So what kind of University of Louisville basketball team do we really have? Is it the team that raced to a 12-game winning streak or the one that was 0-2 against a couple of good teams last week?
The results up to now don’t reveal much, with all but two of those games having been played at the KFC Yum! Center. Sure, UofL has plenty of defensive intensity when 20,000 or more fans are making life tough for the opposition. With the way college basketball games are officiated, life is much different on the road.
The play of Gorgui Dieng and Russ Smith has been most encouraging, embracing their roles, setting examples for their teammates. Kyle Kuric is as steady as they come, but some of his limitations were exposed last week. When Peyton Siva, Chris Smith, Chane Behenan aren’t hitting, the opposition concentrates on Kuric, denying him the corner, daring him to hit mid-range shots.
Peyton Siva’s shooting problems are obvious, but he’s making too many questionable passes and turnovers in recent games, especially for a junior. Those driving layups are no longer a surprise, defenses figuring them out.
The rest of the supporting cast seems to come and go, Chane Behanan, Rakeem Buckles, and Jared Swopshire few and far between with real contributions. Kevin Ware is out before you realize he’s in the game, Elisha Justice as well. Zach Price reserved for mop-up duty, Angel Nunez relegated to the bench. Wayne Blackshear still recovering.
St. John’s on the road will be the first of many challenging tests. The analysts keep saying U of L is going to be dangerous when everything starts coming together. That has to begin soon, the Big East schedule will be brutal as usual.
Not sure how many rebounds a game Behanan averaged in high school, but I bet half were rebounds of his own missed inside shots.
Once again Russ Smith is the man and Siva isn’t.
Nice win by the Cards.
Nice loss by UConn.