(07-11-2013 03:05 PM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:39 AM)bearcatlawjd Wrote:  Everybody expecting Louisville to breeze through the league next year is going to be shocked how deep this conference is next season. I also would rank the American Athletic in the top three basketball leagues next season, right up there with the ACC and the Big Ten.

I would have grouped Cincinnati with UConn and Memphis; however, to be more accurate I would put Memphis ahead of both of those schools and drop UConn down a half level and raise Cincinnati up half a step. UConn and Cincinnati have more holes to fill next season but both should make the tournament.

SMU has been receiving some love from the media, are they a realistic bet to make the tournament next season?

What holes does UConn have to fill next year? We have our entire starting team back.

But a starting team that went 20-10 and would have been borderline NCAA tournament if eligible? That would still mean "holes" exist.

Memphis is getting #1 this coming season!!!! #AllinforPastner

(07-11-2013 01:11 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:52 AM)Maize Wrote:  As I have said repeatedly....UConn, Cincinnati, Temple, Memphis & Tulsa is a very good corp to build a basketball league around.

Going forward the Top 6 Leagues year in year out IMO:

1. ACC
2. B1G
3. AAC
4. Big XII
5. BIG EAST
6. Pac 12

The irony is on the court the Big XII is strong many years. Why it doesn't translate to perception, I don't know.

Right now, looking forward, I would pick the Big East over the AAC in terms of who would be stronger year in and year out. Deeper league giving more chances of stability. Currently the AAC has the danger of being the old ACC, top heavy, but soft in the middle and bottom. I know some will say that teams can improve now, but since the league is very similar to where each came from, until I see it, I can't really count it, save for maybe UCF, who is truly "new" to the party.

Really other than Gtwn, Marquette, who do they have? Butler lost their coach, Xavier not as good as they were, the rest is drek. AAC has a much brighter future. B12 - Kansas and OKSt. that's it. The Pac12 is up and coming. Also fun to note that the $EC isn't even listed.

(07-11-2013 10:23 PM)mullinsworld Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 01:11 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:52 AM)Maize Wrote:  As I have said repeatedly....UConn, Cincinnati, Temple, Memphis & Tulsa is a very good corp to build a basketball league around.

Going forward the Top 6 Leagues year in year out IMO:

1. ACC
2. B1G
3. AAC
4. Big XII
5. BIG EAST
6. Pac 12

The irony is on the court the Big XII is strong many years. Why it doesn't translate to perception, I don't know.

Right now, looking forward, I would pick the Big East over the AAC in terms of who would be stronger year in and year out. Deeper league giving more chances of stability. Currently the AAC has the danger of being the old ACC, top heavy, but soft in the middle and bottom. I know some will say that teams can improve now, but since the league is very similar to where each came from, until I see it, I can't really count it, save for maybe UCF, who is truly "new" to the party.

Really other than Gtwn, Marquette, who do they have? Butler lost their coach, Xavier not as good as they were, the rest is drek. AAC has a much brighter future. B12 - Kansas and OKSt. that's it. The Pac12 is up and coming. Also fun to note that the $EC isn't even listed.

I was just going to say that Myself the rest of the NBE is a pack of also rans other than Villanova.

Chris jones is a totally different player than siva...he's a scoring first pg so we'll see how that works out for y'all but he's talented no doubt.

no1 can challenge us; we are the best, the top dawg, numero uno. We are the establishment that can not be conquered, swayed, or touched. the undisputed, unrivaled, unquestioned leader

(07-11-2013 08:49 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 03:05 PM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:39 AM)bearcatlawjd Wrote:  Everybody expecting Louisville to breeze through the league next year is going to be shocked how deep this conference is next season. I also would rank the American Athletic in the top three basketball leagues next season, right up there with the ACC and the Big Ten.

I would have grouped Cincinnati with UConn and Memphis; however, to be more accurate I would put Memphis ahead of both of those schools and drop UConn down a half level and raise Cincinnati up half a step. UConn and Cincinnati have more holes to fill next season but both should make the tournament.

SMU has been receiving some love from the media, are they a realistic bet to make the tournament next season?

What holes does UConn have to fill next year? We have our entire starting team back.

But a starting team that went 20-10 and would have been borderline NCAA tournament if eligible? That would still mean "holes" exist.

Not at all. When everyone is back, that means everyone is a year older, a year more experienced, a year better. While other teams have lost veteran players, UConn has retained all of its veterans and they have added new players from a good recruiting class.

No idea where you get the idea that UConn was a borderline tournament team. Tied with Villanova in the Big East standings and finished ahead of Cincinnati, both of whom went to the tournament. Lunardi had them projected as a #4 seed. Stat Sheet had their RPI at #40.

UConn would have been a solid tournament pick last year and they will be better next year. But more important to note is that they were crippled with late season injuries. Their RPI was around a #25 most of the season. They lost 3 of their last 4 games, but kept them close in spite of the injuries. They were a better team most of the season than their final record showed. The injuries are not to make excuses for any losses but to give a valid assessment of what they were last year.

FWIW, ESPN has UConn projected at #21 for next year.

(07-11-2013 10:23 PM)mullinsworld Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 01:11 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:52 AM)Maize Wrote:  As I have said repeatedly....UConn, Cincinnati, Temple, Memphis & Tulsa is a very good corp to build a basketball league around.

Going forward the Top 6 Leagues year in year out IMO:

1. ACC
2. B1G
3. AAC
4. Big XII
5. BIG EAST
6. Pac 12

The irony is on the court the Big XII is strong many years. Why it doesn't translate to perception, I don't know.

Right now, looking forward, I would pick the Big East over the AAC in terms of who would be stronger year in and year out. Deeper league giving more chances of stability. Currently the AAC has the danger of being the old ACC, top heavy, but soft in the middle and bottom. I know some will say that teams can improve now, but since the league is very similar to where each came from, until I see it, I can't really count it, save for maybe UCF, who is truly "new" to the party.

Really other than Gtwn, Marquette, who do they have? Butler lost their coach, Xavier not as good as they were, the rest is drek. AAC has a much brighter future. B12 - Kansas and OKSt. that's it. The Pac12 is up and coming. Also fun to note that the $EC isn't even listed.

Well, at least Butler, Xavier, and Villanova have had recent success. What does the AAC have after UConn & Memphis?

Fact is that it's not just Georgetown & Marquette looking forward. Creighton is a top 25 pick for next year with first team All American Doug McDermott coming back. So is Villanova. Xavier is ranked in the top 40 preseason. St. John's and Butler have both received mention in some top 25 lists.

Frankly the Big East shapes up as a powerhouse for 2013-14. Here's how bracketologyexpert.com sees the Big East in their top 50 for next year:

5. Marquette
9. Georgetown
16. Villanova
35. Creighton
44. St. John's
48. Providence
49, Butler

http://www.bracketologyexpert.com/2013/0...ville-1-2/

(07-12-2013 12:35 AM)tigerderek Wrote:  Chris jones is a totally different player than siva...he's a scoring first pg so we'll see how that works out for y'all but he's talented no doubt.

The first thing for him is by in with defense...not going to need scoring since we return 70% of our scoring & rebounding...but with Russ Smith & Kevin Ware that takes some of the unknown away...by conference play & if Ware is completely healthy watch out..

(07-12-2013 04:43 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 08:49 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 03:05 PM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:39 AM)bearcatlawjd Wrote:  Everybody expecting Louisville to breeze through the league next year is going to be shocked how deep this conference is next season. I also would rank the American Athletic in the top three basketball leagues next season, right up there with the ACC and the Big Ten.

I would have grouped Cincinnati with UConn and Memphis; however, to be more accurate I would put Memphis ahead of both of those schools and drop UConn down a half level and raise Cincinnati up half a step. UConn and Cincinnati have more holes to fill next season but both should make the tournament.

SMU has been receiving some love from the media, are they a realistic bet to make the tournament next season?

What holes does UConn have to fill next year? We have our entire starting team back.

But a starting team that went 20-10 and would have been borderline NCAA tournament if eligible? That would still mean "holes" exist.

Not at all. When everyone is back, that means everyone is a year older, a year more experienced, a year better. While other teams have lost veteran players, UConn has retained all of its veterans and they have added new players from a good recruiting class.

No idea where you get the idea that UConn was a borderline tournament team. Tied with Villanova in the Big East standings and finished ahead of Cincinnati, both of whom went to the tournament. Lunardi had them projected as a #4 seed. Stat Sheet had their RPI at #40.

UConn would have been a solid tournament pick last year and they will be better next year. But more important to note is that they were crippled with late season injuries. Their RPI was around a #25 most of the season. They lost 3 of their last 4 games, but kept them close in spite of the injuries. They were a better team most of the season than their final record showed. The injuries are not to make excuses for any losses but to give a valid assessment of what they were last year.

FWIW, ESPN has UConn projected at #21 for next year.

UConn would have been seeded somewhere between 8 through 11 last season if they were not in NCAA APR jail. Dance Card's computer projection had them as the 39 best resume which is a 10 seed. Injuries might have bumped up or down a seed depending on who would have available for the tournament.

UConn should be a solid top 25 team next season, the front court and overall depth could be an issue but I would be shocked if they are not in the tournament in 2014.

(07-12-2013 05:19 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 10:23 PM)mullinsworld Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 01:11 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:52 AM)Maize Wrote:  As I have said repeatedly....UConn, Cincinnati, Temple, Memphis & Tulsa is a very good corp to build a basketball league around.

Going forward the Top 6 Leagues year in year out IMO:

1. ACC
2. B1G
3. AAC
4. Big XII
5. BIG EAST
6. Pac 12

The irony is on the court the Big XII is strong many years. Why it doesn't translate to perception, I don't know.

Right now, looking forward, I would pick the Big East over the AAC in terms of who would be stronger year in and year out. Deeper league giving more chances of stability. Currently the AAC has the danger of being the old ACC, top heavy, but soft in the middle and bottom. I know some will say that teams can improve now, but since the league is very similar to where each came from, until I see it, I can't really count it, save for maybe UCF, who is truly "new" to the party.

Really other than Gtwn, Marquette, who do they have? Butler lost their coach, Xavier not as good as they were, the rest is drek. AAC has a much brighter future. B12 - Kansas and OKSt. that's it. The Pac12 is up and coming. Also fun to note that the $EC isn't even listed.

Well, at least Butler, Xavier, and Villanova have had recent success. What does the AAC have after UConn & Memphis?

Fact is that it's not just Georgetown & Marquette looking forward. Creighton is a top 25 pick for next year with first team All American Doug McDermott coming back. So is Villanova. Xavier is ranked in the top 40 preseason. St. John's and Butler have both received mention in some top 25 lists.

Frankly the Big East shapes up as a powerhouse for 2013-14. Here's how bracketologyexpert.com sees the Big East in their top 50 for next year:

5. Marquette
9. Georgetown
16. Villanova
35. Creighton
44. St. John's
48. Providence
49, Butler

http://www.bracketologyexpert.com/2013/0...ville-1-2/

Marquette, Villanova, and Georgetown are not going to finish that high. I like Creighton a lot better than 35. I wouldn't call that league a powerhouse but it should have a lot schools with RPI's between 25 and 75 fighting for post season bids. Only DePaul and Seton Hall should be sitting at home next March; however, there could be an equal or greater amount of NIT bids as there are NCAA bids from that league.

(07-12-2013 04:43 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  Not at all. When everyone is back, that means everyone is a year older, a year more experienced, a year better. While other teams have lost veteran players, UConn has retained all of its veterans and they have added new players from a good recruiting class.

You do realize this statement kills the argument you made earlier about Louisville, right? Louisville has seven of it's nine rotation players back, including both the top scorer, and the tournament MVP, 70% of the minutes, rebounding, scoring, etc from last year, all who as you said, are another year older and more experience, and a top ten class that is higher than any conference member but Memphis (note I don't see UConn's class on the top 25 list but I'll take your word for it).

So you can't logically say UConn will be better because of experience maturity and a great class, then knock another team who returns a near equal amount from a more accomplished team, plus bring in higher regarded players. Especially when a team who likes to wear people down can now extend it's rotation from 9 to 11 or 12. See what I mean?

(07-12-2013 11:02 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 04:43 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  Not at all. When everyone is back, that means everyone is a year older, a year more experienced, a year better. While other teams have lost veteran players, UConn has retained all of its veterans and they have added new players from a good recruiting class.

