Nebraska Forward Commits to Louisville

Rick Pitino is putting together another talented recruiting class.

His 2013 recruiting class already features Rivals four-star point guard Terry Rozier, a former 2012 pledge, that prepped at Hargrave Military Academy (VA) this season.

Ravenscroft (NC) shooting guard Anton Gill and Northwest Florida State College (FL) point guard Chris Jones, two Rivals four-star guards, are committed to Pitino in 2013, as well.

Rick Pitino Considering Retirement?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

On the right end of the scorers table sat the Louisville Cardinals (25-10, 12-6) head coach Rick Pitino stunned when Demonte Harper nailed the, soon-to-be, game-winning shot with around seven seconds left in the game.

Louisville immediately called a timeout, but the desperation attempt at the ends of the game was blocked by Kenneth Faried, and the Cardinals take another first round exit.

As Coach Pitino walked off the court, you could tell how badly this loss affected him. As a result, In the press conference, he didn't hold back from his feelings.

"Well, I was real proud of our team this year," the Hall-of-Fame told the press.

"This is as tough a loss as I've had in coaching, and I've been coaching a long time, after tonight maybe too long."

I'm not sure how to take those comments, but it's never good hearing that from your future Hall of Fame coach. Coach Pitino has had success with Louisville in the past, however, the last two seasons have both been first round exits after guiding the Cardinals to two straight Elite Eight appearances.

The expectations have always been high for coach Pitino, especially being the successor of Louisville great Denny Crum, who led the Cardinals to six Final Fours and two national championships.

Coach Pitino has been the head coach at Louisville for the past nine seasons, and just signed an seven year extension with the school before the season began.

Coach Pitino retiring may not be a for sure thing, but the "maybe too long after today" comment has to catch your eye.

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Rakeem Buckles Injury Hit Louisville Hard

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Following the Louisville Cardinals (22-7, 11-5) 62-59 upset win over the Pittsburgh Panthers (25-4, 13-3) in overtime, head coach Rick Pitino commented on the injury to sophomore Rakeem Buckles saying, "He has a sprained (right) knee."

"Normally, you'll be out for a week, in our case six to eight."

But, even coach Pitino didn't realize the certainty of the injury.

Buckles was later diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee, which means he will miss the rest of his sophomore season.

In 15 games this season, Buckles played 19.9 minutes, while averaging 7.2 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game.

Louisville will be hit hard with the loss of Buckles who usually starts for coach Pitino. 

His production on the glass, and defensive end will be hard to replace.

Buckles has shown flashes of improvement all season after having a coming out party against Cal in the tournament last season.

Buckles tallied double-digits rebounds in three games and looked great early.

The Cardinals went a 12-game stretch earlier this season with Buckles sidelined with an injury and went 7-5 without the talented sophomore.

Buckles has missed a total of 13 games this season and his presence will be missed greatly. Buckles is probably one of the more talented and improving forwards in the Big East conference.

Terrence Jennings and Gorgui Sy Dieng have both played well all season so frontcourt rotation shouldn't be a problem. Energy, rebounding and scoring in the frontcourt, however, could be an issue.

Buckles absence might open more minutes for many other frontcourt players and allow Jennings and Dieng to take a bigger role in the rebounding column, which is a strength both possesses.

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Video: Cheerleader Almost Costs Game for Louisville

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

It was overtime in a game between Louisville and Pittsburgh. Pitt was down five points, but almost managed to come back. Thanks to a male cheerleader on Louisville, his excessive celebration could have cost the team the game as the Pitt shot two free throws because of a technical foul from him.

Here's how it went down:

That dude will either be suspended, or kicked off the team.

Wouldn't be surprised.
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Louisville Defense Impressive Early

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

With teams like Duke, Kansas, Michigan State, and Ohio State stealing the spotlight early, a team like the Louisville Cardinals (6-0) go unnoticed.

The Cardinals are off to their best start since beginning the '05-06 season with six straight victories.

Louisville has yet to be tested with an average defeat of 25.2 points a game. The Cardinals six early wins include key wins over then-No. 18 Butler, and Florida International.

Rick Pitino's scrappy young squad is doing it with defense.

The Cardinals have forced 114 total turnovers this year. That is an average of 19 per game. Louisville is also tied for fourth in the nation with 12 steals per outing.

