:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35606228/165128503.0.jpg)
Rick Pitino stated late last week that U of L fans should "expect" to see some commitments from members of the class of 2015 before the end of July. It didn't take long for that prediction to come to fruition.
Deng Adel, a 6'7 wing out of Bradenton (Fla.) Victory Rock Prep, has become the first rising senior to give Louisville a verbal commitment. Cardinal Authority's Jody Demling was the first to report the news.
Adel, who visited Louisville in June, had emerged in recent weeks as Pitino's top target in the 2015 class. He is rated as a five-star prospect by Scout.com, and the No. 18 overall player in his class.
A Sudanese native who grew up in Australia, Adel averaged 22 points and eight rebounds in his first season at Victory Rock Prep. He then spent the spring starring for the Florida Elite travel club on the adidas Gauntlet circuit.
Adel's career to this point has followed the exact same path as current Card Mangok Mathiang, a player whom Adel has a very close relationship with.
"He is like family to me," Adel said of Mathiang in May. "He's going to have a big impact on them this year. He's an energy player."
And now in two seasons, it will be Adel who will have his own opportunity to make a big impact on Louisville basketball.
This is a heck of a start for this class. Here's your newest Card in action:
