LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The future of true freshman forward Mouhamed “Mo” Camara with the Louisville men’s basketball program is uncertain as head coach Pat Kelsey considers the option of redshirting him for the 2025-26 season. Following the Cardinals’ exhibition loss to the Kansas Jayhawks, Kelsey addressed the media, stating, “We’re making a decision on what we’re going to do with him this year in terms of redshirting.”
Kelsey acknowledged Camara’s potential, emphasizing his “extremely high ceiling” and exceptional talent. He noted that with a roster featuring many older players, particularly at Camara’s position, the team is adopting a development-focused mindset. “There’s no reason to rush him,” Kelsey added. The coach expressed his commitment to nurturing Camara’s growth, indicating that all parties involved agree on this approach.
During the exhibition against Kansas, Camara did not participate in warmups and was officially ruled out before the game commenced. Louisville suffered a defeat, losing to Kansas with a final score of 90-82.
Camara’s Background and Experience
Before joining Louisville in July 2023, Camara hailed from Guereo, Senegal, where he had been involved with NBA Academy Africa since 2023. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 225 pounds, Camara was recognized as a four-star prospect in the Class of 2025, according to 247Sports. His time with NBA Academy Africa included participation in several significant events, such as the 2025 NBA Academy Northeast Tour and the 2024 NBA Academy Games.
In these competitions, Camara showcased his skills, averaging 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. He demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy, hitting 60.0 percent of his shots from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Moreover, Camara participated in the 2025 Basketball Africa League with the team Made By Ball and took part in the Basketball Without Borders initiative. His international experience extends to representing the Senegal Senior National Team, further highlighting his potential on the global stage.
As the season progresses, the decision regarding Camara’s status will likely evolve based on his development and the team’s needs. For now, Kelsey and the program remain focused on nurturing Camara’s talent, ensuring he is well-prepared for a future role within the Cardinals’ lineup.