You do realize this statement kills the argument you made earlier about Louisville, right? Louisville has seven of it's nine rotation players back, including both the top scorer, and the tournament MVP, 70% of the minutes, rebounding, scoring, etc from last year, all who as you said, are another year older and more experience, and a top ten class that is higher than any conference member but Memphis (note I don't see UConn's class on the top 25 list but I'll take your word for it).

So you can't logically say UConn will be better because of experience maturity and a great class, then knock another team who returns a near equal amount from a more accomplished team, plus bring in higher regarded players. Especially when a team who likes to wear people down can now extend it's rotation from 9 to 11 or 12. See what I mean?

I wonder which team will wear the other out since we can go 11-12 deep too now with the influx of talent we got this year.

(07-12-2013 10:23 AM)bearcatlawjd Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 05:19 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 10:23 PM)mullinsworld Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 01:11 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 11:52 AM)Maize Wrote:  As I have said repeatedly....UConn, Cincinnati, Temple, Memphis & Tulsa is a very good corp to build a basketball league around.

Going forward the Top 6 Leagues year in year out IMO:

1. ACC
2. B1G
3. AAC
4. Big XII
5. BIG EAST
6. Pac 12

The irony is on the court the Big XII is strong many years. Why it doesn't translate to perception, I don't know.

Right now, looking forward, I would pick the Big East over the AAC in terms of who would be stronger year in and year out. Deeper league giving more chances of stability. Currently the AAC has the danger of being the old ACC, top heavy, but soft in the middle and bottom. I know some will say that teams can improve now, but since the league is very similar to where each came from, until I see it, I can't really count it, save for maybe UCF, who is truly "new" to the party.

Really other than Gtwn, Marquette, who do they have? Butler lost their coach, Xavier not as good as they were, the rest is drek. AAC has a much brighter future. B12 - Kansas and OKSt. that's it. The Pac12 is up and coming. Also fun to note that the $EC isn't even listed.

Well, at least Butler, Xavier, and Villanova have had recent success. What does the AAC have after UConn & Memphis?

Fact is that it's not just Georgetown & Marquette looking forward. Creighton is a top 25 pick for next year with first team All American Doug McDermott coming back. So is Villanova. Xavier is ranked in the top 40 preseason. St. John's and Butler have both received mention in some top 25 lists.

Frankly the Big East shapes up as a powerhouse for 2013-14. Here's how bracketologyexpert.com sees the Big East in their top 50 for next year:

5. Marquette
9. Georgetown
16. Villanova
35. Creighton
44. St. John's
48. Providence
49, Butler

http://www.bracketologyexpert.com/2013/0...ville-1-2/

Marquette, Villanova, and Georgetown are not going to finish that high. I like Creighton a lot better than 35. I wouldn't call that league a powerhouse but it should have a lot schools with RPI's between 25 and 75 fighting for post season bids. Only DePaul and Seton Hall should be sitting at home next March; however, there could be an equal or greater amount of NIT bids as there are NCAA bids from that league.

That was also before the additions of Pellom, Woodson, Dixon to Memphis. It was before Butler lost Stevens. A lot has happened in college ball since that came out. Including Russ Smith not leaving as predicted in this article when it came out on March 31, 2013.

(07-12-2013 11:02 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 04:43 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  Not at all. When everyone is back, that means everyone is a year older, a year more experienced, a year better. While other teams have lost veteran players, UConn has retained all of its veterans and they have added new players from a good recruiting class.

You do realize this statement kills the argument you made earlier about Louisville, right? Louisville has seven of it's nine rotation players back, including both the top scorer, and the tournament MVP, 70% of the minutes, rebounding, scoring, etc from last year, all who as you said, are another year older and more experience, and a top ten class that is higher than any conference member but Memphis (note I don't see UConn's class on the top 25 list but I'll take your word for it).

So you can't logically say UConn will be better because of experience maturity and a great class, then knock another team who returns a near equal amount from a more accomplished team, plus bring in higher regarded players. Especially when a team who likes to wear people down can now extend it's rotation from 9 to 11 or 12. See what I mean?

AD, I wasn't knocking Louisville with my earlier comments. I have the utmost respect for the program, the coach, and what they accomplished last year.

