Let’s gooo.
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
One of Louisville’s top performers from the 2024-25 season is officially running it back for another year.
J’Vonne Hadley, who started all 35 games for the Cardinals last season, announced on social media Tuesday afternoon that he will return to U of L for one more year.
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— Jvonne Hadley (@jvonnehadley) April 8, 2025
The 6’6 Hadley qualified for an extra year of eligibility thanks to a ruling from the NCAA last December that declared seasons spent at junior colleges wouldn’t count against a player’s eligibility at the Division-I level. Hadley played for Indian Hills Community College during the 2021-22.
After spending a pair of productive seasons at Colorado, Hadley averaged 12.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season, both career-bests.
While having Hadley back is clearly important for on-court reasons, I think it’s just as important that Pat Kelsey is returning a clear leader to help bridge the gap between last season’s returnees and this season’s additions. Hadley understands the culture here and he understands the expectations. He won’t be afraid to call out anyone who isn’t living up to those standards if the situation calls for it.
This is enormously positive news for the season ahead.
