With the upcoming season looming the Cards have started to practice. This past weekend they had their first Red and White scrimmage. After watching some of the new guys and getting a look at this year’s team for the first time I can say that I am very optimistic about the season. The 2013-14 Louisville Basketball team will be defending a National Title this season and have the opportunity to make history by getting to the Final Four for three consecutive years and possibly winning back to back championships. If they are able to defend the title they will have to live up to the great defensive legacy left behind by the previous teams.

Defense has become the name of the game for the Louisville basketball program. Our Cards have made it to back to back Final Fours and claimed a National Championship with great defense. During last season Louisville averaged 22.6 points off turnovers, the most among teams from big six conferences. The Cardinals recorded a steal on 16.1 percentages of their opponents’ possessions, which ranked tops in the nation. Louisville finished last season with an 83.1 Adjusted Defensive Efficiency according to Kenpom.com and that was #1 in the nation and also the lowest in Kenpom history.

So the question is can the 2013-14 Cardinal Basketball team keep this great defensive legacy rolling along? With several new pieces in place that is one that many folks are asking. I’m confident in the guys we have returning that the defensive will be just as good as the past two seasons. There is a slight learning curve with a Rick Pitino taught defense so having a lot veterans back is a big plus. We will miss Gorgui’s shot blocking as far as interior defense is concerned and Peyton’s speed and defensive prowess up front. But we do have Russ Smith back and he was the most active Louisville defender, with a team-leading 38 deflections and 13 steals in the tournament. With the athleticism, agility and speed that I witnessed on Sunday this group shouldn’t have any problems playing defense.

Seth Greenberg and the ESPN Insiders ranked who they think will have the Top 5 defenses for the 2013-14 basketball season and our Cards made it on the top of the list. Here’s what they had to say:

The 2013-14 Cardinal Basketball season is officially under way and it all got started at the first Red & White Scrimmage today. For the first time in a long time I walked away from this first scrimmage thinking to myself that this team has a lot of offensive weapons. For the last few seasons we have had teams that have struggled at times to get baskets. If the performance today is any indication of the season ahead then I don’t see offensive production being a problem for this group of Cards. Granted the defense wasn’t the best it could be and some of the shots were uncontested. But from a fundamental standpoint you could just tell that these guys are scorers. I think it’s a statement with all of this great offense today while the best scorer on the team was sitting on the bench in street clothes. To say I’m excited after seeing this group for the first time is an understatement, and I think they are going to mold into a great team over the next six months.

The Veterans:

Russ Smith has become a more mature and responsible player on the court and it’s obvious after seeing him in action for the first time today that he understands what his role on this team should be and what he needs to do to get to the next level. Coach Pitino said in his post-game comments that if Russ plays like he did today and continues to make good decisions that the sky is the limit for him. He was the second leading scorer of the scrimmage with 24 points but more importantly had 5 rebounds and 8 assist. I’m so happy that I get to watch this kid play again for another year in the red and black. He’s going to be special this season.

Chane Behanan has been known for his lethargic starts to new seasons and for his lack of preparation in the summer. In the locker room today he admitted that in previous years he hadn’t got the message from coach Pitino and that he hadn’t done what he needed to do in the summer to prepare for the upcoming season. But Chane said that he finally got that message this summer and had been in the gym working out and working on his shot. Today that preparation showed on the court and he was the leading scorer of the scrimmage with 25 points. He was also cleaning the backboard and grabbed a game high 13 rebounds. When was the last time you seen Chane have an effort like this in a game of non-importance. With this type of head start from a physical and fundamental standpoint Chane Behanan will be a first round draft pick in the NBA Draft next year. Remember you heard it here first. It’s going to be fun watching him be all he can be from beginning to end this year.

Wayne Blackshear is one of the most anticipated players to ever lace em up in a Cardinal uniform. I still remember the roar when he stepped on the floor for the first time. But since that first time seeing action Cardinal nation has been waiting on Wayne to live up to his hype. Well,.. Wait no more Cardinal fans because Wayne Blackshear has arrived. This was the first summer he actually got to go through all of his workouts without being held back by injuries and it shows. Coach Pitino said in his post-game that when Wayne improves his ball handling he will be the player he was in high school. (The Chicago Player of the Year) Wayne was one of the most active players on the court today and you could see a dramatic improvement in his confidence. He is about to have a breakout season folks and it couldn’t be at a better time. He had 20 points, 9 rebounds with 4 assist and was all over the place.

