The Louisville Cardinals just added serious size to their frontcourt. Former USC Trojans center Gabe Dynes, a towering 7-foot-5 rim protector, committed to Louisville via the transfer portal, choosing the Cardinals over his home-state Kansas Wildcats.
His commitment sparked a wave of reactions from fans who took aim at Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats for their portal struggles.
“NO ONE wants to go to Kentucky right now,” one fan wrote.
“MARK POPE WHIFFS AGAIN YOU CANT MAKE THIS UP,” another wrote.
Another user wrote: “Grew up a Kentucky fan btw. lol.”
“Pope stuffed in a locker again,” a user wrote.
While another added, “7’5 Kentucky native to Louisville instead… Pope whiffed on his own backyard again.”
Dynes, a Kentucky native from Independence, seemed like a natural fit for the Wildcats. His decision to head to a direct rival further fueled criticism of Pope’s recruiting.
What The Louisville Cardinals Are Getting in Gabe Dynes
Gabe Dynes averaged 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds at USC last season. The 7-5 center is an elite rim protector. During his time at Youngstown State, he led the nation in total blocks and earned All-Horizon League Defensive Team honors. Even in limited minutes at USC, he averaged 1.0 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 78.8% from the field.
For Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey, this is a much-needed addition amid significant roster turnover this offseason. The Cardinals have lost 11 players to the transfer portal, eligibility and the draft, with only two players from last season’s roster returning. Six players have committed to Louisville: Jackson Shelstad, Flory Bidunga, Alvaro Folguieras, De’Shayne Montgomery, Karter Knox and Gabe Dynes.
Kentucky, on the other hand, has championship expectations, but continues to face scrutiny under Pope.
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