On Bo Ryan...

I had the strange experience this morning seeing my twitter feed explode over the interview Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan did with Mike & Mike in the Morning when he gave a bumbling rationale for placing restrictions on freshman Jarrod Uthoff's transfer.

I couldn't watch or listen to it at the time, so I had to wait to get the scoop.

But from what I was reading, I was prepared for a "Couric-Palin" trainwreck from which Ryan could never possibly recover. An epic meltdown, such was the feedback I was seeing.

Then I listened to the interview. And, I was underwhelmed. I'm not saying I agree with Ryan or think he came off well by any means, but geez, he just rambled on and talked himself in circles. It's not like he went full Colonel Nathan Jessup, cracking up while wildly incriminating himself.

Like I said, I don't necessarily agree with Ryan, nor do I necessarily hate media "firestorms" when the criticism is justified. I felt the criticism of Jim Boeheim, for example, over his response to the Bernie Fine story, was wholly justified.

But I do hate "firestorms" when the media seems to just selectively pick an outrage-of-the-day, and that's what this feels like.

Earlier this month, Tubby Smith, a coach spoken of glowingly by all those within college basketball, placed restrictions on junior Colton Iverson's transfer from the Golden Gophers. Smith prohibited Colton from transferring to any team in the Big 10 or anyone known to be on Minnesota's schedule next season.

But since there was other news that day, Tubby's actions went unnoticed. Ask anyone in the sport and Tubby will still be spoken of as a saint, a true gentleman of basketball.

Now compare that to Ryan's restrictions, who sought to restrict Uthoff's transfer to teams outside of the Big 10, the ACC (the Badgers have an ACC opponent next year, they are just not sure who it is yet), Marquette (their biggest nonconference rival) and Iowa State (whom apparently the Badgers have long suspected of tampering with players).

I'm not defending Ryan or Tubby, let a kid transfer wherever he wants for all I care. Change the rule.

But to pillory one while continuing to canonize another who did just about the same thing within this same month is hypocrisy, and does nothing to dispel the notion of the media haphazardly pointing its flashlight around. Today's "outrage" was yesterday's "yawn".

It's going to be a long offseason.

Plus I feel the need to defend Ryan since I'm pretty sure he wants to eat my liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

Mr. Ed only spoke one language, Gorgui horse speaks five

CL Brown informed us moments ago that Rick Pitino, a horse-racing buff, has named two of his horses after present Cardinals. From his blog...

U of L coach Rick Pitino‘s teams have always been better when they’re out running the floor like thoroughbreds. Now he’s got a couple of horses he hopes will cover ground as fast as his players. 

Pitino has a pair of “talented 2-year-olds” that loosely fit the characteristics of a couple of his players. One he described as a “big Bellamy Road” and he named ‘Gorgui’ after 6-foot-10 Senegalese center Gorgui Dieng. The other is a “fast Flatter colt” he named ‘Siva’ after point guard Peyton Siva.

Apparently one has been named "Russ" but he always ran backwards, bucked numerous jockeys and was too high-strung. But Russ managed to escape the stable moments before he was to be put down; last known whereabouts, he was seen running wild on the plains of Montana.

Secret Circle out for Derby

The runner-up in the Arkansas Derby, Secret Circle, a horse many believed would contend on the first Saturday in May, has opted not to run, Bob Baffert told the Daily Racing Forum. This is in direct contrast to previous plans, as the horse had traveled with the other top finishers, Bodemeister and Sabercat, to Churchill Downs earlier this week to begin Derby preparations.

Baffert told DRF that the horse is looking to rest and may undergo some precautionary tests.

Secret Circle has been on everyone's radar since winning the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Sprint at Churchill Downs last year and has had several impressive showings since. He was projected as an 18-1 shot in early Futures Odds projections but likely would have named as "one to look out for" amidst the favorites.

Playing catchup

I took the day off yesterday, so there's a lot to catch up on today. First of all, the downtown celebration at 4th Street Live was a lot of fun. Rick Pitino wore a ridiculous-looking shirt, the guys came out and hammed it up a little, free posters were handed out (no offense to the artist, but did he really need to be there to autograph each one? I almost wanted to say, "Umm, no thanks" as he was reaching down with his pen but I didn't want to hurt his feelings). The crowd was really exceptional.

