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Predicting Louisville Basketball’s Key Stat Leaders For 2014-15 Season

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Predicting Louisville Basketball’s Key Stat Leaders For 2014-15 Season

Louisville Cardinals
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It’s been quite a ride for the Louisville Cardinals under coach Rick Pitino. Coming off another highly successful campaign in which Louisville won 31 games and advanced to the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16, the Cardinals should again be a major player on the national stage in 2014-15. Here are five early predictions for Louisville’s statistical leaders as the season gets underway.

5. Mangok Mathiang – Blocks

Mangok Mathiang
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5. Mangok Mathiang – Blocks

Mangok Mathiang
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The native of Melbourne, Australia came off the bench for Louisville in 2013-14, averaging just 14.7 minutes per game. Even with limited playing time, the 6-foot-10 Mathiang still managed to lead the team with 51 blocks last season. Expect even more swats this season as Mathiang figures to see increased playing time during his sophomore campaign.

4. Chris Jones – Steals

Chris Jones
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4. Chris Jones – Steals

Chris Jones
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Jones returns to the mix after a strong junior season that saw the diminutive guard average 12.3 points per game offensively. Jones is also a stellar on-ball defender as his 73 steals from 2013-14 attest to. As Louisville’s most seasoned returning guard, Jones should rack up even more thefts in 2014-15.

3. Chris Jones – Assists

Chris Jones
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3. Chris Jones – Assists

Chris Jones
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Jones often played second fiddle to fellow-guard Russ Smith last year. With Smith now gone from the roster, Jones steps forward to become the Cardinals’ best playmaker in the backcourt. After posting 96 assists last season, Jones should see those numbers increase as he takes over primary ball-handling duties for Pitino and company.

2. Montrezl Harrell – Rebounds

Montrezl Harrell
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2. Montrezl Harrell – Rebounds

Montrezl Harrell
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Harrell returns to the mix after a standout sophomore season that saw the 6-foot-8 power-forward grab a team-leading 8.4 rebounds per contest in 2013-14. Physical and athletic, Harrell figures to again lead the Cardinals on the boards during the 2014-15 season.

1. Montrezl Harrell – Points

Montrezl Harrell
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1. Montrezl Harrell – Points

Montrezl Harrell
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Harrell is also a force offensively for Pitino and the Cardinals. Last season, the North Carolina native finished second on the team with a 14.0 PPG scoring average. The loss of Russ Smith should open even more doors for Harrell, who figures to become Louisville’s primary option offensive option in 2014-15.

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