Marra shot 36 percent from 3-point territory as a high school senior, while helping Northfield Mount Hermon School to an 18-10 record. Head coach Rick Pitino has spoken highly of Marra, in regard to his ability to shoot the ball. During an earlier visit to Louisville, Marra won the dunk contest at the Kentucky Derby Festival Classic. In addition to this, many collegiate scouts have noted his high percentage mid-range shooting. Marra recorded 5 points and 6 rebounds in the Cards’ exhibition games.
“I think I was a little nervous in the first exhibition game, in front of all the fans with such high expectations for my abilities,” said Marra. “The way Coach talks about me, and how highly he talks about all the freshmen, is pretty tough for us to live up to. But, I mean, I think we are getting used to it.”
The freshmen have already seen significant playing time in the Cards’ two exhibition games. Siva recorded 8 assists against Georgetown College, and also had 9 points against Bellarmine University. Buckles added 8 points and 5 rebounds against the Knights.
Buckles, Siva, Van Treese, Phares and Marra represent the third Top 25 recruiting class the Cards have had since joining the Big East conference in 2005.
