What's ahead for Jeff Walz and Louisville basketball after latest NCAA Tournament exit

BATON ROUGE, La. — Neither forward Olivia Cochran nor guard Merissah Russell participated in Louisville women's basketball's senior day on Feb. 29.

After falling to Middle Tennessee on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for a 24-10 season, the fourth-year seniors confirmed they would be back with the Cardinals next season.

"We're going to do this again for another year, because this is not it," Russell said after the first first-round tournament exit under head coach Jeff Walz. "I keep saying coach Walz is a great coach. ... We're coming back because of him. We're coming back, and we're gonna go further in the tournament next year. I promise you that."

Although she was expected to return, Cochran told The Courier Journal that she hadn't put any thought into her future prior to the tournament. With the decision now official, her return keeps U of L's backcourt strong as one of the most experienced players. Prior to this season, she and Russell had never missed the Elite Eight as Cardinals —with Cochran playing a crucial part in Louisville's previous postseason runs, including a Final Four appearance in 2022.

"She understands how important execution is, knowing your defensive assignment, knowing where you're supposed to be on the floor on the offensive end," Walz said of Cochran's postseason performances, which included a double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) against Middle Tennessee. "You've got to get the 50-50 balls. If there's a loose ball, you can't stare at it. You've got to be willing to dive on the floor. O is willing to do those things."

Russell has been more of a role player at Louisville but made her first two collegiate starts this season, averaging 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

"They've experienced the deep tournament runs and things of that nature," guard Jayda Curry said, "so their experience is just a big part, I think, for me especially being new to all this. I don't take it for granted at all, so I'm glad that they're coming back, and they'll be able to lead us again in that direction."

Which Louisville players could return for 2024-25 season?

In addition to Cochran, Nyla Harris, the team's leading rebounder, is expected to be back for her junior season, and Elif Istanbulluoglu is entering her sophomore season. Their returns will keep the Cardinals' post presence as one of the team's strengths.

"Elif has really gotten better and better," Walz said. "It's a kid that I saw play the first week in August and then is on campus in September. I recruited her for two weeks, convinced her to come (to Louisville). She knew nobody. She really didn't even have a preseason at all. And now we've got the opportunity to have a postseason with her, spring workouts, summer, and I think she's only going to get better."

Eseosa Imafidon redshirted, using the 2023-24 season to acclimate to college basketball after having played the game for only four years prior. Listed at 6-foot-5, she'll provide Louisville with more height in the post. The Cardinals also return Hennie van Schaik and Alexia Mobley.

Which Louisville players are leaving?

Louisville will lose a significant amount of scoring, including leading scorer Kiki Jefferson (12.5 points per game), Sydney Taylor (10.9) and point guard Nina Rickards (6.8). Curry showed promise of replacing Jefferson as a candidate for U of L's leading scorer next season if she can be more consistent. Despite the ACC Tournament quarterfinals loss, she scored a season-high 26 points but then was held to seven points in the NCAA Tournament. Russell and Eylia Love also are expected to return, adding to the Cardinals' experience at guard.

2024 Louisville basketball recruiting class

After missing out on domestic high school players a year ago, Louisville will bring in a talented freshman class this offseason. It includes forward Mackenly Randolph and guard Tajianna Roberts, both five-star players; four-star guard Izela Arenas and Sacred Heart guard Reagan Bender. The Cardinals already have signed center Isla Juffermans, forward Anaya Hardy, Arenas and Roberts.

"I'm excited about our incoming class for next year, excited about our returning players," Walz said. "And I think our future is really bright. I think we're going to make great strides next year, especially with O and Riss coming back."

Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball roster 2024-25? What's ahead for Jeff Walz