The Louisville Cardinals (4 Seed, Midwest Bracket)
Record 29 -5 (15- 3 in AAC)
Coach: Rick Pitino
Tournament Berth:
Big Wins: Connecticut, Huston, Rutgers, Southern Methodist
Big Loses: Cincinnati, Memphis, Kentucky, University of North Carolina
Coming off of the taste of complete victory, The Louisville Cardinals are on the way to another. That is the perspective of most sports analyst as of pre- season and mid season. This team has stepped up, and did not disappoint. There regular season performance is proving that they can live up to the hype that surrounds current champions. The Cardinals are currently number one in The American Atlantic Conference with a 29 – 5 record. There were many questions revolving around the departure of Peyton Siva, and how they could recoup. Louisville answered with Chris Jones who filled the gaps just fine, averaging 10.3 points per game and 3.1 assist per game also. This was a fine addition to and already oiled machine. Russ Smith, one of the leagues premier players, had a season that sparked off this incredible record by the Cardinals. He averaged 18.3 points per game with a .475 field goal percentage. Smith’s performance was reflective of the complete team effort displayed day in and day out. The kind of push this team was receiving from all of their core players has propelled them to possibly take another Tourney Win. With a strong win against Connecticut on March 15th, the team has taken another strong step towards reclaiming their title.
Top Players
| POINTS |
PPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PT% |
| Russ Smith |
18.3 |
.475 |
.715 |
.405 |
| Montrezl Harrell |
14.2 |
.614 |
.475 |
.667 |
| REBOUNDS |
REB |
OFF |
DEF |
BPG |
| Montrezl Harrell |
8.2 |
3.3 |
4.9 |
1.3 |
| Chane Behanan |
6.3 |
3.0 |
3.3 |
0.3 |
| ASSISTS |
APG |
SPG |
TO |
AST/TO |
| Russ Smith |
4.7 |
2.1 |
2.6 |
1.8 |
| Chris Jones |
3.1 |
2.3 |
1.4 |
2.1 |
Starting Five
F – Luke Hancock
F – Montrezl Harrell
F – Stephen Van Treese
G – Russ Smith
G – Chris Jones
Who’s Hot: This team is clicking on all cylinders and their role players are in full affect (Russ Smith, Luke Hancock, Chris Jones). These guys are showing the type of fight and determination that champions are made of. Smith is leading the team in scoring, plus the effort’s of Jones is helping everyone get there shot off. The Cardinals seem to have a clear plan for every match up.
Who’s Not: Though many have found it hard to identify a weakness in Louisville, there is one lingering. The Cardinals have been weakened by the departure of their power player Gorgui Dieng. It seems that with a little defensive pressure most teams, mainly Cincinnati, have found a way to disrupt there flow. With this fatal flaw, they can be easily taken advantage of.
Outlook: The Louisville Cardinals have managed to keep a strong hold on their spot in the final dance. As long as the team can continue to be consistent in all areas they should be a shoe –in. The numbers from Smith, Jones, Harrell and the others will solidify them on offense. Plus, the added modifications made to adjust their defense will make them hard to beat. This team should make it to the finals.
Commentary by Schelett Rickenbacker
Follow @SDotPress14
Sources:
CBS Sports
ESPN
New Jersey News
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Louisville Cardinals: NCAA Tournament Team Preview
The Louisville Cardinals (4 Seed, Midwest Bracket)
Record 29 -5 (15- 3 in AAC)
Coach: Rick Pitino
Tournament Berth:
Big Wins: Connecticut, Huston, Rutgers, Southern Methodist
Big Loses: Cincinnati, Memphis, Kentucky, University of North Carolina
Coming off of the taste of complete victory, The Louisville Cardinals are on the way to another. That is the perspective of most sports analyst as of pre- season and mid season. This team has stepped up, and did not disappoint. There regular season performance is proving that they can live up to the hype that surrounds current champions. The Cardinals are currently number one in The American Atlantic Conference with a 29 – 5 record. There were many questions revolving around the departure of Peyton Siva, and how they could recoup. Louisville answered with Chris Jones who filled the gaps just fine, averaging 10.3 points per game and 3.1 assist per game also. This was a fine addition to and already oiled machine. Russ Smith, one of the leagues premier players, had a season that sparked off this incredible record by the Cardinals. He averaged 18.3 points per game with a .475 field goal percentage. Smith’s performance was reflective of the complete team effort displayed day in and day out. The kind of push this team was receiving from all of their core players has propelled them to possibly take another Tourney Win. With a strong win against Connecticut on March 15th, the team has taken another strong step towards reclaiming their title.
Top Players
Starting Five
F – Luke Hancock
F – Montrezl Harrell
F – Stephen Van Treese
G – Russ Smith
G – Chris Jones
Who’s Hot: This team is clicking on all cylinders and their role players are in full affect (Russ Smith, Luke Hancock, Chris Jones). These guys are showing the type of fight and determination that champions are made of. Smith is leading the team in scoring, plus the effort’s of Jones is helping everyone get there shot off. The Cardinals seem to have a clear plan for every match up.
Who’s Not: Though many have found it hard to identify a weakness in Louisville, there is one lingering. The Cardinals have been weakened by the departure of their power player Gorgui Dieng. It seems that with a little defensive pressure most teams, mainly Cincinnati, have found a way to disrupt there flow. With this fatal flaw, they can be easily taken advantage of.
Outlook: The Louisville Cardinals have managed to keep a strong hold on their spot in the final dance. As long as the team can continue to be consistent in all areas they should be a shoe –in. The numbers from Smith, Jones, Harrell and the others will solidify them on offense. Plus, the added modifications made to adjust their defense will make them hard to beat. This team should make it to the finals.
Commentary by Schelett Rickenbacker
Follow @SDotPress14
Sources:
CBS Sports
ESPN
New Jersey News
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