Pitino and the Future

With the Cards mired in mediocrity, there's a lot of talk about town of coach Rick Pitino and his future at the helm. Many fans are angry, some are calling for fresh blood. I have similar frustrations, but I am not one of those fans.

In baseball terms, I do think it's possible that coach Pitino has lost his fastball. But even at 85mph he's better than the overwhelming majority of coaches out there. There's truly no coach I secretly covet (same for football!). His tenure at Louisville has been a rocky one to say the least. First of all, except for Vikings supporters, there are few fanbases that have ever been asked to go from loathing a dominating personality like Rick Pitino, an archrival, to loving him in a few short years. Maybe that's why Pitino will never feel the warm embrace from the Cardinal fanbase that Denny Crum enjoys.

Having said that, I've grown to respect and have genuine affection for the man. In most ways, he's no longer the former UK coach; he belongs more to Louisville. From his loss on 9/11, to his infidelity being dragged though the media mud, during his time at UofL he's been humbled and humanized. His tireless spin and superlative-speak have become the white and red noise of our lives. Cards fans may not publicize it, but there's an unshakeable feeling that last year's team was supposed to be his chance, his team to hang a banner for the Cardinals. I agree, but the window is not closed. Given time, Pitino can, and will do it again.

Will it happen? That remains to be seen. He's locked and tenured at Louisville, that's a fact. Jurich is fiercely loyal, and has the common sense to recognize a quality coach and dismiss reactionary fans like me. But the real question is how much Pitino wants Louisville, and if he still feels the same drive to coach our team to great heights. Pitino wears his age, his health is always a subject of speculation. I think there are NBA teams ever ready to claim Pitino's star power, and there isn't a sports studio in the country that wouldn't welcome him as an analyst. He could talk himself into rectifying the mistaken venture with the Celtics. He could become a well-dressed wordsmith for TNT. He could leave the Karen Sypher craziness behind. Or he could become a legend.

In over 64 years, Louisville basketball has had only four head coaches. Think about that, that's remarkable. As head coach for the Cardinals, the figure is lionized yet scrutinized in our community. For my two cents, Rick Pitino is the one to lead this pride back to pride.

The Troubles

Bad times all around for Louisville basketball. Coach Pitino, so savant-like in victory, sounds grating in defeat. The Sosa-Smith duo is getting us nowhere. It's not entirely clear whether our "heady" assistant coach, Ralph Willard, can actually speak. A team full of shooters can't knock 'em down. Our most explosive athletes (Siva, Jennings, Kuric) watch too much of the game from the sidelines. We have no impact recruits coming in next year. UK is 18-0 and poised to become #1 nationally. I'd rather watch my dog get run over in slow motion than to keep feeling this way. Bad times all around.

(P.S. Repeating your opening line with your closing line is called "pulling a Bozich")

"Buckles!"

It's probably a good thing that freshman Rakeem Buckles is getting more playing time lately. I've discovered that it's therapeutic to shout his name whenever something goes wrong, even if its not his fault. Don't misread my intent: other than a few freshman gaffes, I didn't think he played all that bad last night. But the Cards are nosediving fast right now, and I have to do what is necessary to release the tension. So seriously, try it next game. Shout at Buckles as if you're Ricky P. on the sideline. Be sure to emphasize the first syllable over the second, minimizing the beginning consonant in favor of a longer vowel... "BUCK-les!" You'll feel much better. Serenity Now.

"We're a very weak defensive team"

Link to Coach Pitino's post-game comments, as recorded by Rick Bozich, here. I'm falling behind on player's nicknames again... which one is "Rock"?

Be sure to check out the other videos in the bottom right-hand corner... Sosa shares heartfelt words on the Cards chances, and Pitino vents his frustration about, and gets a little animated in explaining, the blown call on the inbounds play.

Avast ye pitiful Cards!

I'm not even going to fret about the blown no-call by the officials at the end, when a confused Seton Hall player inbounding the ball stepped over the line, which should have given Louisville possession with an opportunity to tie the game. Okay, maybe fret a little... I'm just so used to Louisville squandering the victory after a hard-fought effort, I was momentarily hopeful that Seton Hall would return the favor. But neither the officials nor the Pirates hornswaggled the Cards on this one. Louisville's defense was sufficiently awful, at times, comatose. I didn't mind the 3-pointers and long jump shots that Hazell, Theodore and company rained down on us; with a hand in their face, those shots stop hitting eventually. But the number of uncontested layups and easy putbacks, allowing the Pirates to shoot 52 percent from the field, dispossessed the Cards of any rightful claim to a victory. Louisville nonetheless found itself in the game, the lead cut to four, with several minutes to play. And what did they do? Victory within reach, they shot -- and missed -- eight three pointers in a row. Unclutch.

The big African-American elephant in the room

We haven't commented on former, highly touted Cardinal Derrick Caracter's resurrection at UTEP until now. Last night he helped spur a victory over the Memphis Tigers with 14 points and 7 boards.  If I were a UK fan, this would be the point where this would happen...( "seee!! a cardinal alum beet your coaches almer matta because UK is THugiversity). But, we're not. So, I'll just say, sorry it didn't work out in Louisville, Derrick. Best of luck. We'll always have the Bulls.

Pirate Talk

In the words of legendary screenwriter George Lucas, "I've got a baaaaaddd feeling about this." Seton Hall is just as desperate for a win as the Cards, all 4 of their conference losses come against top 15 teams, and the crowd will be hyped for the lights of ESPN. The stakes are high for both squads. They've got the aforementioned Jeremy Hazell, and rebound machine Herb Pope ready to match us down low. So throw on your lucky shirt (or burn the won you wore for the Pitt game and find another) and get ready for another nailbiter.

By the way, no Charlie Strong recruiting news today, what's up with that? Guy is really slacking lately.

Hazell-nuts

Here's the shuddering video evidence of Seton Hall's Jeremy Hazell lighting up Louisville from last year. Expanding on Mr. Black's previous post, a chronic problem of the Pitino Era has been an inability to stop the hot hand. Think back to Butler in the tourney, or the Steve Novak matchups.

Why do these guys keep posting season highs against us?

Pitt was the second game in a row where an opposing guard scored a season high against us. In this case, it was sophomore Nasir Robinson, who scored a career high 26 points. Against Villanova, senior guard Scottie Reynolds slapped us with 36 points. Villanova head coach Jay Wright said that "Louisville's guards defensively are as good as anybody in the country." After the last two, I'm not so sure. What gives?

I know why the caged bird sings

Tomorrow's game at Seton Hall has been dubbed a "Cage the Cardinals" night for the Pirates, with free t-shirts bearing the slogan handed out to the first 1,000 fans. Unfortunately appropriate for a Louisville basketball team unable to breakout with a complete game or signature win.

The zeitgeist of this team is one of concern as a once promising season hangs in the balance. There are certainly legitimate worries. Jerry Smith's pulse keeps growing fainter, Rick Pitino seems unable to find a lineup with the right chemistry, and our defense breaks down at inopportune moments.

The most encouraging fact, however, is also the most frustrating. This team keeps beating itself. If the Cards would stop melting down we could be focusing on the many solid efforts on display. Samardo is starting to click, forcing double teams, making his shots, and well on his way to reaching his highly-vaunted potential. Preston Knowles has shaken off lingering injuries and found his range. We've played the 5th toughest schedule in the nation, and consequently, maintain a respectable RPI despite six losses. There are opportunities ahead for the Cards to prove their mettle. Know hope.

Goddammit I don't want another estimate! I want the procedure!...Now!

The Arena Authority has released a variety of recommendations for handling the traffic for UofL basketball games, a hot topic for the famously traffic-phobic Louisville fans. It remains to be seen which will be made permanent, but the most interesting for me is the creation of the "pedestrian zone" by closing areas of Second Street around that entrance. I like this idea, as well as using stimulus funds for lighting and creating new sidewalk paths around the arena.

