Anas Mahmoud

[shadow force]

Anas Mahmoud is expected to return to Louisville's lineup for Saturday's game against Eastern Kentucky, coach Rick Pitino said Friday.

Mahmoud, a junior post player, missed three games after suffering a concussion in U of L's 71-64 win over Purdue on Nov. 30. He said he passed a concussion test the day of U of L's victory over Southern Illinois, Dec. 7, but U of L took a cautious approach to bringing Mahmoud back after the injury.

"Anas is 100-percent ready to go, excited to go," Pitino said. "We obviously need Anas. He's our best shot blocker, our best passer. He has the best moves from the low post."


Looking forward to having him back. The front court defense is that much tougher when he is in there blocking and altering shots. Plus we'll need everyone for the four game stretch after the EKU game.

 

[HRTheCard]

Im glad they decided to wait on him so he could get back 100%. Bringing him back was not necessary to win those previous games he sat. Uk will be necessary that he plays. Tomorrow's a game that can get him back in the groove. Smart coaching.

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

Glad to see Anas is back and ready to go. He is the best overall option at the 5 spot.

 

[earsky]

Glad to see Anas is back and ready to go. He is the best overall option at the 5 spot.

He's one of the better players on the court.

 

[Cue Card]

He's one of the better players on the court.

I agree. I think he is by far our best big with his length and coordination. Second best in Spalding for the same reasons. Both need to get stronger but both are far and away the most talented of the 5 big guys IMO. If we could somehow take Mathiang's strength and switch it to Anas's body, he would be a lottery pick. All 5 play hard. The whole team plays hard. They don't always plays smart but then again, no team plays smart basketball all the time.

This team is very strong on defense. Offense is a work in progress.

 

[earsky]

It's unfortunate we don't have a little more beef at the 5.Anas and Ray both look to be 4's.It is what it is though.We've basically got a logjam at the 4 spot,so by default,Mahmoud will have to play the 5.I do like the offense running thru him.

 

[shadow force]

Anas and Ray in there at the same time can be a deadly defensive duo. They both lack strength and bulk but they counter that with quickness, length, and athleticism. It turns into a swat party in there at times it is awesome to watch. Of course the other bigs all bring other pluses and minuses too.

 

[LouisvilleKid79]

I see Anas potentially playing a key role on both ends of the floor tonight.

Look for him to be a difference maker tonight.