I see a team building on returning experience whenever they return most of what made them successful the year before. If you re-read my earlier comment you'll see that I said that the exception is that when they lose one key player who made everyone else better, i.e. Peyton Siva.

I've learned from sad experience in overrating teams that when one player who is the key to a team's success is subtracted a team loses more than just the sum of his numbers. In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Just my opinion, Peyton Siva is one of the best college players I've ever seen. And I've been watching this game for a very long time. His impact on a game went far beyond his numbers last year. Losing him means that the whole character of the team will change. It will be a completely different team without him.

I'm not saying that the team will even necessarily be worse. Just that it will be different. The change from a Siva-led team will take time to become whatever it is going to be. I have no idea how long that reshaping of the team will take. It can be quick or it can take more than one season. It all depends on how quickly this group of kids learns.

I think you also have to factor in the loss of Dieng, the team's best big man. That's not a small loss. someone may be able to step in and pick up with what he did. But again that is an unknown. And again, it will take time.

I'm not in the business of making predictions, so I won't project anything other than to say that I will adopt a wait-and-see attitude with Louisville 2013-14.

As for UConn, nothing is unknown except their ceiling. Every single key piece is back. So, projecting them forward is not difficult. They will again be a very good team. Just how good remains to be seen.

(07-12-2013 12:36 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 10:23 AM)bearcatlawjd Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 05:19 AM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 10:23 PM)mullinsworld Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 01:11 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  The irony is on the court the Big XII is strong many years. Why it doesn't translate to perception, I don't know.

Right now, looking forward, I would pick the Big East over the AAC in terms of who would be stronger year in and year out. Deeper league giving more chances of stability. Currently the AAC has the danger of being the old ACC, top heavy, but soft in the middle and bottom. I know some will say that teams can improve now, but since the league is very similar to where each came from, until I see it, I can't really count it, save for maybe UCF, who is truly "new" to the party.

Really other than Gtwn, Marquette, who do they have? Butler lost their coach, Xavier not as good as they were, the rest is drek. AAC has a much brighter future. B12 - Kansas and OKSt. that's it. The Pac12 is up and coming. Also fun to note that the $EC isn't even listed.

Well, at least Butler, Xavier, and Villanova have had recent success. What does the AAC have after UConn & Memphis?

Fact is that it's not just Georgetown & Marquette looking forward. Creighton is a top 25 pick for next year with first team All American Doug McDermott coming back. So is Villanova. Xavier is ranked in the top 40 preseason. St. John's and Butler have both received mention in some top 25 lists.

Frankly the Big East shapes up as a powerhouse for 2013-14. Here's how bracketologyexpert.com sees the Big East in their top 50 for next year:

5. Marquette
9. Georgetown
16. Villanova
35. Creighton
44. St. John's
48. Providence
49, Butler

http://www.bracketologyexpert.com/2013/0...ville-1-2/

Marquette, Villanova, and Georgetown are not going to finish that high. I like Creighton a lot better than 35. I wouldn't call that league a powerhouse but it should have a lot schools with RPI's between 25 and 75 fighting for post season bids. Only DePaul and Seton Hall should be sitting at home next March; however, there could be an equal or greater amount of NIT bids as there are NCAA bids from that league.

That was also before the additions of Pellom, Woodson, Dixon to Memphis. It was before Butler lost Stevens. A lot has happened in college ball since that came out. Including Russ Smith not leaving as predicted in this article when it came out on March 31, 2013.

I understand. There are changes and there will therefore be adjustments. There will continue to be changes before the season and during the season as well. But there have been no changes in the talent that is at these Big East schools, so as far as that is concerned, these projections are as good as any as we sit here in the middle of summer. The return of Smith doesn't affect the Big East rankings at all, which was the point of posting the article.

As for Butler, Stevens rightfully gets a ton of credit for Butler's success. But I see the key to Butler's success as AD Barry Collier. He's the one who put Butler on the map as their coach in the '90's. He's the one who hired Stevens. He knows what he's doing when it comes to Butler basketball. I have complete faith that he has again put the program in good hands.

