Louisville basketball loses freshman swingman to season-ending injury

The University of Louisville men’s basketball team suffered a blow to its depth this week.

Freshman swingman Mike James tore the Achilles tendon in his left leg during practice Wednesday and will miss the 2021-22 season.

A magnetic resonance imaging test conducted at Norton Hospital on Thursday morning confirmed the injury, the school said. The 6-foot-6 newcomer will have surgery on Friday.

“First and foremost, I feel for Mike,” U of L Coach Chris Mack said in a news release. “He’s a phenomenal young man and was poised to have a stellar freshman season. Secondly, I feel for his teammates, coaches, family and friends that have supported him daily. Lastly, I feel for Louisville fans who will miss seeing a terrific addition to our program. I have no doubt however that Mike will be back better than ever next season.”

James averaged 19.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocked shots points per game as a senior last season to lead Oak Ridge High School to a 23-3 record and the state Class 7A semifinals in Florida. The 2020-21 Orlando Sentinel boys’ basketball player of the year, he was also voted Class 7A Player of the Year in Florida by a panel of coaches and media.

James was the No. 80 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings and was considered a four-star prospect.

James is one of six newcomers for the Cardinals this season, joining one other high school prospect, two junior-college transfers and two Division I transfers.

Louisville opens its campaign with exhibition games against Kentucky State (Oct. 29) and West Georgia (Nov. 3) before starting the regular season by hosting Southern University on Nov. 9.

This story was originally published October 7, 2021 at 11:57 AM.