Former Northern Kentucky star forward LJ Wells has committed to the Louisville Cardinals.

Wells averaged 15 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game in his senior season with the Norse, starting all 33 games. He shot 55.4% from the field and 67.5% from the charity stripe. He averaged 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists on 61.5% shooting in three Horizon League Tournament games, earning him Horizon League All-Tournament Team honors.

Wells also finished the season ranked 51st in the nation and second in the Horizon League in field goal percentage (55.4%). He ranked top-five in the Horizon League in rebounds, rebounds per game, offensive rebounds per game, and defensive rebounds per game. His 240 total rebounds rank sixth among all single-seasons in NKU’s Division 1 history. 

The Eau Claire native scored in double figures in 28 games, logging six 20-plus point games. Most notably, against Detroit Mercy where Wells recorded a career-high 35 points; he also recorded five double-doubles on the year. Wells ranked tenth in career points (1055), fourth in rebounds (639), 12th in assists (152), seventh in steals (114), seventh in blocks (51), and eighth in minutes (2754) among players in the Norse’s DI era. 

Wells was the lead plaintiff in the Wells v. NCAA Kentucky case, which granted temporary restraining orders for those involved seeking a fifth-year of collegiate eligibility.

With his 6-foot-8, 220 pound frame, he’ll significantly increase paint usage and interior physicality. The Cardinals have been lacking depth in the front court, and head coach Pat Kelsey has made a big addition. Expect him to be a 5-10 minute per game player, and while not a prolific 3 point shooter, he has the ability to get hot from deep. 

Wells’ 2025-26 highlights are linked below: