Some goosebumps to do with your coffee...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. C! A R! D! S! CARDS!CARDS! CARDS!!!

Cuz I get a thousand hugs, from ten thousand Charlie Strongs, as they try and teach me how to dance...

Signing Day has come and gone, but Charlie Strong is still doin' work. Yesterday, former Virginia Tech commit DeAntre Rhodes, four-star defensive tackle from Virginia, commited to UofL. This is a major addition to the 2010 class this late in the process. For those of you that care about these things, his signing moved the Cards recruiting class past UK's in both Scout and Rivals rankings. This after one of the worst seasons in recent memory, and undoubtedly, one of UK's best. In just two months of Charlie Strong work mind you. You know, for those of you that care about those sort of things.

Freedom Hall

It smelled like shit, that's one thing I remember. It had rained earlier, and the odor of manure was sick and sweet. It was in the stalls and on the shoes of the thousands pouring in. My dad remarked with irritation about "playing in a barn", and I remember asking internally, "do we really play in a barn?" 

And it was different than football, I remember that too. I had gone to football tailgates before; other kids were at those and years of deprecation made for an easy atmosphere. This was nighttime, this was urgent, this was adult.

The crowd walked fast through the parking lot. Each seemed to follow a planned route, and an equilibrium was achieved so that the hoard plowed through the turnstiles quickly.

Then we were inside, and the senses were overloaded. The temperature rose, brass instruments blared, there was tobacco smoke and the smell of candied nuts. It was loud, organized, and chaotic.

I'd be lying if I said it was love at first sight, because I was scared. I wasn't used to crowds, and my dad seemed uncertain about me being there. I had to pee but didn't dare ask. He shuffled me through groups of guffawing, red-faced fans.

All was different when we got to our seats, our sanctuary, in the upper level, diagonal to the basket. We relaxed, and names I vaguely knew were pointed out in the layup line. It was a big deal.

The fans around us were comfortable and talkative, and they knew a history foreign to me then. My dad was a shrewd fan too, convinced we were playing poorly. But in my mind, at that time, there was no way. It was like clockwork; at the right moment, the certain second, one of the Cards would send it through the net and the crowd would rise again. I remember that optimism.

Today I can't recall if we won, or even the opponent. But the Cardinal Bird came close to our section, and my dad played it up huge, it was like seeing Santa Claus. And my favorite player, Kip Stone, scored a key basket. We both said how drained we were on the way home. I felt older.

It may not have happened exactly like that, but that's what I remember, and that's what's true.

How awesome was Samardo?

Really, really awesome. I saw him outside the Cardinal Mart on 4th Street today. I choked, like I always do when I meet UofL players, and just started gawking at him from my car. He's enormous.

Random aside. I was once at the same house party as Otis George, and I kind of stalked him awkwardly from room to room until I worked up the courage to ask him if he wanted to be on our Flip-Cup team. He said no.

Anyways, last night, Samardo was the offense. ND coach Mike Brey took a gamble that nearly paid off when he decided to guard him one-on-one. Samardo brutalized them in the post, but the Irish were still in a position to win at the end regardless.

As fantastic as he is playing, the Cards can't count on getting that kind of performance from night to night. For one, he's going to be double-teamed more often than not. Two, he was in the zone last night, few players in college could have stopped him, but there's going to be a dropoff at some point.

Every possession when Samardo touches the ball is a good one. But the other Cards need to step up on offense as well to make opponents pay when they overguard the big man.

Picture me rollin'

Last night was important for so many reasons. Most practically, it was another Big East scalp for our tournament resume. But psychologically, the more experience the Cards get winning these nailbiters the steelier they'll be in March. Unlike the Syracuse game where it felt like the Cards were trying to run out the clock, Louisville seized this victory. Down 7 in OT, Reginald Delk hit perhaps the most timely 4-point play in Cardinal history. They were clutch from the free throw line, and focused on defense, not even allowing ND to get a shot off in the final possession.

After the Syracuse win, Dana O'Neil for ESPN compared the Cards fate at that point in the season to that of Sisyphus, the cursed figure from mythology fated to continuously roll a boulder to the top of a hill, only to have it roll back down once he reached the top. It certainly has felt like that at times. But if the Syracuse win represented the Cards reaching the summit, this win represented the Cards finally pushing the boulder in the other direction. Watch out if the Cards can generate some true momentum.

