Big East opener not requiring heavy doses of exertion, intensity or emotion. Out of the way, in the books. Respecting the opponent, not looking past anyone. Louisville 73, South Florida 52.
- Not a momentum builder by any stretch of the imagination, but no one was looking past South Florida either, including the crowd, waiting until the 35 second mark to begin the “Beat UK” chant.
- Edgar Sosa is this team’s most dependable part, with the exception of a few misdirected passes in the early going. Following the sit down, going on to compile five assists, four rebounds, two steals and 16 points. His ultimate legacy, or lack of it, however, may hinge on how he performs Saturday.
- U of L is more consistent when Jared Swopshire is in the lineup, if the South Florida game is any indication. He doesn’t get overly excited, which can be bad or good, depending on what’s going on around him. His improvement, if it continues, could be a major factor come March.
- The continuing inability of Samardo Samuels or Terrence Jennings to dominate any team with a recognizable name is distressing. The inexplicable inability to finish, missing seemingly easy two or three-foot shots painful to watch.
- Jerry Smith going down the middle is an adventure, defying predictability. Either looking great or klutzy. Where did that three-point shot go anyway?
- A star needs to be born Saturday, the most likely candidates Peyton Siva or Mike Mara.
- Preston Knowles will show up. Count on it.
Let the hype begin for the Louisville-Kentucky circus.
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Speaking of Buckles am I the only one who thinks he runs much like Wiley Brown. There is something in the gait and posture. Of course Wiley slightly outweighed him. But Buckles has more fingers.
I have to admit I’m not Jared Swopshire’s biggest fan. And, it’s ironic, because my season tickets in men’s basketball are next to the lady who does his scrapbook that is sponsored by Cardinal Dames. I keep my thoughts to myself about him at games out of deference to her.
But, I will give him credit for a decent game last night. Physically, though he is no match for the front line assault that he is going to run into with Patterson, Cousins, Orton and the other beasts that Calipari has. Not to mention some of the Big East front courts as well.
I hope he continues to improve. I hope he ends up like a Tayshaun Prince. But for the time being, I’d like to see a lot more Rakeem Buckles or Terrance Jennings and a little less Swopshire. I do believe that Buckles is the Cards next Earl Clark candidate in waiting. JMO.
If Marra is going to be born a star Saturday he’ll need more minutes than the zero he had against USF. And to be able to make a jump shot.
CB, we’ve all seen games over the years when certain players emerged from their cocoons and blossomed into super stars. I’m hoping that’s what happens with a couple of U of L players on Saturday. That would be a good game for it to happen.