Another one of those games that doesn’t inspire confidence in the immediate future of University of Louisville basketball. A rerun of the irksome style of play, depressing but resulting in one more unsightly win.
With the scarcity of shooters so obvious, UofL fans are going to have learn to appreciate this style of play. It may be, in fact, the only option available to Rick Pitino if this season is going to be extended beyond two more games.
Pitino’s take-no-prisoners approach on defense obviously takes a toll on other phases of the game. Until halftime of the 61-55 win over Seton Hall, he has rarely discussed his team’s offense, as if it would somehow resolve itself. Pitino actually making it clear that he wants Kyle Kuric to shoot his way out of a shooting slump.
- Forget Wayne Blackshear becoming a contributor until he buys in or understands what Pitino wants him to do on defense. The coach said he’s going to need Blackshear against Marquette but the coach says a lot of things. Better to watch what he does, rather than what he says.
- Gorgui Deing caught on a long time ago, his six blocks putting him at 104 for the season, a record for Louisville basketball. Pervis is history.
- Russ Smith playing so hard on defense, he’s unable to hit the basket on free throws near the end. Even he has limits on endurance.
- Nice to see Peyton Siva making something besides lay ups, possibly gaining more confidence in shooting skills that were never suspect until this season. His only cure, like Kuric’s, is to keep shooting. Fear of shooting has never been a positive thing.
Next up is Marquette, a team that plays the kind of basketball UofL fans were expecting from their own team this season. But if Louisville is to survive and advance one more game, there will be a return of ugly ball.
Great to see Peyton Siva have a solid game. He is one of my favorite players, and he has been taking a lot of heat. A win is a win.