Boom
Chris Mack has landed his first commitment as Louisville’s head coach.
Christen Cunningham, a grad transfer from Samford, announced Monday that he is headed to U of L to finish out his college career.
“It was tough,” Cunningham told 247Sports.com’s Evan Daniels. “I feel like I had three really good options, but after thinking about it I’ve decided I’m going to Louisville.”
A native of Georgetown, Ky., Cunningham was also pursued heavily by Oregon State and Arizona State. Ultimately, his ties to the state of Kentucky and his familiarity with Cardinal basketball are what prompted Cunningham to pick U of L. Growing up, he played for the Louisville Magic AAU squad coached by former Card Ellis Myles.
”That was huge,” Cunningham said of Louisville being close to home. “Getting to come home and play in front of one of the best fan bases in the country and one of the best arenas in the country. It’s an hour away from my house. I grew up watching Louisville. I understand what comes along with being a point guard at the University of Louisville. That played a big part in my decision. I feel like this is a team that can compete for a national title.”
Cunningham, who was a star at Henry Clay High School, missed the final 23 games of Samford’s 2017-18 season because of an unspecified illness. The season before, he averaged 11.4 points per game and ranked eighth in the nation in assists at 6.3 per game. He leaves Samford as the school’s all-time leader in assists.
Cunningham has played in the KFC Yum Center before. He started for Samford in the Bulldogs’ 86-45 season-opening loss to Louisville back in 2015. In that game, Cunningham shot just 3 for 15 from the field, but led the team with 15 points.
Mack has made it apparent from day one that he feels like his 2018-19 squad needs help at the guard position, especially when it comes to having a primary ballhandler. He’s got that help now.
Here’s Cunningham in action.
