Malik Williams was not about to be outworked.

He had just pulled down a tough defensive rebound and now held the ball on the other end of the floor, back to the basket and pressed up against a Miami defender. Williams pivoted his right foot away from the hoop and let a shot fly from just inside the 3-point line. It was good, his ninth consecutive point in what would eventually amount to a career-high 19 in Louisville’s win over Miami.

The sophomore forward stomped his right foot and flexed triumphantly, his biceps framing the red “No. 5” stitched on his uniform.

Louisville basketball fans know Williams by his enthusiastic celebrations and by the number he wears across his chest.

To Williams, it will always be Peytin Chamble’s number.

No. 5 represents Williams’ ties to his hometown and the unique friendship that blossomed there. It represents how tragedy, if you let it, can act as a grounding device rather than a shackle.

It represents his promise to remember, to play on in honor of a girl who didn’t get that chance.

No. 5 represents Williams’ ties to his hometown and the unique friendship that blossomed there. It represents how tragedy, if you let it, can act as a grounding device rather than a shackle.

It represents his promise to remember, to play on in honor of a girl who didn’t get that chance.