Pitino: "Our guys down the stretch were phenomenal"

Follow the link here for Pitino's postgame press conference. I now worship at the altar of Samardo Samuels. Go Cards!

Whewwwwwwww...

Well, now that we're done hearing the expert commentary of Seamus O'Callahan and Patrick McBlarneystone, we can finally breathe...

The Cards encountered a wounded dog, an injured wolf, a hormonal badger, whatever metaphorical mammal that is that plays fierce with its back against the wall. The game has been over for 10 minutes, and still I feel like it's a Jason movie and that Abercrombie, or whatever his name is, is going to come out in a bloodied jersey and nail another trey.

Much more tomorrow. But a great, great, clutch win from the Cards tonight in a half court, free-throw line format. Samardo the Beast is emerging. As Murrow should say, "Good night, and good Cards."

Double OT

Can these annoucers get any more of an IRISH BONER?

Yes, I've been drinking.

Some goosebumps to go with your coffee...

No trivia today, just the truth from the speech...

You will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution. But from annihilation...

Seriously, watch the clip. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. C! A R! D! S! CARDS!CARDS! CARDS!!!

I'm intrigued...

Lineup intrigue abounds for tonight's matchup. The big one, obviously, is the status of The Fightin' Irish's unconventional superstar Luke Harangody, who torched the Cards for 40 points last season. I'm torn on this one. On one shoulder, the rational fan is telling me that "Gody's" absence would be a blessing, and one we should embrace as a team looking to pile up Big East wins. The irrational fan on the other, dressed like Liz Hurley in "Bedazzled" mind you, is telling me that we want to take everyone's best shot at this point, and wants to see how our suspect interior D rises to the challenge against the wily wonder.

Also, Reginald Delk returns to court tonight at 100%. After Mike Marra's best game of the season, it'll be interesting to see how time is split at the wing.

Three left at the Hallowed Hall in a season where every game is tourney-atmosphere. Pinch me.

Stats breakdown

Scanning the box score of the Syracuse game, the most impressive statistic is... um... frankly, none of the stats really jumps out at you, other than Total TP (team points). Syracuse had more steals and assists, they outrebounded us offensively and defensively, and they had one less team foul. In most of these categories, the Cards trailed by only a few, but the point is that the Cards enjoyed no real statistical advantage in any area. Regarding turnovers, the Cards committed twelve (same for the Orange), which isn't so bad until you remember the timing of the last few (Buckles!). In an area that has become an underrated strength in the second half of the season, the Cards had more blocks than the Orange, 5-3. The Cards shot 9 of 30 from three point range for thirty percent, bare minimum for Pitino-ball to work. They shot 9 0f 17 from the line. I think most of us know that free throws will come back to haunt us (again) if we don't improve. Overall, the stats underscore what Mr. Red as well as the Chronicle already have identified: the Cards are capable of playing much better basketball.

In point of fact, Louisville's most impressive statistic is located on Syracuse's side of the box score: the Cards held the sharp-shooting Orange to 41.4 percent field goal percentage overall. It should surprise exactly no one that a Pitino-coached team eeked out a close victory against a top-notch opponent by playing solid D and limiting the opponent to near 40 percent shooting. I didn't recognize any major changes in our defensive schemes, but I'd be interested to know if the Cards somehow approached things differently. Or maybe it's the case that the Cards flat-out executed this time around? (farewell St. John's) Whatever the cause, a low-percentage shooting, defense-oriented game might be the type that Pitino is most comfortable coaching (as long as it applies to both teams). Let's hope he can do it again.

Taking a crack at bracketology

Does anyone understand the mock brackets pumped out by ESPN throughout the season? Or more importantly, why people spend time thinking about the hypothetical matchups? They never, ever, play out as predicted, never even close. Obviously not, because there's 6 games and conference tourneys yet to play. And I like to break down matchups as much as the next gal, but spending time and energy on hypothetical tournament draws seems a tad absurd.

The one question that is all-important, of course, is IN or OUT? And that question can be examined with a little more clarity. For the moment, it's generally regarded that the Cards are on the good side of The Bubble. The win over Syracuse rocketed the Cards RPI to #31, and with a SOS of #4, we're on near-solid ground. The only truly terrible loss on our resume is Western Carolina, the other 8 have RPIs in the top-72. (Charlotte a strong #41).

