Louisville basketball's new coaching staff contacts three potential graduate transfers

Louisville's new coaching staff has expressed interest in a trio of graduate transfers as the annual spring flourish of late roster additions begins.

So far, Louisville has contacted former Albany guard Joe Cremo, former Florida Gulf Coast guard Zach Johnson and former South Carolina-Upstate guard Mike Cunningham. All three players will graduate from their schools and have one year of eligibility left, though Johnson also said he is exploring the NBA draft process without hiring an agent to retain his amateur status.

Louisville point guard Quentin Snider and center Anas Mahmoud graduate this spring, leaving Chris Mack and his new staff at least two open scholarships to fill for the 2018-19 season. What juniors Deng Adel and Ray Spalding decide after testing the NBA draft waters will determine if Louisville has more openings for the next campaign.

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On Saturday, Mack said the program's scholarship situation is "fluid" as he has conversations and meetings with current Louisville players.

"Once I get the answer on the first part, in terms of who wants to be at Louisville and who wants to represent the Cardinals, then I'll have a better answer," Mack said. "There are holes regardless of if everyone comes back, and we're working to do everything we can to make sure those holes are filled to make sure we have a complete team that can compete both in the ACC and nationally next year."

Cremo, who announced his plans to transfer on Friday, said he has had a busy few days with numerous schools reaching out. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Scotia, New York, native averaged 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for Albany last season, making 45.8 percent from 3-point range.

He totaled 18 points, five rebounds and three assists against Louisville in December when the Cards narrowly edged Albany, 70-68.

Arizona, Connecticut, Creighton, Louisville, Ohio State, Southern Methodist, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph's, Texas Tech, West Virginia and Wichita State contacted Cremo over the weekend.

Boise State, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Marquette, Nevada, Rutgers, Seton Hall and Texas have since thrown their hats in the ring for Cremo.

Johnson, a 6-2, 185-pound Miami native, averaged 16.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists and two steals per game for FGCU, helping the Eagles win 23 games and reach the National Invitation Tournament.

Since his announcement on Friday, Johnson told ESPN he heard from Creighton, Dayton, Gonzaga, Louisville, Miami, Oklahoma, Saint Louis, VCU and Xavier.

Cunningham, who averaged 13.1 points per game for USC-Upstate, asked for his transfer release about two weeks ago. CBS Sports reported Monday that Florida State, Louisville, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were now recruiting Cunningham, who planned to visit Tulane on Saturday.

The Washington, D.C., native is listed at 6-foot, 185 pounds.

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