One of the things fans look forward as the basketball opens is a first look at the incoming freshmen. They are, after all, the future of the program. So much for that tradition: Attrition has struck the class big time.

The NCAA Clearinghouse didn’t live up to its name once again, failing to clear George Goode, a 6-foot-8, 205-pounder lacking a couple of high school credits. The doctors are at least a year away from allowing 7-foot-2 Clarence Holloway anywhere near a basketball court. That leaves only Preston Knowles, a guard from Winchester that Pitino says plays good defense, and Lee Steiden, a walk on guard from St. X.

Fast forward to next season: David Padgett, Juan Palacios and Terrance Farley will have graduated. At least three starters could jump to the NBA. Pitino will be practically starting all over again, with a team that will essentially include eight or nine people new to the college scene. Some of the incoming frosh will have extraordinary talent but also much to learn.

But that’s next year. The cup is full of talented veterans right now, and there’s every reason for U of L fans to live for the moment.

* * *

The U of L marketing staff has outdone itself this year with the basketball schedule posters. They are larger than usual, 18 x 24 inches, and on a heavier paper stock. The design is classic, a real keeper. You can pick them up at Thornton’s locations while they last. A nod, too, to V. G. Reed & Sons Printing Company for the quality.
Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “No Looking Ahead To Next Year”
  1. Gosh, we had better win big this year because next year could be a repeat of this year in football in terms of coaching criticism. People these days worship sports instead of going to church so their daily attitudes are strongly affected by how well their teams performed in the last game.

Comments are closed.