Who's gonna score?

Let's be honest, this time of year is the absolute doldrums for discussing Louisville athletics.

Derby is over, basketball is an eternity away, football inches closer at a snails pace, and while I support the Bats, I can't comment intelligently other than to say that Danny Dorn is the greatest superspawn to ever hit baseball since Babe Ruth copulated with Gena Davis from "A League of Their Own".

But, even though our favorite sports are out of sight, that doesn't mean they're out of mind..

In the wake of Terrence Jennings NBA (DL) departure, UofL is still a consensus Top 10, in some polls Top 5 pick (so far as meaningless pre-season swagger goes) heading into next season.

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited. I haven't been this jazzed for an assemblage of quality basketball players in quite some time. UofL should have the depth, the muscle (if Gorgui's conditioning is proceeding as promised), rebounding (Chane) and the right captain (Sir Siva) to make all the parts gel nicely.

But the question remains; who's gonna put the ball in the hole?

Our Preston is gone; he was the true scorer. Do we have anyone ready to take his place? Siva's a terrific point, but you can go ahead and imprint "back iron" onto his jump shot resume. Kuric's prowess is already mythical, but unfortunately, so is his ability to hide it.

By my count the rest are quality role players. Buckles when he's in the right position, (gulp) Marra when he's "feelin'" it, the Bullet fires out of his shell?

Intriguing prospects, sure, but where's the bacon? Who? Who's the stud we can count on to send it home come crunch time?

It's Wayne Blackshear. The wing player, the mismatch; he needs play to his potential for the whole shabang to work. UofL will be stacked in all the positions that make teams great. Except for that proven player that can take his man off the dribble and put the ball in the hole.

The ingredients are all there. But for the catalyst to fire the engine we need a thoroughbred stud to turn the other "matchups" into "mismatches".

Is Blackshear that spark? I think so, too.

A walk down memory lane; five-star Terrence Jennings to the Cardinals

I'm feeling a little down today, no doubt a combination of post-Derby malaise and lingering regrets about Terrence Jennings' decision to opt for the NBA draft. Make no mistake, Jennings presence was important part of next year's success, even if Cards fans are slow to realize it. He will be missed, even if our lamentations come later rather than sooner.


Below was Rivals.coms assessment of the five-star prospect from California way back from 2007...

A top notch athlete, Jennings runs the floor extremely well for a post player. He is also a strong offensive rebounder and shot blocker on the defensive end. His offensive game is not just limited to around the rim as he is developing a face up game as well. Gaining more strength and defensive rebounding are areas that need to improve, but there is no denying Jennings' tremendous upside

Today, you could list his NBA evaluation as the exact same; it's always frustrating to watch a young talented player not grow. I know that top-notch recruiting is priority number one for the new staff, but I hope 1b is to begin guiding players and seeing these players develop from year to year.

If Gorgui doesn't polish his skills yet still decides to make an ill-fated NBA jump after next season I may just have a hernia.