I agree with Charlie Springer at Card Game, however, in thinking why don't they hold these things at the Yum Center? It just makes sense to celebrate Louisville basketball in the home of Louisville basketball, it would accommodate so many more, and would open up a lot more "entertainment possibilities" for theses hour-long events. Instead of just the players grabbing the mic for a bit they could have some contests, games of HORSE, lots of things to really put on a show and make it more of a celebration.

Just a thought for next year, when hopefully we find ourselves in the same situation.

It's past time to show some respect for UofL softball. The red-hot Cardinals just swept USF to storm into first-place in the Big East after 11 straight wins. The ladies seem to be getting it done in every way possible whether with dominant pitching and heavy bats or clutch defense and manufacturing runs. They move to 40-2 on the season, #9 in the nation and climbing.

Oh, and since the game was on ESPNU, former Olympian Jennie Finch was on hand, and tweeted out how impressed she was by UofL afterwards. If anyone snapped photos of her from the ballpark, feel free to send my way, I'll be happy to peruse them.

Honestly, has there ever been a better time to be a fan of the Cardinals? I can't remember such a time of optimism, for all sports, men and women's, top to bottom. It seems like everywhere you turn, from football to rowing there is something dynamic and exciting happening within the program. It really is a testament to Tom Jurich, simply the best in the business.

So good, in fact, we're invading pop culture. The wife tells me that UofL got a shout-out on this week's episode of Glee, when Santana, the hot bi-curious one, was pointed towards the Cards for college because "it's the best cheerleading school in the country". So...there's that.

More on Wesley Korir, the newest winner of the Boston Marathon here here and here.

Incoming guard Terry Rozier is climbing the recruiting rankings, now #69 in the lastest Scout rankings and now a consensus four-star player. Rozier, as we mentioned last week, still needs to get his grades and ACT score up before becoming eligible. And with Justice's transfer and Kevin Ware's move to the wing, his academic status suddenly takes on a great importance. Hit those books, Terry.

Getcha some

The commemorative poster being given out today when we celebrate the basketball season at Fourth Street Live. My man-cave called, its walls are hungry.

Festivities begin at 5:30.

Justice be done

The short, strange career of Elisha Justice in a Louisville uniform has come to an end. It was announced yesterday the world's Hottest Male Athlete will indeed be transferring to the University of Pikeville to seek greater playing time and to be closer to home.

His departure, like his time here, was a little bit surprising. He was one of the only players I can think of that had his minutes drop considerably as he gained experience, from 10.1 mpg in his freshman year to 4.9 in his sophomore. 

A quiet and unassuming kid, the only real drama in Justice's tenure came before he even arrived on campus. The high school legend was nonetheless overlooked for college ball and held scholarship offers from only Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville University. He opted to walk-on at UofL, but then Calipari started meddlin' and decided he wanted Mr. Basketball for himself, and reached out about accepting a one-year scholarship to UK.

But Justice said no, a word Cal is not used to hearing. He stuck by his commitment and cited loyalty and the fact that he had given his word as his reasons. In that moment, while we were still unsure of what kind of talent we had on our hands, it was apparent Justice was a throwback in terms of his values and character. He immediately won the respect of the Cardinal community and especially his head coach.

Pitino was so enamored he quickly rewarded Justice with a scholarship when Samardo made his unexpected jump to the pros; he spent a good portion of the pre-2010 season raving about his "Bullet", a nickname that sprung up out of nowhere but nonetheless stuck. Coach couldn't stop talking about Justice's work ethic, his intelligence, his court vision and his humility. 

It was no stretch to think that perhaps the Cards really had found a diamond in the rough, a solid four-year contributor. And when Bullet thoroughly outplayed Peyton Siva in his very first game, leading UofL over Butler with 12 points, 6 boards, and 2 assists in the christening of the Kayefseum, anything and everything seemed possible.