A key stat for the selection committee is the record against the RPI top 50. The Cards are currently a meager 2-6, but the interesting thing is, one of those wins is different than it was last week; Cinci has risen to #49, South Florida slipped to #52. The Big East has four teams (South Florida, Seton Hall, Marquette, UConn) ranked between 50-61. There's too much at play to predict, but the point is, the Cards record against the top-50 may play out much better than it is currently.

6 games remain, and the Cards will only be sizeable underdogs in 2. Take care of business against the 4, lose the 2, and the Cards are in. Win 3, and snag an upset against Georgetown or Syracuse and we're in. Win less than 4 of the last 6 and we'll have reason to feel uneasy on Selection Sunday.

I propose just winning the damn tournament again and ending all this talk.

Pitino check up and eval, pt II

We first posted this analysis of Pitino's state of mind way back at the beginning of the season with the idea that it would become a regular feature. It's for the best that it didn't, because it's pretty clear that very, very few people are aware of Pitino's intentions or what truly lies in his heart.

That sure hasn't stopped everyone from sharing or shouting their opinions. He's been referred to as beleagued, embattled, overrated, underrated, elite, legendary, shameful, shameless, and "it'd be a shame if he left" all in the same day depending on the outlets you read. The rumors that swirled around Pitino during the New York trip, regardless of their truth, did reinforce one thing.

Next season a new chapter starts for UofL basketball. Before that time a candid discussion needs to take place that puts the athletic department, coaches, fans, players, and recruits all on the same page. How long will Pitino remain coach for the Cardinals? What are recruits being told to ensure a smooth transition? Has Ralph Willard been told something that we aren't privy to?

But that's next season, and the win over the Orange has postponed that conversation. Right now there's more meaningful basketball to be played, seniors to celebrate, and a legendary arena to give a raucous farewell to. Say what you want about Rick, but I don't think he'll have much trouble taking our team back down a peg, and reminding them how much work is left to do. The future can wait, for now, there's basketball to play.

I'm the shizz, and nooooobody beats me!

Is the John Wall dance even original? My inside sources (following Trent Guy on twitter) have pointed me towards a certain Louisville artist named Kenzo, who it appears first displayed the moves in a little ballad called "Do the Shizz". Watch below at the 3:30 mark to judge for yourself (or I suggest the whole thing, it's terrific). I will now break this down for the rest of the day like the Zapruder film.

Cause when you're fifteen, and Charlie tells you he loves you, you're gonna believe him!

This is a bit old, but you may have missed this article in the LEO on the first go around. The author basically admits that the story may be urban legend, another fun aspect of sports, but if even a snippet is true, it's another indication that Charlie Strong gets it.

On Fudging Flagrants

If you read Syracuse blogs you'd think that yesterday's 66-60 victory over the Orange was a gift from the refs; the result of a questionable flagrant foul call against 'Cuse's Kris Joseph with 17 seconds left. Let alone the fact that Cards fans are the last group to have sympathy for poor refereeing, the logic is flawed for a couple of reasons.

First, UofL was winning by two when the foul happened. Syracuse was in a must-foul situation, hence Joseph's over-handsiness. Smith knocked down the two freebies, and then was fouled again when the Cards received the ball back. He missed both of those. So essentially Syracuse got the ball back down 4, exactly where they expected to be when they committed the foul to begin with.

Second, while it certainly wasn't malicious or violent, I don't think it was that bad a call. As we said before, Smith snagged the key rebound, and down two, they had to foul. Joseph yanked Smith by the shoulder, and with a little bit of acting on Jerry's part, he went down hard. Joseph certainly wasn't going for the ball, ergo, an intentional foul could be warranted. I'm not saying it wasn't questionable, I'm just saying it's not the worst call I've ever seen, like, I dunno, a ball going out of bounds off a player's head yet that team being rewarded the ball back.

It was a hard-fought victory, so forgive me for being a little sensitive to those trying to diminish it.

Love ya, but...

Valentine's Day and all its lovey-dovineses is over with, and as excited as I am over the Cards all-important win yesterday, it's no time to ignore the uglier underbelly of the performance.

* Rakeem Buckles
Love the hustle, love he way you can pass in the interior. But can you work on that 8-foot jumper in the off-season? The Orange were just daring you to take it, and again and again, you passed it away. Shoot the rock, Rock!

* All Our Guards
Love the intense defense, the desire to defend all 90-feet of the floor. But those silly slap fouls you pick up after we score a basket, trying to make another play, it's like you can't help yourselves. Syracuse kept themselves in the game the last two-minutes at the free throw line. Handing them the double-bonus could make a huge difference down the stretch.