Montrezl Harrell was a big reason the Cardinals won their third championship last season. He is one of the most inspired basketball players you will see on a basketball court. The guy plays hard on both ends of the floor and makes the players around him better. He’s got all the gifts of a high level hoopster at 6’8 with a 7 foot wing span but most importantly he has heart, drive and determination. Enjoy him this season Cardinal fans because NBA scouts will be foaming at the mouth every time they see him play. He is a very special player and person. I’m thankful he is a Cardinal. If this team plays their final game in Dallas this season it will be in large part to Montrezl. He went down with a cramp today and you could hear a pin drop in the Yum Center. Then you could hear everyone exhale in unison when he got up. Coach Pitino grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd “I wasn’t worried”. This is a very deep team but the one guy that this team couldn’t afford to lose is Harrell. He had 23 points with 10 rebounds and loved every minute of it.

Stephan Van Treese has always been a guy that utilizes his skills to the max and is going to give it all he has when he gets his minutes. Rick Pitino said earlier this week that Stephan would be the starter if the season started now. I don’t see that happening with the players around but I do see him being a guy who provides steady production throughout the season. He’s always going to give the team a 100% when he’s on the court and that is why he’s so important. He’s a work horse and a great example of that is his stat line for this scrimmage. He didn’t have any points but did have 9 rebounds and a steal. He isn’t the most important player on this team but is the type of player every coach wants on their team.

Tim Henderson was one of the most valuable players in the Final Four last season. I have said before that if my son were old enough to attend the games with me that I would point to Tim as an example of a hard worker on the court. He quietly does his job and works on his game. He has accepted his role and will always be ready when his number is called upon. I love this kid. Today Tim quietly had 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

The New Cardinals:

Chris Jones was the number one Juco player in the nation last year and is known for his ability to run an offense. He has great handles and a soft shooting touch. He will be a great point man for this team. He plays his game under control and has good court awareness. I think it will take him some time to adjust to the speed of the game at this level but once that happens he will be the real deal. He had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assist and played under control. This guy will also be great on defense when he learns Coach Pitino’s system.

Anton Gill is a player that I had pegged as a guy that would be brought along slowly. I didn’t expect him to see much court time this season. I could be very…. very… wrong. This kid turned more than a few heads today with his offensive prowess. This kid is a pure shooter and has an eye for the basket. He has a very fundamentally sound shot and great shot selection. If today is any indication of what is to come there’s no way he doesn’t make it into the rotation. He was 5-10 from long range and had 17 points in his impressive debut.

Terry Rozier wasn’t going to surprise me today. As a matter of fact I have been singing this kids praises all summer and have said all along that he was just as good as any player in the 2013 class. This kid is the real deal and if you weren’t there to see it today then you will see it soon. He has a Dwayne Wade look about him on the court and is big time basketball ready. This kid is a well-rounded basketball player in all aspects of the game. He was the second leading re-bounder today with 11 and Coach Pitino said after the game that he had never seen a guy rebound like Rozier does from the guard spot. And went on to say that was his biggest attribute. He was 3 assist away from having a triple-double in his Cardinal debut with 18 points and 7 assist. Terry Rozier made me look like I know what I’m talking about today. I can’t wait to see him flourish under the Rick Pitino system.

Mangok Mathiang was touted by Coach Pitino as one of the quickest guys on the team. And he does get up and down the floor very effectively. With the loss of Gorgui this team was in desperate need of someone to step up and provide the interior defense needed for the guys up front in the Pitino defense to take chances. “The Mango” just might be our huckleberry… Not only did he lead the game with 6 rebounds he was the only player to record a blocked shot on the roster. He is very athletic for his size and has great timing on defense. I think he will fill the void in the middle this season especially once he learns the system better. And he isn’t that far behind because even though he couldn’t play last he was around and did go through practices. He also had 8 points with 10 rebounds today. I’m very excited about the potential of “The Mango”.

Akoy Agau is a guy who came to campus in need of some Pitino magic. He has already cut his weight significantly but is still a long way from being in D1 basketball shape. At times today he was gasping for air as he lumbered up and down the floor. He was visibly the most out of shape guy on the team. But I do like this kid and like the qualities he has to offer not only on the court but off. He’s a great person and you need great people on a team. I do think he will be a solid contributor but not this season.

David Levitch has the best 3 point percentage in North Oldham’s history. He is a kid that grew up watching the Cardinals and has come to games since he was an infant. This kid is honored to play for the team he grew up admiring. I see him as a potential candidate to take over the “Hendo” role someday. I see some big shots in this kid’s future.

