Pitino: "I did try to get the return game (moved) to 2019, but they didn't go for it..."

Rick Pitino announced today that Louisville will open its new downtown Yum Center against Butler on Nov. 16. He also announced that Louisville will play a return game at Butler (in historic Hinkle Fieldhouse) during the 2011-2012 season. Due to its magnetic run this year in the tournament, Butler is expected next season to be in the preseason Top Five. So here it is... while we didn't get Duke, facing off against Butler has terrific big game potential: a great matchup, a seismic event that will draw lots of national attention to Louisville, and the perfect showcase for everyone to see me win my Bud Select bet with Mr. Red. Video link of Pitino's press conference here, article here. For some of our thoughts on next season, see previous posts here, here, here, here, and here. (Sorry for the overload, but man it's great to be excited about college hoops again! Go Cards!)