There is going to have to be a mentality-shift among the fans, who have practically made a sport of racing to their cars to get onto the interstate after games. The whole idea behind moving downtown is to create a vibrant, people-friendly atmosphere. By and large, Louisville fans are close-knit, friendly, and accessible. The idea of filing out with others clad in red and heading down into Bearno's for a drink instead of gridlock on Ring Road has me legitimately excited.

Do not fear for The Kure (copyright Mr. Red)

Earlier this season, freshman sophomore Kyle Kuric was turning heads with his all-out hustle and athleticism. In the last few games, his numbers have dipped a bit, he's had trouble getting the ball in the basket on tip-ins, and he's made some mental errors here and there. There's no reason for concern, however; this is to be expected. Despite his solid play and glimpses of the spectacular, Kuric is still a frosh only seeing his first season of significant playing time and will continue to have his ups and downs. Given the attention that he's merited, it's also likely that other teams have adjusted their scouting reports. Pitino has said he wants to see Kuric become more aggressive on offense, drive it to the hole more often, etc. Watching Kuric develop his offensive game is something to look forward to, but for now, as seen below, his gritty defense and athleticism offer not a bad consolation prize.

****update****
As pointed out to me in an urgent text by Mr. Red's roster-wielding better-half, Kuric is a sophomore, not a freshman... given how little he played last season (testimony to how loaded that team was), can I be forgiven for thinking he was new to the scene? I trust readers still will agree with the sentiment of the post. With Kuric, there's much to look forward to... even if one year less than I originally thought.

How about "The Trelawny Tank"?

Can we say enough about Samardo Samuels against Pitt? He's come a long way from where he was at the beginning of the season or even three games ago, and on Saturday played as good offensively as we've seen from him -- 25 points, 12 of 20 shooting, sank his only free throw. His jump-hook was unstoppable -- I'm struggling to remember if we had even seen that move before last Saturday. It would definitely help if he could pull down a few more rebounds (6 against Pitt, 7 against Villanova), but his uptick in shotblocking in those games (2 and 4, respectively) helps to make up the difference. During the Pitt game, the ESPN commentators noted his nickname "The Jammin' Jamacian." I hadn't heard that one before, but if he keeps up his recent play (which the Cards hopefully will back up with better supporting performances so we can win some damn games), I'll be happy enough calling him Team Leader.

I'm thinking of asking Jay Wright to join my motivational speaking group

Somehow, watching this makes me feel better... even if it did inspire the Wildcats to victory. To see Jay Wright grow apoplectic during the Louisville-Villanova Whiteout game, follow the link here.

Quote of the Day

"It's time for Louisville to be back on top and I am here to be a part of it." --Louisville commit Brandon Dunn

Florida North

With the wooing of Miami d-line coach Clint Hurtt, Charlie Strong's staff is now complete. C.L. Brown for the CJ sums up the hiring nicely...

U of L football coach Charlie Strong interviewed Miami defensive line coach Clint Hurtt for his final staff position.

The Miami Herald reported, citing sources, that Hurtt accepted an offer. This would be a huge coup for Strong. Hurtt, who played at Miami from 1997-2000, served as Randy Shannon's recruiting coordinator. He's entrenched with the Florida recruiting landscape as much as Strong

With Hurtt, U of L could become Florida North with the potential pipeline of players from the Sunshine state who become Cardinals.

Louisville-Pitt highlights

At least they glossed over the missed free throws...

I'm your biggest fan I'll follow you until you love me...Cha-Cha, Cha-Cha Charlie

Think offensive lineman aren't glamorous? Think again. Charlie Strong's largest and latest is 6'4'', 315 lbs Torrian Wilson, offensive guard out of Florida. He's ranked #2 nationally (!!!!) at the position, and was one of the biggest prizes from the Sunshine State. Wow. Welcome aboard, big fella. When's the Spring Game again? A golden age commences.

Let me count the ways...

We're running out of ways to say this: Charlie Strong nabbed us another recruit previously headed to a "top-flight" school... this one Marcus Smith, a Georgia quarterback who had a scholarship offer from the University of Florida. Man it feels good bringing these guys into the program. Keep it up Charlie!