It was a great day in the KFC Yum Center and you can feel that Cardinal Nation is ready for some hoops. There wasn’t much defense played today but that is to be expected in the early season. I know that with the athleticism, speed and skill that I saw on the court today that this team will live up to the great defensive legacy left behind by the past two teams. It’s just going to take some time and they won’t really be able to start that process until the first exhibitions. It’s going to be another exciting year Cardinal Fans. Please be sure to follow my website on the journey and I will try to keep you as informed and entertained as I can. GO CARDS!

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The Defending Champs Take The Floor For The First Time

Coach Pitino Press After Red & White Scrimmage

Russ Smith after 1st Red & White Scrimmage

Wayne Blackshear after 1st Red & White Scrimmage

Luke Hancock after 1st Red & White Scrimmage

Chane Behanan after first Red & White Scrimmage

Montrezl Harrell after 1st Red & White Scrimmage

David Levitch after the 1st Red & White Scrimmage

As has been expected for weeks Chinanu Onuaku made his verbal commitment to the Louisville Cardinals and Rick Pitino today. I think this is a great pick-up for our 2014 class. This kid is young and has a huge upside. I don’t think he’s even scratched the surface when it comes to his offensive potential. He will fit great into the Rick Pitino system. He loves the game, works hard, and he’s a great passer which will be great for our offensive scheme. He Runs the floor well and blocks shots something we can use to help us with pressure defense. While raw offensively, we have lots of scoring options and wouldn’t need him to do much early on. He’s also mobile enough to play 5/4.

(ESPN)
Center of attention
Chinanu Onuaku (Upper Marlboro, Md./Riverdale Baptist)
2014, C, 6-10, 250
“Onuaku is an intriguing 5-man with great length. His offensive game is raw other than an occasional drop-step move in the paint, but he plays with great energy and affects the game with his shot blocking and rebounding.”

Louisville has become a program where players like Onuaku can come and develop their full potential without being rushed into things too early. This has payed off big for other players and I think it will for this kid. I’m really glad we got this kid on board and can’t wait to see all the creative ways the UofL student section finds to root for Nanu. They should have a field day.

This Friday college basketball season will officially begin as teams all across the country will be allowed to start practice. Our National Champion Louisville Cardinal basketball team will begin practicing Saturday for their upcoming title defense. College basketball moved up the start date for practice by 2 weeks this year. During the next six weeks Coach Pitino will be allowed to have 30 practices including scrimmages and exhibition games. The fans first chance to see the defending champs will be during a Red and White scrimmage on October 5th at 4:00pm in the KFC Yum Center.

This season the Cards will have some new faces on the team and will have some new talent to blend with the returning veterans. I am most excited to see Chris Jones and Terry Rozier. These guys have the opportunity to have a big impact on this season. Both had to wait it out to get their chance to play big time college basketball. Chris in Junior College and Terry in Prep School. These guys are going to be hungry and ready to prove they belong. I also think Agau and Gill could see their opportunities but do think these guys will be developed at a slower pace.
This season will also be first chance for “The Mango” to get his opportunity to see the floor in competition. Mangok has already been heralded by Coach Pitino as one of the fastest guys on the team for his ability to get up and down the floor.
This could be the season when Wayne Blackshear finally puts up the numbers Cardinal fans have expected since he walked on the court. This was the first summer that Wayne has been completely healthy and not held back in workouts by his shoulders. The same could be said for Luke Hancock. We got a glimpse of what he is capable of during his magical Final Four run. He was also able to have a productive summer free of injury and that is bad news for the Louisville opponents.
Montrezl Harrell had everyone talking after his summer performances winning a gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Prague. He might be the key to another trip to the Final Four.
I will be anxious to see if “Big Game” Behanan is ready to take his play to the next level and bring it every week regardless of the situation or opponent.
All of Cardinal Nation will be waiting for that moment when Kevin Ware checks into his first game of the season.
Last but definitely not least is the guy who decided to come back for his senior season to give Cardinal fans one last “Russdiculous” year Russ Smith. When Slam magazine ask Russ about his nickname in an interview this summer he had this to say: Smith told SLAM. “Sometimes it brings a negative perception, but I just play basketball and I’m a winner. At the end of the day there are guys with names like Mr. Fundamental, but they don’t have two straight Final Fours and a national championship. I have rings, man.”
I think that pretty much sums up the most charismatic player to ever wear the Cardinal gear. He is a winner and I hope he adds to that ring collection this year.

So much anticipation and excitement surrounding this 2013-14 Cardinal basketball team. They will head into this season with all the momentum in the world and in my opinion playing with house money. Back to back Final Fours, a National Championship and haven’t felt defeat since February 9th last year. The hard work starts Friday and the journey to what could be another very special season will begin.