U of L's Onuaku sharp, in shape at scrimmage

The University of Louisville's newest basketball players are trying to be fresh men — with greater stamina, quicker feet, and stronger muscles than they had as high school players.

All six U of L freshmen said at Sunday's media day that they've focused on conditioning — some losing weight, some gaining it — as they try to acclimate to the college game and coach Rick Pitino's demanding style of play.

"Back home, I didn't have to work out every day," said center Chinanu Onuaku, whose physical transformation has earned praise from the coach. "In high school, it wasn't a necessity, but when you get here, they force you to work out every day so you can get better."

A physical force in U of L's early scrimmages, Onuaku is the most ready of the Cards' freshmen, Pitino said.

Point guard Quentin Snider has gotten lighter, quicker and stronger, and wing Shaqquan Aaron and 7-foot forward Anas Mahmoud have added some bulk to their long, lean frames.

Norwegian center Matz Stockman, at 7-0, 240 pounds, has focused on skill work and adjusting to the up-tempo American game, but he's "going to need a year," Pitino said, before he is ready to make an impact.

Power forward Jaylen Johnson's conditioning and basketball prowess are behind schedule because he spent all summer waiting to have his high school transcripts approved by the NCAA. He then missed practices this month with an injury, and Pitino said he's "totally lost" right now on the court.

Onuaku, however, shapes up as U of L's top backup to big men Montrezl Harrell and Mangok Mathiang. He had nine points and 10 rebounds in Sunday's Red-White scrimmage at the KFC Yum! Center and posted four points, 14 boards and four blocks in a private scrimmage last week.

The production is a testament to his conditioning. At the Kentucky Derby Festival Classic all-star game in April, the 6-10 Onuaku was a soft 240 pounds with 10 percent body fat — "not very pleasing to the eye," as Pitino put it.

Now, at 232 pounds and 7 percent body fat, he's a "physical specimen," the coach said.

"I feel good, I feel younger," Onuaku said with a laugh, remembering he's still two weeks away from turning 18. "It gives me more energy, so I won't have to come out of the game as quickly."

The 6-1 Snider, already super-quick when he starred at Ballard High, arrived on campus in June weighing 186 pounds with 13 percent body fat. A summer running regimen and a diet that included lots of fruit and grilled chicken has him down to 179 and 7 percent body fat.

"I'm faster; that's the biggest difference," Snider said. "I wish I could have done that in high school. … I wasn't really out of shape. I just had that gut. I lost that gut, and I've got that (six) pack now."

Mahmoud's 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks Sunday surprised Pitino and probably helped the skinny but skilled Egyptian's chances of avoiding a redshirt year.

"I think I'm getting there," Mahmoud said. "I want to play; everyone wants to play. I want to help the team get a national championship this year and prove we're the best team in the country. … I'm thin, but that also makes me faster."

Mahmoud came to campus in June at an incredibly thin 184 pounds. He's now close to 205, thanks to eating 4-5 meals and 4-5 snacks daily

"If we could get 15-20 pounds of muscle, I think Anas could play, but that's easier said than done," Pitino said.

The 6-7 Aaron's up about 10 pounds to 176 and benefiting from facing big wing Wayne Blackshear in practice every day.

"I'm never going to be as big as Wayne," he said. "My body type, I'm a skinny guy, and there's been plenty of skinny guys — Reggie Miller, Kevin Durant. (The key is) just learning how to play the game."

Johnson still has a lot to learn. He worked out on his own at L.A. Fitness and by playing pickup ball around town this summer.

"When I came back I was behind everybody in strength and endurance, but … I didn't show it," he said. "I did everything like I was the toughest and had the most endurance. I didn't put my hands on my knees. I was just like, 'I'm going to come in here and tough it out.'"

He feels he's now ready to contribute, backing up Harrell.

But Pitino has a much different view, saying Johnson "lives in a make-believe world" if he thinks he's ready.

"He hasn't even played in practice and doesn't know a play," the coach said. "He looks lost out there because he's missed the entire summer, entire fall."

Steve Jones can be reached at (502) 582-7176 and followed on Twitter at @SteveJones_CJ.