Because of Stevens' late departure, Butler did not miss a beat with recruiting, which is normally a problem during a transition between coaches. New coach Brandon Miller was an assistant for one year under Stevens before leaving for Ohio State. He was rehired by Stevens a few months ago. So, since Miller has coached under Stevens and wanted to caoch under him again and because Stevens jad another chance to assess him and rehired him just a few months ago, we know that these two guys are on the same page in their coaching philosophies. The transition should be seamless.

It's not about "knocking" it was just about logic. When you looked your reasoning for saying hey your think uconn will do well, then list the reasons why you think Louisville won't do as well, then rank rash asset side by side, the two don't add up. That's all I was saying.

(07-12-2013 05:26 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  It's not about "knocking" it was just about logic. When you looked your reasoning for saying hey your think uconn will do well, then list the reasons why you think Louisville won't do as well, then rank rash asset side by side, the two don't add up. That's all I was saying.

I hear you, AD. But I don't follow your logic.

1. UConn loses nothing. Nada. Everyone's back. As college kids do, they will continue to get better.

2. Louisville loses 2 of their 3 key players. You're treating that like it's just a matter of numbers, i.e. 70% of scoring, rebounding , etc. returns. All of that is true. The kids who are returning - almost the entire roster - will continue to improve. But what you ignored in my assessment is that the chemistry is completely disrupted. This is a team sport in which the loss of one key player can completely alter its chemistry. That's what happened here. The loss of the 2nd guy makes it that much more difficult.If anyone can turn it around quickly, it's Pitino. And he has a lot of talent to work with. I'm not predicting bad things for Louisville. Just saying that we're going to have to watch the season unfold.

(07-12-2013 05:54 PM)Melky Cabrera Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 05:26 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  It's not about "knocking" it was just about logic. When you looked your reasoning for saying hey your think uconn will do well, then list the reasons why you think Louisville won't do as well, then rank rash asset side by side, the two don't add up. That's all I was saying.

I hear you, AD. But I don't follow your logic.

1. UConn loses nothing. Nada. Everyone's back. As college kids do, they will continue to get better.

2. Louisville loses 2 of their 3 key players. You're treating that like it's just a matter of numbers, i.e. 70% of scoring, rebounding , etc. returns. All of that is true. The kids who are returning - almost the entire roster - will continue to improve. But what you ignored in my assessment is that the chemistry is completely disrupted. This is a team sport in which the loss of one key player can completely alter its chemistry. That's what happened here. The loss of the 2nd guy makes it that much more difficult.If anyone can turn it around quickly, it's Pitino. And he has a lot of talent to work with. I'm not predicting bad things for Louisville. Just saying that we're going to have to watch the season unfold.

For the most part I agree. Especially about your points on Peyton Siva. His intangibles are so underrated. His leadership and his ability to find guys in rhythm was very underrated. If we had a team full of shooters he easily averages double digit assists. He reminds me a lot of a Jose Calderon type where he just sees plays develop before they happen and can just find guys in their sweet spot. Rajon Rondo had this same ability. He was a true definition of a point guard.

Having said that our team this year will look a lot different not a lot different personnel but in terms of pace. Teams did not have to worry about Sivas scoring because that was not his strong suit. This team will be more run and gun because we have quite a few scorers including the new guys.I think ricks last few teams have been offensively challenged at times. We would get exposed againdt grinding teamd like pitt and georgetown with out lack of shooting. Even though last years team won it they went on scoring droughts often. Our defense more so carried us last year and the year before. This team will have quite a few scoring options which has not been something we've had since our final 4 team in 05. Siva will be missed with his leadership and diengs defensive presence will also be missed. Im not sure this Louisville team will be better than last early on but by February I firmly believe this team will be a contender. This is the most pure talent rick has had since hes been at Louisville. Offensively next years group will be better. Interior defense will take a step back. Having said that Louisville is still a top 3 team in the nation.

Louisville returns 7 of their Top 9 scorers with a Top 8 Recruiting Class...they also return the following:

2012 NCAA West Region MVP: Jr. PF Chane Bohanan
2013 NCAA Midwest Region MVP: Sr. SG Russ Smith...also 1st Team All BIG EAST
2013 NCAA Final Four MOP: Sr. SF Luke Hancock

Also remember this: 2013. BIG EAST Title Game MVP: So. C/PF Montrezl Harrell.


7 of the returning players are 10-1 in the NCAA Tournament the past two years.....