He continued to shine in the early season, playing major minutes and scoring in double figures twice more. But as the schedule toughened, his productivity and his playing time dropped. 

Justice was mostly a nonfactor throughout the Big East tournament, but then was thrust into the most pressure-filled moment of all, spelling an out-of-sync Petyon Siva with 23 big minutes against Morehead State in the first round of the Tourney. And he nearly guided the team to a win, save for a Demonte Harper buzzer-beater (pause to collect...pause to collect...OK) and again seemed ready to be a regular contributor the following season.

For whatever reason, 2011-12 didn't bring that for Justice. He was relegated mostly to practice duty, not even seeing the floor for a shocking 15 games last season. And when he did see the court, sophomore Bullet seemed more gunshy, focusing on not making a mistake more than making an impact.

Still, it did not go unnoticed that the offense ran smoothly when Justice was in the game. And by and large the fans had none of the anxiety with him running the show like was felt when Kevin Ware or Russ Smith took over point guard duties.

And now he's gone. Back to eastern Kentucky from whence he came. Suddenly, with the news that Kevin Ware will not be playing point guard, and with Terry Rozier still needing to drop some knowledge before setting foot on campus, his departure stings even more. The Cards, presumably, could have really used him next year.

But just like his decision to come to UofL in the first place, he has his reasons.

Coach Pitino said Justice will return to receive his Final Four ring during a game next season (Pikeville presumably will be on our early-season schedule). No doubt, he will receive a thundering round of applause.

Loyalty begets loyalty.

Rick Pitino presser recap, wounded ear edition

**Whew, this one was loaded, so you better take a deep breath**

Starts press conference addressing ridiculous-looking cast/bandage on ear, says due to a recent golf injury. Had a great time playing recently with Kenny Perry. Turning to basketball, named Siva and Hancock as co-captains next season. Very happy for Richard taking FIU position, wants them to come play here cause "I didn't spank him as a child so I hope to give him a good spanking up here next season". Says Richard took the job because he is confident he can recruit Florida, "if you get good players, you can win anywhere". Bullet will be transferring to Pikeville. Excited for him. Justice wants to play major minutes somewhere, will continue to help Justice pursue a future in coaching, if that's what he desires. Says naming Hancock captain is due to his tremendous leadership abilities. Richard Pitino "beyond ready" to be a head coach". He did 95% of the scouting this past season. Kevin Keatts likely to move into his role as head-scout for the opposition. No rush to add an additional coach to staff, will take his time. Andre McGee will move into the Director of Operations position (formerly Lieberman's). Has watched the UK Final Four game since, said "It was a great game" but a lot of what-ifs remain, particularly tying the score. Doesn't know what to expect from Terry Rozier next season. Says public/media "hasn't seen the real Kevin Ware". Ware will play the wing, not the point, but has been very impressive in practice. Blackshear starting to become the kind of player he was in high school. Wayne and Chane will both look to improve outside shot in offseason. Gorgui's target playing weight is 250lbs. Buckles, officially, will not play at all next season so he can get completely healthy. Marra still a question mark, his knee injury "even worse than Rock's". Kenny Klein joke. Happy to hear UofL named #1 seed in Lunardi's absurdly early projections. Laughed, but said it's telling about our microwave sports society. "When you're good defensively, anything can happen. We will be much better offensively next year". Thinks the tools are on the bench to replace what is being lost. Angel Nunez will backup Chane Behanan, Nunez has the most potential of any player on the team, the biggest gym rat on the roster. Russ "thinks he's Hollywood right now" but if we keep him humble, he'll be fine. Says last year's team won because of defense and character. Zach Price needs to work on free throws more than anything to see the floor, but otherwise is a very good player. Infra red uniforms will be retired, he liked the light-weight, but not the color. Wants a series with Indiana, is will be talking with Tom Crean about it this summer. Thanks the media for all their work and looks forward to a bright future.

Louisville grad wins Boston Marathon

Wesley Korir, who graduated from Louisville in 2008, won a heat-stricken Boston Marathon today with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 40 seconds.

That's slow by marathon standards, but at 82 degrees it's freaking hot up here and it's messing with the runners. Last year's winner, who set the record for the fastest marathon ever, had to drop out of the race due to cramping.

