Not as bad as Kentucky, about even with Cincinnati, not as good as Dayton …

Before the win over UK, U of L fans would have had been deluding themselves if they gave this basketball team a five on a scale of 1 to 10. The Cards had lost to four teams they could have beaten while not looking very impressive in achieving the nine wins.

A win over Kentucky, the hated arch rival to the east — no matter how bad the Cats are — is reason enough for temporary amnesia about early season play. Beating the Wildcats on their home court, shutting up their vocal fan base, has that kind of effect.

Assuming the win over the Cats was the result of “smart play” and not driven by high levels of adrenaline, Card fans have a number of reason to believe this team can still be among the best U of L teams in a couple of decades:

  • The miraculous return of David Padgett with his leadership abilities. Padgett’s desire to play basketball is exceeded only by his will to win. He has earned his position as a leader, and his teammates are taking note.
  • Juan Palacios, if he plays like he did in Lexington, will be another stabilizing force on the front line.
  • Derrick Caracter seems to have discovered the ability to feed open teammates. That’s good because the opposition is becoming more effective in stopping him around the basket.
  • Jerry Smith is exuding confidence behind the three-point line. Knows when to shoot and when to dish.
  • Terrence Williams obviously has the physical attributes. Showed last season he can play smart and under control. That’s the form to which he needs to return.

Meanwhile, Andre McGee and Edgar Sosa need to settle into their respective roles. How soon that happens depends on how quickly Sosa comes around. Earl Clark? Quite a bit of ability but low levels of intensity thus far. If he ever becomes a team player, look out.

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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.

One thought on “Putting The Pieces Together, How Soon …”
  1. This was Pitino’s best game of the season. He somehow figured out how to make his guys “understand the scouting report” finally, unfortunately for my Cats. Considering this was the first game with all our guys at full strength, I definately expected more. All I can take as a UK fan from this game is finally grasping that we are just not that good.

    What’s killing me is that I’ve never been much of a trash talker (just some good-natured ribbing with close friends). People know I’m a fan for sure, but I don’t run my mouth. I know I can’t take it, so I don’t dish it out. Now I get people come out of the woodwork who know I’m a fan and rub it in my face. Such is life I suppose.

    Congrats to the Cards on a good win, although the computers don’t see it that way.

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