Clark, Williams to Return Next Season

Louisville could be better than people anticipated next year, as sophomore forward Earl Clark and junior forward Terrence Williams are both expected to return next season. Coach Rick Pitino announced recently that Clark was definitely staying, while Williams announced his plans Thursday. "I'm not leaving," he said. On the other side, sophomore big man Derrick Caracter is likely to enter the NBA Draft after this season. "DC is definitely going, and we're planning accordingly," Pitino said. Clark is averaging 11.8 points and 10.1 rebounds this season; Williams is averaging 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists; and Caracter is averaging 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

This is big news for Louisville's chances next season. Going into this season, most assumed the Cardinals would lose all three players to the Draft, in addition to the loss of seniors David Padgett and Juan Palacios. Now, with Clark and Williams expected to be back in the fold, the Cardinals will still remain a contender in the Big East. Edgar Sosa, Jerry Smith and Andre McGee will all return in the backcourt, and Pitino also brings in two five-star recruits, power forwards Samardo Samuels and Terrence Jennings. UL's frontcourt is going to be loaded with talent.