Depth, unselfish play key for Louisville women's basketball in 2026-27

Jeff Walz is heading into his 20th season as a head coach. He has seen a lot of different teams over the years, coaching players such as Angel McCoughtry and Dana Evans. Walz's teams have been at the top of the mountain.But when asked at Louisville women's basketball media day Oct. 22 about what has changed over those 20 years, his answer didn't have to do with basketball."Lost some weight," Walz said with a smile. "I'm working on that. Lost some hair. You know what? And it's easy to say because I've still got a job, and I'm still sitting here."Though Walz responded in a joking manner, he reiterated throughout the day that he believes this team can be special. The Cardinals seem to have created a roster with the makings of a winner.Louisville retained its core members from last season's Sweet 16 team. Imari Berry, Taj Roberts, Mackenly Randolph and Elif Istanbulluoglu all return this season, in addition to a number of notable pickups.Walz was able to go out and get Zam Jones from NC State, Carys Baker from Virginia Tech, Deniya Prawl from Tennessee and Amiya Joyner, who was able to get eligibility through a court case following her final season at LSU.There was no drop-off in intensity or pace of play in practice. Regardless of who was on the floor, Louisville moved the ball well and at one speed: fast.Whether it was Jones, who started at point guard for the Wolfpack last year, or Ariyana Cradle, a freshman guard with high upside running the offense, it all felt the same.Even for Prawl, who played in a Lady Vols offense that prided itself on playing up-tempo, she feels like it's even quicker at Louisville."As far as the speed, I think we move much faster," Prawl told The Courier Journal. "[Walz] is very matter of fact, gets things done. There's no playing around here."That type of play requires a certain type of personnel. From top to bottom, it demands a roster capable of moving the way Walz wants."I've probably got six or seven that can start," the head coach said. "You know, it's just a rule that you can only start five of them."He then made note that just because there are five starters doesn't mean it'll be the same group to end the game. Walz has more than enough options he feels comfortable with to finish out a game.While depth is important to any team's success, balance is just as necessary. That's one of the main messages Walz has preached to his team."I've explained to them: You might not get as many shots, but you're going to get better shots," he said. "You're going to get shots when you're open, and that's the difference."It requires a level of unselfishness from all who are involved — something that's rare nowadays in college sports. But this group has bought in.Louisville understands what it takes to get to where it wants to go."Stay tuned," Berry said..oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Depth, unselfish play key for Louisville women's basketball in 2026-27