On Tuesday, the observer was seated next to a long-time fan at the Louisville-Indiana baseball game. Not just any fan, mind you. He has served on the UofL Athletic Association, the Board of Trustees, and the old University of Louisville Association.

Like many other U of L basketball fans, he has tempered his expectations as the Big East Tournament season begins and the NCAA Tournament approaches.

“I’m just ready for it to be over,” he said. “It has been a long season.”

But we also know that he, and everybody else who feels the same way, will be locked in as long as this team is alive, hoping against long odds that UofL will make a respectable showing in both tournaments.

Like many fans, he will criticize Rick Pitino, suggesting that his coaching style has resulted in a lack of confidence among key players. But he will also acknowledge that if there is a coach who could shock the basketball world, it is Pitino.

Anyone who has tracked his career knows Pitino has orchestrated some unbelievable transformations in more challenging situations than the one in which he now resides. He has his share of disappointments but he has also thrived on adversity at times. He often does the opposite of what’s expected of him. Just when one thinks he is done, he proves otherwise.

Don’t ever count him out. The mind games work both ways.

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By Charlie Springer

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