Wesley was a three-time Big East all-conference selection and two-time All American on Louisville's cross country and track and field teams. He still lives in Louisville and ran today for the University.

Sure, the fact that Wesley's from Kenya probably meant the guy already knew how to run in the sun. But having trained in the Kentucky heat couldn't have hurt either.

WHAS story here. KNN article here.

Congrats Wesley and Go Cards!

Helmet sticker for Adrian Bushell

In my initial Spring Game wrap, I neglected to single out senior cornerback Adrian Bushell for praise, and it was a large omission, because Bushell was awesome.

It can be difficult to read how well the d-line and linebackers are playing in these scrimmages since they aren't blitzing anything like they would in a typical Bedford-coached game. But the secondary does reveal itself; you either cover your guy or you don't. You have a knack for swarming to the ball or you don't. And in this regard, Bushell excelled.

He owns his position; one of the best athletes on the field, he was gliding across it with ease, blanketing his man while keeping his eyes up and on the QB, ready to spring to make a play. He reminded me a bit of Charles Woodson, the Packers vet they allow to gamble and cheat off his man because his instincts and athleticism outweigh the risk of getting beat occasionally and giving up a few yards.

Combine that with his lethal special teams play, and it's clear the senior will be key, perhaps the key, to UofL's defensive success next season. When Louisville's Pro Day rolls around, I imagine Bushell will be the highest on the list of reasons NFL scouts make the trip.

Richard Pitino strikes out on his own

Well, by now it's been widely circulated that Richard Pitino has accepted the head coaching job at FIU. Not a bad destination for his first head coaching gig, especially since judged against his predecessor, Isiah Thomas, merely getting out of his chair during a game will mark improvement.

Richard has connections in the area from his time at Florida, and will be bring Director of Basketball Operations Mark Lieberman, a FIU graduate, with him. Considering the mess Thomas left behind him, it'll be a long slog ahead, but I think Pitino is cagey enough to pull it off and turn that program around.

Of bigger concern around here is the hole that he leaves in the coaching ranks. Rick Pitino openly admitted (no doubt gaming the system in his son's favor a tad) how much he relied upon his son for opposition research and scouting. Many of the wrinkles added to UofL's schemes during games last year were credited to him afterwards.

Richard was integral to Louisville's run to the Final Four, and for that, will always be appreciated, followed and remembered around here.

The only negative attached to Richard Pitino's tenure were times in the uncertain past, when UofL's rollercoaster of fortunes had some fans experiencing nausea, and there was speculation that Rick Pitino was angling for Richard to fill the vacancy if and when he left the helm. Those (me included) thought this would be Pitino-overload and weren't keen on the idea.

But as we got to know him a little more in post-game pressers and open practices, his intelligence and charisma shined through. His mannerisms are uncanny in their likeness of his old man, and it became easier to see why players and colleagues spoke so highly of him.

He leaves behind a big hole on the staff. Whoever steps into his shoes must have big feet, like 6'10'' size feet. A deep voice too. Intact knees really aren't that important, but he has to be basketball-savvy and familiar with Rick Pitino's program. Know anybody like this?

Interesting article and comments section from the Miami Herald on Pitino's hiring here.

What a weekend

I thought things were supposed to die down after March Madness? That's not the case around here, at least not this past weekend. We've still got Spring football to evaluate, Richard Pitino takes a well-earned head coaching job at FIU and opens the door for some exciting possibilities ahead, Elisha Justice may or may not be transferring to Pikeville depending on who you ask, Kevin Ware is definitely not going to play point guard, which with the point above, raises questions about who exactly will fill the important backup role, UofL softball has a dominant hurler, and some ass clown apparently didn't read my recent post about Keeneland and Churchill being cease-fire zones and tried to dye his horse's tail blue for the Bluegrass Stakes. That's a full weekend. So shake off that hangover, we'll tackle each in turn.

