As 2026 approaches, Louisville and Kentucky basketball are closing out their nonconference slates — the early stretch that tests lineups, exposes weaknesses and showcases what’s ahead. The UofL and UK men’s programs have spent the season’s opening weeks searching for rhythm, identity, health and consistency under their second-year coaches, Pat Kelsey and Mark Pope.
Meanwhile, the UofL women’s program has started the season strong, playing with confidence under longtime head coach Jeff Walz in his 19th year.
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With conference play coming up in January, these opening months have offered a glimpse at where each program stands. The Courier Journal breaks down what we’ve learned so far — the bright spots, the lingering questions, and the trends that could shape the rest of the season.
Has the ACC improved?
Louisville’s NCAA Tournament hopes ride on both its progress under Kelsey and the overall strength of the ACC that remains weaker compared to other major conferences.
Sananda Fru is becoming a force
Sananda Fru, a 6-foot-11 junior from Berlin, Germany, is emerging as a consistent and efficient post presence for Louisville, averaging 10.6 points on 78.8% shooting, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while adjusting to the new playing style under Kelsey.
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What do we need to see from UK basketball?
Kentucky has shown it leans on grit when put to the test — from battling top programs like Gonzaga and rival Indiana to recently defeating former Wildcats coach Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm. What the Wildcats need is a clean bill of health and to avoid any further issues along the way.
Wildcats squad remains a mystery
The Wildcats remain difficult to evaluate as injuries and limited time with a fully healthy roster have left its true potential unclear heading into SEC play. Despite some inconsistencies against top-tier opponents, recent signs of improvement, including Kam Williams’ 26-point performance over Bellarmine, offer hope as Pope works to establish a more cohesive lineup.
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Jayden Quaintance gives UK hope
Jayden Quaintance recently made his Kentucky debut after recovering from an ACL tear, contributing 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in a 78-66 win over St. John’s. Quaintance’s return gave the Wildcats much-needed optimism, showing the roster’s full potential after weeks of injuries.
UK shows potential after St. John’s victory
Kentucky’s victory against St. John’s offered a glimpse of what the program can be under Pope. The win was powered by Quaintance’s impactful season debut (10 points, eight rebounds, two blocks) and Jaland Lowe’s strong second-half performance, as he added 13 points after returning from an early injury.
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Jeff Walz finds fight that was missing from UofL women’s hoops
Earlier this month, Louisville women’s basketball kept No. 3 South Carolina on their toes after a close game that resulted in a 79-77 loss. This matchup against the national runners-up showed a renewed level of competitiveness that had been missing in the Cardinals’ earlier meetings with top-ranked teams. Walz praised the Cardinals’ fight — highlighted by career performances from Elif Istanbulluoglu and strong contributions from Taj Roberts — but emphasized the need to finish games after surrendering a late lead during the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Laura Ziegler’s versatility lifts UofL
Louisville closed its nonconference slate with an impressive 89-65 win over No. 18 Tennessee at the Barclays Center. Laura Ziegler’s versatility — switching from forward to point guard — and Istanbulluoglu’s career-high 14 rebounds highlighted a team embracing Walz’s challenge to contribute in multiple ways as the Cardinals improved to 12-3 heading into ACC play.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville, Kentucky basketball storylines to follow in 2026
