Jordan Nwora will return to Louisville for his sophomore season

Sharpshooting freshman Jordan Nwora will return to Louisville for his sophomore season, his father confirmed Thursday.

Nwora already appeared to be leaning that way, saying last week at new coach Chris Mack's introductory press conference that he was "happy here," but a meeting between Mack and Nwora's parents solidified the New York native's plans.

After a promising debut season in which he averaged 5.7 points per game and shot 43.9 percent from 3-point range, Nwora figures to be a key piece to Mack's first team at Louisville.

At 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, Nwora can play multiple positions. He's likely in line for increased minutes next year after averaging 12 minutes in 28 appearances this past campaign.

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Nwora shot 46.4 percent from the field and averaged 2.2 rebounds in his first season. He reached double figures in scoring nine times, including 17 in Louisville's last win of the season, a National Invitation Tournament second-round win over Middle Tennessee.

At Mack's press conference last Wednesday, Nwora said he wanted to meet with Mack and wanted Mack to talk with parents.

“It’s just trust for me," Nwora said. "If I feel like I can trust him and my family can trust him, then there wouldn’t be any reason for me to leave. Everything else here is great. I love being at Louisville."

Nwora's return boosts a Louisville roster that is expected to include fellow freshmen Darius Perry, Lance Thomas and Malik Williams; sophomores V.J. King, Ryan McMahon and Dwayne Sutton; and junior Steven Enoch.

Junior Deng Adel entered his name for the NBA draft process but didn't hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of a return for his senior season.

Jeff Greer: 502-582-4044; jgreer@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @jeffgreer_cj. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jeffg.