"The Reincarnation Of A Bat"

ESPN made a pretty cool video about the creation of Louisville Slugger bats, starting with the ash forests of northern Pennsylvania through to the hands of Marlins 3B Hanley Ramirez . Call me old fashioned, but the crack of a wooden bat beats the ping of an aluminum bat any day of the week, and even videos that are ancillary to the game have a way of sparking nostalgia that other sports can't. The striking visuals and audio are great, too. Be sure to have the sound up.

Summary of the Spring scrimmage stravaganza

The weather gods may not be aboard The Train yet, but they're just the stubborn holdouts. Despite the rain, 15,000 fans still came out to get the first glimspe of the 2012 Louisville Cardinals yesterday. It was a great time despite the wet conditions, and those in attendance were treated to a pretty good show. Some thoughts and observations...

As I wrote yesterday, discussion of this team begins and ends with Teddy Bridgewater. His 19-21 completed passes for 3 TDs was no doubt the biggest storyline of the postgame. What impressed me the most was how deft some of his throws are; he was really dropping the ball in nicely over the outstretched arms of the defenders. It's a good thing Bridgewater has bulked up, because a lot of weight will be placed on his shoulders. So far, he shows every indication of being able to handle it.

I admit sometimes I struggle to analyze these practices because the pace is so choppy and disjointed it's often hard to tell who is playing well. But one thing immediately apparent was that this team passes the eyeball test. Each season under Kragthorpe our guys slowly but surely shrank a little, looking a little less physically imposing year to year. Now we're seeing that process in reverse.

 There are some monsters on this team on the line of scrimmage. Dunn, Brown, Butler, Miller, Mack; there is a lot of beef up front. They'll once again have to play the part of champions, they'll have to earn it on the field, but they're looking the part already.

Another hot topic before the game was seeing who had the edge within the stable of running backs. Of the four-headed monster of Domnique Brown, Senorise Perry. Corvin Lamb, and Jeremy Wright, I think Perry was most impressive yesterday. He got the majority of the reps and showed good speed hitting the hole. And if he is indeed the fastest player on the team, one filled with great athletes, it stands to reason he needs the ball in his hands.

There is an embarassment of riches at running back, but I still think it's an area of concern, because frankly you don't need four. Barring injury, you really only need two. After that I think you begin to see a negative return. I think at this moment, Perry and Brown likely have the edge as our two featured guys that bring the most potent combination of speed and power to the table.

While it works fine to rotate players in the Spring Game, I really don't want to see UofL try to correct any woes running the ball next year simply by plugging the next guy in.

Another luminary on the afternoon was senior receiver Scott Radcliffe, who led receivers with 9 catches. He looked Wes Welker-ish out there, with just an innate ability to get open. Strong expressed similar simple praise for Radcliffe afterwards: "He catches the ball. He moves the chains". There are others on the team with more natural gifts, but it's Radcliffe that may end up being Bridgewater's proverbial security-blanket.

One player that I don't think had his best outing was B.J. DuBose, who I was watching closely and with great expectations. He didn't get much push off the line, seemed sluggish, almost as if he was hampered by an injury. Whatever it was, he was being handled fairly easily, rarely requiring a double-team. Hope it was just an off-day, struggling with the vanilla playcalls and a QB wearing a yellow jersey.

Speaking of injuries, the biggest gasps of the day were for the injuries to lineman Alex Kupper and Ryan Mack. Thankfully neither seems to be too serious, though Kupper did have an MRI on his knee. Mack's looked the worst, and he was barely putting any weight on his leg as he was helped off the field. His is being called just a bone bruise. Luckily, it looks like we may have escaped the spring session without any devastating injuries.

The crowd was great. The stated estimate was 15,000, which sounded a little generous to me, but I'm truly awful at those kind of guessing games. I could have done without the emcee, nothing new there, but for the most part I thought the fans were lively and engaged. A good showing from the Louisville faithful, and definitely a solid base to build upon for the future.

Special teams is going to be interesting this year, for good and bad reasons. While the Cards will again be a dangerous return team, our kicking could be suspect. Four different ones were used yesterday, the most impressive probably John Wallace, the versatile freshman from E-town. But freshman kickers scare the crap out of me.

More tomorrow. Go Cards.