Senior guard Preston Knowles leads the Cardinals with 2.0 steals per outing, with five other players checking in with at least one steal per game.

Knowles also adds 11.5 points, and 4.0 rebounds per outing. With such a balanced attack on offense, four other players are in double-figures for the Cardinals.

After a 23-point outing against South Alabama, Mike Marra is now the leading scorer for Louisville with 13 points, 3.8 assist, and 3.3 rebounds.

Sophomore Peyton Siva, the former McDonald's All-American, has made his mark thus far. He is averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 assist, and 1.8 steals per game.

Coach Pitino's team doesn't just play tough defense, it also attacks the glass pulling down 41.8 a game, which also ranks among the top in the nation.

Once the Cardinals get the rebound, Siva is looking to push the ball up court in transition. The Cardinals have a good transition offense that allows them to dish out 19.1 assist per game.

Their assist total also helps Louisville become one of the best scoring teams in the nation. The Cardinals are now the sixth best scoring team in the nation averaging 87.5 points per game. Louisville as a team is also shooting 48 percent from the field.

More impressively, the Cardinals have done most of this without their prized freshman Gorgui Sy Dieng. Dieng hasn't learned to play without fouling which limits his minutes to around 12 per game.

With Dieng on the court, it certainly is a lift for Louisville in the post. However, the Cardinals have been able to cover up his loss with the emergence of sophomore Rakeem Buckles, and junior Terrence Jennings.

Buckles currently averages 11 points along with 8.5 rebounds per outing. He is one guy that gets it done on the glass for Pitino, coming away with two double-doubles on the season.

Jennings chips in his 10.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. In my eyes, Jennings is one of the top post defenders in the Big East. He has excellent size at 6-foot-9, and always tracks down the ball.

Nonetheless, if the Cardinals continue to play this well all around their isn't a reason why Louisville shouldn't be considered contenders in the Big East.

The Cardinals have another opportunity to prove they are for real at home against the No. 23 UNLV Rebels on December 11th, 12 PM ET.

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Louisville Opens New Arena With Upset Over No. 18 Butler

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Louisville Cardinals (1-0) opened the game with a 6-0 advantage over the No. 18 Butler Bulldogs (1-1).

They also watched Matt Howard leave the game after picking up his second foul with 16:44 left in the first half.

Soon after that, Louisville asserted dominance inside and pulled out a 41-23 halftime lead.

Checking back into the history book, the Bulldogs have not allowed a team to score 40 first half points since losing to the Milwaukee Panthers by 16 in '06.

Nonetheless, things changed up a bit in the second half. Louisville got a scare from Butler late in the second half, however, the Cardinals just would not let the Bulldogs back in the game.

Despite leading by more than 20-plus, the Cardinals stayed in front of the Bulldogs and ran towards a 88-73 victory.

Shelvin Mack paced all scorers with 25 points, but also added seven rebounds. Howard, who was in early foul trouble, came alive in the second half and is one of the main reasons why the Bulldogs were able to pull close to the lead.

After scoring two points in the first half, Howard exploded for 21 second half points. Howard ended with 23 points, and nine rebounds.

Rakeem Buckles, pulled in the second double-double of his career with a 17 point, 11 rebound performance to lead Louisville to victory.

Four other players were in double-figures for the Cardinals; Terrence Jennings (13), Mike Marra (11), Preston Knowles, and Elisha Justice both scored 13 apiece.

The Cardinals could surprise a lot of people this season. They forced a No. 18 Butler team to turn the ball over 17-times, and commit 31 total fouls, many which came under one minute left to play.

Nonetheless, the key statistic of the game can be place on the 18 assist to 27 made field goals. The Cardinals move the ball very well on offense, and at least seven players had more than two assist.

The Bulldogs are the third ranked team to lose today following the Virginia Tech Hokies, and Florida Gators.

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Louisville Forward Gorgui Sy Dieng Ruled Ineligible

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Louisville Cardinals lost their main contributors in Edgar Sosa, Jerry Smith, and Samardo Samuels. The Cardinals possessed a special guard Justin Coleman in the 2010 recruiting class, but he was ruled academically ineligible.

The Cardinals then looked at Roburt Sallie, the Memphis transfer to come in and help their efforts. However, he was also ruled academically ineligible.

