Louisville Added Zam Jones and Carys Baker Transfers
The Cardinals added four total transfers during the 2026 offseason to bolster their roster.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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In spring 2026, Louisville strengthened its basketball program by adding transfers Zam Jones and Carys Baker. Both players arrive in Louisville to fill specific roster needs ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters
The coaching staff targeted these specific players to address identified voids on the existing roster. These additions are designed to provide essential skills and tactical depth for the upcoming campaign.
Zam Jones averaged 14.9 points with a 36.6% 3-point rate, while Carys Baker recorded 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Baker shot 37.9% from distance, effectively replacing former forward Laura Ziegler.
The players
Zam Jones
She is a transfer guard from NC State who will serve as the team's primary ball-handler.
Carys Baker
She is a forward joining from Virginia Tech who adds perimeter shooting and rebounding depth.
Jeff Walz
He is the head coach at Louisville known for his strategic recruitment of transfers to fill roster gaps.
Laura Ziegler
She is the former forward for the Cardinals whose departure created the roster vacancy filled by Baker.
The details
Louisville identified specific positional gaps and utilized the transfer portal to secure Jones from NC State and Baker from Virginia Tech. Jones is expected to assume the primary ball-handler role, while Baker provides necessary floor spacing through her outside shooting.
Timeline
Spring 2026 was when the team added four transfers.
The 2026-27 season is the upcoming campaign for the new players.
Season Trajectory
The addition of experienced transfers like Jones and Baker allows Louisville to maintain competitive balance within their conference. This roster realignment positions the team to better contend for a high-seed playoff spot compared to the previous season's standing.
Jones will likely handle a high volume of possessions as the primary floor general, while Baker’s 37.9% 3-point accuracy provides a critical release valve for the offense. Their integration directly impacts the team's offensive efficiency and total scoring output for the season.
The takeaway
Building a team through targeted transfers is now a standard practice for college basketball programs aiming to stay competitive. Success for these new players will depend on how quickly they adapt to the coaching staff's specific tactical requirements.
Further reading
For more news on the roster updates, visit the Louisville Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Courier-Journal.
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