Pitino: Ware, Hancock in, Kyle Kuric and Chris Smith may have to get part-time jobs

Rick Pitino formally announced the arrivals of Kevin Ware and Luke Hancock to the Louisville basketball program in a press conference today. Kevin, of course, is the recruit that chose us after becoming embroiled in all the Brandon Bender/Central Florida/"beautiful campus" intrigue following his decision to de-commit from Tennessee after Bruce Pearl's ouster. Rick said he'll play valuable backup minutes at both the 1 and 2 positions. As for Luke, who will have to sit out a year after transferring from George Mason, Rick labeled him "a special basketball player" and noted his game-winning NCAA tourney shot as well as what all the strong descriptions made by his former coaches and teammates. Of both additions, Pitino said "we did a lot of homework" to ensure that they fit the Louisville "brand" and will play for the name on the front of the jersey.

That we have added so many talented and committed individuals to our program is undeniably exciting. However, it comes with a price that many of us feared, especially in the case of Kyle Kuric. Pitino announced that Kuric, Chris Smith and Elisha Justice will all have their scholarships taken away for next season. Rick talked about Kyle in particular, noting that he came here as a walk-on but had definitely earned his scholarship. But Rick has discussed with the Kuric family each season that at some point he might have to take away the Kuric scholarship to provide it to a top-caliber recruit. Pitino assured reporters that he wouldn't have asked the Kuric family to pay their own way if "they couldn't afford it." (Kyle's dad is apparently a brain surgeon).

If that's the case then so be it, I guess. I do look forward to Kyle's own comments for assurance that he's "all in" about this, not only because he can afford it but also because he wants to make a deep tourney run his senior year. What will irritate me, if it comes to pass, are any passively observant commentators who think any less of Kuric's ability because he is now our starting "walk-on."

Other tidbits:

-- Jared Swopshire or Rakeem Buckles may medical redshirt next season if the coaching staff determines that either hasn't yet reached 100 percent in recovery from their injuries, but could get healthy the following year. Swop's agonizing recovery from history's most damning and mysterious sports hernia continues, while Rock continues to battle the effects of his torn ACL.

-- Richard Pitino will not be interviewing for the Boston University head coaching job, as was suggested by a Boston newspaper and followed up by Card Game. "Richard is under contract for two years, and he doesn't have the money for the buyout," Ricky joked. "His mother's the only one with any money in the family." (be advised, I'm paraphrasing from memory) As far as any other rumors involving players or coaches, Pitino sought to put them to rest. "We will not have anyone leave our program."

-- Recruiting-wise, Pitino commented that it's the program's intent to recruit two studs for next year's class, followed by another big class of four major recruits the year after.

-- Pitino noted that Louisville's non-conference schedule next year, as in years past, will be built to fit the team. This includes 3-4 teams that will likely be preseason top 10s (UK, Vanderbilt, etc.). So take that Bozich. Pitino described being "blindsided" by the Vanderbilt game having just finished scheduling Memphis.

-- Random comment about team roles. Peyton's the "personality" on the team, while "Kyle's the worker" and "Chris Smith is also a worker"... Is the defining attribute of "workers" those who don't get scholarships? Guess that makes sense.

-- Pitino noted that he will grant more latitude to the players in selecting team captains for next season, and may allow Peyton Siva to be a team captain despite not being a senior.

-- The most important guy in the lineup for next year, Pitino said, is Gorgui Dieng. "I would not be surprised if Gorgui led the country in shot blocking next year," such is his potential. Rick talked a bit about Gorgui's "softness," which has nothing to do with his attitude or desire and everything to do with his weight. When Gorgui arrived at Louisville, he was 170 pounds, Pitino said. Since then the coaching staff has beefed him up to 217. The goal is to get him up to 245.

-- In response to a question about how injuries crippled us at times last season, Ricky said, "well yes, but having 28 guys this season is really going to help us." He's only mildly exaggerating.