Jared Swopshire and Russ Smith are both sidelined with injuries and Louisville's Basketball team isn't looking so great at the moment.

Gorgui Sy Dieng the 6-foot-10 center that was looked on to fill the shoes of Samuels was ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA today—although, Louisville is looking for an appeal.

Dieng was going to be a premier low-post threat. Not to mention, he received top honors in the Derby Classic game after scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

As of now, Louisville will be without their low post threat Dieng. Rakeem Buckles, the sophomore forward and Terrence Jennings will now have to play harder with no depth in the frontcourt.

Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino roster is slim. It does have talent but without Dieng it will be hard to compete at a high-level.

Nonetheless, don't be surprised if Louisville wins the appeal. Just remember: Dee Bost.

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Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello to Baylor?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Baylor Bears have been all over the highly-rated recruits since acquiring Perry Jones, the 6-foot-10 forward that can play almost every position on the court.

This year, Baylor is after Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello. Miller and Bello, current High School teammates have been paired throughout the recruiting process. At a point, the Louisville Cardinals seemed to be a favorite and ideal situation for the two to coexist.

However, it almost seems as if Baylor is the leader now. Miller and Bello was both very excited about the visit to Waco, not to mention, they have relationships with Stargell Love, Jones, and most of the basketball team.

It would not be surprising to see the two commit soon after their visit to Baylor. Angel Nunez, Louisville's newest member to the 2011 recruiting class, solidifies the notion that Baylor could be the best possible place for the two.

If both of these athletes were to commit they could possibly play with Love when the two arrive on campus. That would form a rotation that would be favorable to any team in the country.

Not to mention, they will have the chance to play in the toughest conference in College Basketball. The Big 12 helps form future NBA prospects, and could work the same magic for the two.

Nonetheless, Louisville is still in the running for the two prospects. But, Baylor seems to be the leader.

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Angel Nunez Headed to the Big East

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Angel Nunez, a 6-foot-7 forward from Notre Dame Prep verbally committed to the Louisville Cardinals. Nunez, an athlete with tremendous potential joins an already stacked 2011 recruiting class that features Chane Behanan, Wayne Blackshear, Zach Price, and Ryan Taylor.

Nunez will fit on the wing perfectly. With his length, size and cutting ability, Louisville will possess a true wing threat. Not to mention, Nunez has a fluent jump shot that is hard to stop once he gets going.

Not to mention, he is a decent defensive player. With commitment to defense, Nunez can become one of the best players in the country. Point guard Tony Wroten Jr may favor Louisville even more after Nunez announced his commitment.

Not to mention, With this commitment Louisville has enough talent to lure highly-touted recruit Quincy Miller into town.

Miller took his visit to Louisville early September and enjoyed it. He was also reportedly throwing up the "L" for Louisville once the Kentucky Wildcats ran out the tunnel.

Nonetheless, with such a talented recruiting class more players are going to look at Louisvillle as a favorable program. Miller and Wroten jr could be the next to join Louisville's 2011 recruiting class.

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Tony Wroten Jr Really Likes Louisville

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Before the  U-17 team took the Gold Medal not many people knew Tony Wroten Jr. In fact, because of his play during the tournament his recruiting elevated and his name grew as a result.

Wroten Jr, a 6-foot-4 guard, opened eyes with his sensational play off the bench for the U-17 team, and during summer camps.

If you ask someone with knowledge of Wroten Jr's recruitment, you understand that his two favorites are the Louisville Cardinals, and Washington Huskies.

The weekend of September 25th, Wroten Jr took a visit to Louisville. If you're a follower on his Twitter account you knew just how much fun he had. Not to mention, he was really impressed with the new Yum Center.

Foregoing his college visit to Louisville there were already rumors out that Wroten Jr committed to the Cards. He silenced the rumors, but did say "really liking Louisville now."

Wroten Jr to Louisville could lure more top-tier talent in hopes of competing with John Calipari's 2011 recruiting class. Nonetheless, we still have a while before Wroten Jr makes his final discretion. Washington is still in the running for Wroten Jr and we're prepping for another mini-decision on October 7th at Garfield High.

