Meet the Cardinals: Louisville basketball team superlatives for the 2019-20 season

What role does everyone play on the 2019-20 Louisville basketball team? Your primer:

The MVP: Jordan Nwora

You know Nwora, and the rest of the conference does too. The preseason ACC player of the year has a target on his back, but he possesses the ability to take over a game with his dynamic scoring from all over the court. This, as much as anybody, is his team.

On Jordan Nwora:His next challenge: Living up to player of the year expectations

The glue guy: Dwayne Sutton

Sutton is a hometown hero, a captain and Louisville native set to be a key contributor for the Cardinals in his final college season. And as a redshirt senior who started every game last season, they'll need him. Sutton does all the little things, coach Chris Mack has said, and his versatility and toughness have earned him respect from teammates and opposing coaches.

The veteran voice: Ryan McMahon

McMahon is a difference maker as a sharpshooter and as a vocal leader. The last link to the Rick Pitino era, McMahon has played through adversity for years and has shown up in big games. The fifth-year senior captain brings a special level of energy and confidence to the court.

The breakout candidates: Darius Perry and Malik Williams

What are we going to see out of Williams and Perry in their junior seasons? Summer workouts have excited their coaches. Williams, once he returns from his foot injury, can stretch the floor and post up and can defend all over the court, while Perry will be counted on to play on and off the ball and contribute in the backcourt. These guys are critical to Louisville's potential.

For subscribers:Cards need a big year from Darius Perry, no matter what his role is

The mystery man: Fresh Kimble

We know what to expect out of Louisville's returning veterans, but Kimble, a graduate transfer from St. Joseph's who has one season of eligibility, is more of an unknown. How will he mesh with Louisville's offense? He was a decisive scorer at St. Joseph's, and most expect him to play an important role as starting point guard this season.

Mr. Versatility: Steven Enoch

Enoch is a massive center who can spot up beyond the arc as easily as he can overpower you in the post. The fifth-year senior dominated Louisville's open scrimmage in October and will be expected to play well while Williams gets healthy. Coaches have lauded his improved conditioning.

More:Steven Enoch dominates Louisville basketball's first scrimmage in front of fans

The athlete: Samuell Williamson

The most heralded member of Louisville's freshman class, the 6-foot-7 wing faces some pressure playing the same position as Nwora and Sutton. But it'll be tough to keep him off the court with the potential he brings to Louisville.

The Irish hulk: Aidan Igiehon

OK, we didn't come up with that nickname, but there's no better way to describe Igiehon, a chiseled native of Ireland who is expected to soak up some minutes at center. With Enoch in his final season, keep an eye on Igiehon's development as he prepares for a larger role in the future.

The backcourt of the future: David Johnson and Josh Nickelberry

Nickelberry was the first player to commit to Louisville, while Johnson is the local kid who led Trinity to a state title. Johnson will be out until November with a shoulder injury, but both could be solid role players this season as they adjust to the college game.

The tweeners: Jae'Lyn Withers and Quinn Slazinski

Both of these guys are small forward/power forward combos who have the ability to present matchup advantages but may need some time to adjust to the college game. Mack has said Slazinski may redshirt, but he's also impressed in practices ahead of the season.