Louisville’s Jeff Walz on bringing pro players to college basketball
“It’s gonna be some game changers,” said Walz during the Louisville women’s basketball media day Oct. 22. “It’s interesting. But we’re trying to figure this all out.”
No. 19 Louisville women’s basketball will play three of the preseason top-10 USA TODAY Coaches Poll teams during its nonconference schedule.
That starts with top-ranked, defending champion UConn at 5:30 p.m. today in Annapolis, Maryland, as part of the 2025 Peraton Armed Forces Classic. The Cardinals have only beaten the Huskies three times; two of those wins came at a neutral site.
U of L will try for its fourth win with almost half of the team being newcomers. Saint Joseph’s transfer Laura Ziegler leads the group made up of three transfers and three true freshmen. Guard Taj Roberts returns for her sophomore season as the team’s lone starter from a year ago, though the highly touted 2024 freshman class mostly stayed intact. The only loss was Izela Arenas, who transferred to Kansas State.
Here’s what you need to know to follow today’s game from home:
The Cardinals and Huskies are scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. today.
Louisville and UConn are playing at Alumni Hall on the U.S. Naval Base in Annapolis, Maryland, as part of the 2025 Peraton Armed Forces Classic.
Originally scheduled to take place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Louisville’s 2025-26 season opener against UConn was moved due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play) and Rebecca Lobo (analyst) will call the game on ESPN, with Holly Rowe reporting from the sidelines.
If you subscribe to a cable package, you’ll be able to livestream the game via ESPN.com and the ESPN app. If you don’t have cable, you can livestream the game via ESPN+ (subscriber only) or Fubo, which offers a free trial here.
Nick Curran (play-by-play) and Cortnee Walton (analyst) will have the call on the Cardinal Sports Network (WLCL 93.9-FM and WGTK 970-AM in Louisville).
You can also listen online via GoCards.com.
Reach Louisville football, women’s basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at [email protected] and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
