Khani Rooths got “CARDS” tattooed on his left calf before his second season with Louisville basketball.
Commitment. Attitude. Responsibility. Discipline. Sacrifice.
On Tuesday, Rooths’ representation with 20/20 Management told 247Sports’ Dushawn London that the 6-foot-10 forward from Washington, D.C., intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens April 7. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
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Rooths appeared in 31 games (two starts) for Louisville in 2025-26, averaging 5.3 points on 44.9% shooting (22.4% from 3-point range), 4.3 rebounds and an assist across 15.9 minutes per appearance. He tallied eight outings with 10 or more points — including a career-high 20 during the season-opening win over South Carolina State — and three double-doubles.
“He really does empty the tank,” Kelsey said after Rooths’ career night vs. the Bulldogs in Game 1 of the campaign. “There are some times that — we were joking — it’s like he blacks out out there. He just plays to exhaustion; he’s just like coming over (to the bench) and his eyes are like rolling back a little bit.”
After the Cards’ season-ending loss to Michigan State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, when asked if he saw himself returning for 2026-27, Rooths told The Courier Journal, “For sure — definitely.”
“I think I learned a lot this season,” he added. “Especially having confidence in myself and being more vocal, speaking up when I needed to and asking for help when I needed it. And definitely leaving it out all on the floor, no matter what happens.”
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Rooths is the second UofL player to announce their intention to enter the portal this offseason, joining German big man Sananda Fru.
The portal will be open from April 7 through midnight Wednesday, April 22. That’s an entry window; players can take their time finding a new home once they’ve hit the market. College basketball’s regular signing period begins Wednesday, April 15.
Players can choose to withdraw their name from the portal, but programs are not obligated to hold scholarships/roster spots for entrants.
Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball’s Khani Rooths will enter NCAA transfer portal
