Trentyn Flowers leaving Louisville for Australia's NBL - ESPN

Trentyn Flowers, a five-star recruit in the class of 2023, has decommitted from Louisville and will sign with the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League in Australia, he told ESPN on Monday.

«This was the toughest decision I've ever made,» Flowers said. «Louisville was my dream college. But I feel like signing in the NBL gives me the best chance to lock in and develop my game. I'm going over there to play point guard, to learn how to run a team, and be a player like LaMelo Ball or Josh Giddey. Adelaide is a place for me to lock in and focus on my game.»

Flowers, ESPN's No. 18-ranked prospect, was originally a member of the 2024 high school class but elected to graduate early and enroll at Louisville this summer. He has been practicing with the team since June.

Louisville is coming off a 4-28 season, the program's worst since at least World War II, marking an auspicious start to Kenny Payne's tenure at the helm for the Cardinals. After Payne rebuilt almost the entire roster, Flowers' move is a surprising and unexpected decision that comes at an inopportune moment of the calendar, as he will be difficult to replace with very few recruiting options available.

Payne said as much in a statement released to media Monday afternoon.

«Earlier today, Trentyn and his family informed me of his decision to pursue a professional career overseas,» Payne said. «We're certainly disappointed in his decision and the timing. We fully believe in the University of Louisville's ability to help student-athletes reach their goals, including to play at the highest levels of professional basketball — and we're confident that Trentyn could have achieved his dreams by making Louisville his home. However, we wish Trentyn and his family well