* Swop
Love the way you played with poise in the first half, you almost single-handedly kept UofL in the game after a piss poor start. But could you start grabbing the basketball with authority? You almost gave me a heart attack when you lost that missed free throw rebound out of bounds.

* Samardo Samuels
Love the way you've learned to flash your athleticism. Skying for the alleyoop and rising to block a Cuse layup at an important moment. But you've got to realize when you're not in good position, too far from the basket. Trying to dribble your way to the hole can be hard to watch.

* Peyton Siva
Love just about everything you are capable of doing with a basketball in your hands. But you've got to realize that when passing to big men, they're hands are bigger and less nimble. Spinning a bounce pass to Rakeem Buckles on the baseline with english is as good as a turnover.

* Jerry Smith
Love you Jerry. Make these last few games memorable. That is all.

Samardo's alley oop

Denny Crum was famous, in fact legendary, for drawing up plays during the time-out huddle that led immediately to high percentage scoring opportunities. Rick Pitino always has been the better recruiter, motivator, drill-sergeant type, but Cards fans often give the "floor coach" tip-of-the-cap to Denny. In fact, going back to the days of Francisco Garcia (whom I remember hitting more than one buzzer-beater on plays where he was supposed to pass left but instead dribbled right), I don't recall any drawn up plays out of the huddle that worked the way they were supposed to. (though I'm the first to admit that from my perspective, how the hell would I know?). Until yesterday... The inbounds pass to Samardo Samuels for the alley oop slam, straight out of the time out (1:48:15 in the video). Way to go Ricky P... or was that Ralph Willard? Of course, Cards fans watching from the Ville will never know for certain exactly what happened, since ESPN was too busy showcasing the Syracuse Orange male cheerleaders running around the court rather than showing the inbounds play.

Caligula Redda retracta?

For those of you that didn't study the classics, that's Latin for Mr. Red is an idiot.

There could not be a more symbolic hero for today's win than freshman Mike Marra. Much like the Cards, Marra entered the season with considerable expectations, was humbled early on, showed moments of promise, but never could play a complete game. Even so, after experiencing deflating losses, frustrating finishes, and an inexplicable blowout on Thursday, Mike Marra, and his teammates, kept punching.

Today's game was far from perfect for this team, and for Marra himself. He struggled to knock down his shot consistently despite good looks, and was often blown by on defense. But when the time came he swooped in for an impossible rebound after a missed UofL free throw, extending the possession, and the lead.

And then, at the crucial moment, Marra shrugged off the yoke of the infamous label Pitino placed on him, forgot the groans he must have heard at Freedom Hall after another clang, forgot everything except, perhaps, what he knows best; rise with confidence, release into that beautiful arc, splash.

The freshman led the Cards to the most important victory of the season. In doing so, he also provided the lesson to take from the trials this team has experienced. Keep punching.

Cards beat #3 Syracuse in their house, 66-60

Playing against the third-ranked team in the nation and in front of the largest home crowd seen in college basketball this season, the Cards somehow, some way, finally figured out how to secure a hard-earned and season-defining victory that was rightfully theirs. Mike Marra was the unlikely hero, knocking down 4 out of 12 3-pointers for all of his points and also grabbing 6 rebounds. Cards fans desperate to see their team make it to the Big Dance will not soon forget that incredible possession late in the game, when Marra came away with the offensive rebound from a Swopshire missed free throw, giving the Cards a fresh shot clock to protect their narrow lead, then hitting a three from the corner at the end of the ensuing play... and all this unfolding while the color commentator noted Syracuse had "disrespected" Marra throughout the game (see 1:52:00 in the video to relive it all). Clutch. Credit also Samardo Samuels' late-game surge, scoring all of his eight points in the final ten minutes when they mattered most. Preston Knowles and Edgar Sosa kept the Cards within striking distance early in the second half. Swop scored ten points and grabbed 4 offensive rebounds, each one of them critical.

The Cards' play was far from perfect. We saw again the missed free throws down the stretch, the inability to get the ball up the court, the ill-timed turnovers. Yet this time, playing solid late-game defense and with the help of a questionable call finally working to our benefit, the Cards emerged victorious. This feels good. No, this feels awesome. On Valentine's Day, our aching hearts could not have survived another close-game loss. Instead, the Cards rose to the occasion, and delivered victory. Congrats Coach Pitino and the Cards!