Category Archives: David Padgett

Pitino The Pessimist

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Good thing Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino never became a doctor; he’s not very good at analyzing injuries. He would have been better as a psychiatrist because he likes to mess with people’s heads. He is wrong so often on diagnosing injuries that he has to be doing it for motivational purposes.

Shortly after Palacios was injured, Pitino proclaimed that he was thinking seriously about red shirting the 6-foot-8, 250-pound senior. He reminded fans that Juan is a slow healer and has had almost every possible injury in his college career.

Surprise. The latest word is that Palacios showed up for practice Thursday, moving around for about 35 minutes. No heavy duty action. Primarily shooting around. Must be getting better. You think?

Fans were somewhat concerned when David Padgett collided with another player in the Jackson State game. Pitino first said it was a minor injury, and fans breathed a collective sigh of relief. Then less than 24 hours later, Pitino shocked the Cardinal world with the pronouncement that Padgett had busted his knee cap and that his career was most likely finished.

Now we hear from David that he has always healed quickly, and that he expects to be ready by January — despite Pitino’s public pronouncements to the contrary. Padgett is confident, Pitino is doubtful.

The only thing certain is that David Padgett intends to return. Fans can only hope that Dr. Pitino is wrong again.
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No Looking Ahead To Next Year

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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.

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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.