Before Saturday’s win over NC State, I can’t remember such negative vibes around a U of L program, including basketball. That covers more years than I care to admit as a fan. I’ve seen athletic directors come and go, but Tom Jurich is an exceptional individual.
With his keen insight into coaching personalities and his vision for the university, Tom Jurich is one of the best things that ever happened for U of L. We are fortunate to have him, especially with the way U of L started this year. Commenting on Coach Steve Kragthorpe, Tom told the Louisville Sports Report last week:
“Steve is a very solid guy … His background and credentials were impeccable, and that is why I hired him. He has what it takes to be our head coach, and he turned down many jobs to come here. This was a tough spot to come into because the expectations were so high. He accepted the challenge, and he’ll fight through it. He is going to be our long-term coach, and he is going to do a great job here. We’ll get through this … He’s a phenomenal recruiter, he’s proven that already. Everybody is involved. I’ve always said that you find out who your friends during times of adversity.”
Tom added a few words about his own situation:
“We’ve got to get through some tough times right now, and we’re going to fight through it. I’m committed to this place and making it work, and this is something that’s important to the school, the city and the Big East.”
Thanks Tom. You are the right man in the right place.
It is pure agony going through these initial steps. I sure hope it is worth the pain. One thing for sure is that Kragthorpe has everybody’s attention now. It is no longer Petrino’s old team; it is Kragthorpe’s alone, and any success or blame will belong to him. I think we will be okay in the end, hopefully stronger than before.