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Chane Behanan Heading to Louisville

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Rick Pitino's 2011 recruiting class got even stronger on Tuesday, as the Cardinals received a verbal commitment from Chane Behanan.

The 6-foot-7 power forward is rated as the No. 32 overall prospect in the class by ESPNU and becomes the fourth to commit to Louisville for 2011.

Although the Cardinals still await the decisions of potential targets Deuce Bello, Tony Wroten Jr., Josiah Turner and Quincy Miller, Behanan gives Louisville one of the top recruiting classes in the country already.

Behanan joins the likes of fellow four-star prospects Wayne Blackshear, Zach Price, and Ryan Taylor, three of which, Behanan included, are from the state of Kentucky. Wayne Blackshear, an Illinois native, is the only out-of-state commitment thus far.

Known for his power and ability to finish at the rim with contact, Behanan has been compared to current Boston Celtics power forward Glen Davis. The Bowling Green native stands at 6-foot-7 and measures in at 230lbs.

Behanan made his decision after also considering interest from Cincinnati, Indiana, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Texas.

The in-state rival Kentucky Wildcats boast some of the top talent in the class of 2011, receiving verbal commitments themselves from four of the top twelve prospects in the class. However, many people believe Pitino might be nipping at their heels in terms of his own class and the commitment of Behanan only furthers that opinion.


*Photo: Chane Behanan *Credit: espn.go.com

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Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello Not a Lock at Louisville?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Quincy Miller a 6-foot-9 forward and Deuce Bello a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, both were present at the Louisville Cardinals season opener against the Kentucky Wildcats. Miller to Kentucky died once Anthony Davis Jr, and Kyle Wiltjer decided to join their 2011 class.

Bello has always been a fan of Louisville. Before the Kentucky offer was too flattering to pass up for Miller, Bello liked Louisville. Now, since Miller will not be attending Kentucky, the Cardinals are the only team that makes sense for the two.

You may have been the lucky person to catch Miller "throwing up the L" at the Louisville game, but it's reported that the two will not rush their decision.

Baylor could be the next destination for the two. Baylor, with one commit in the 2011 class, could use two athletes like Miller and Bello. Coach Scott Drew has done a good job at luring in recruits. Check the 2012 class that features Isaiah Austin or 2013, which includes improving center Kyle Wilson.

Coach Drew could work his magic and lure the two away from Louisville. 

Nonetheless, Miller and Bello will continue to be a hot recruiting topic until they announce their commitment. Miller and Bello collectively are key assets to any College Basketball program lucky to attain the two.

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LeBryan Nash Likes The Big 12; Miller and Bello Not Playing Together?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

LeBryan Nash a 6-foot-7 recruit from Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas has always seemed to lean towards the Big 12. Baylor was always conceived to be the leader, and when Nash released his top three he elected Baylor, KU, and Oklahoma State.


Wherever Nash decides to go, he will be an instant upgrade on the wing. He has a big body that is ready to hurdle the challenges, college basketball presents.


Quicy Miller and Deuce Bello, were conceived to be a package deal for Louisville. With so much hype surrounding the topic, and the notion that Bello and Miller would commend Louisville perfectly, the rumors almost seemed true.


However, after hearing Miller say that he would like to play with Bello, but doesn't believe that's what's best for the two, leaves you wondering.
Either way, Miller and Bello didn't rule out playing with each other. The two plan on spending a day at Louisville and could join Tim Fuller, in hopes of landing a huge recruiting class.
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Louisville Is Due a Big Recruiting Class

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Louisville Cardinals were amongst the inconsistent teams in the Big East. One day you would catch a Louisville team that can defeat powerhouse teams like Syracuse. Then another time you will witness the Cardinals get crushed by St. Johns and Marquette.

The Cardinals were due a solid season, last year. However, their inconsistent play overshadowed their ability and they were sent home earlier than expected.

With Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari in Lexington, the Louisville recruiting trails have been cold. Coach Cal seems to acquire whoever he pleases and prevails in recruiting battles against his counterpart Rick Pitino.

With four stellar recruits and three eligible athletes, the 2010 class is not going to live up to the hype.

However, in 2011, Rick Pitino will pose as Coach Cal, in hopes that he can bring in an impressive recruiting class. Coach Pitino has acquired Wayne Blackshear, who highlights the recruiting class, Ryan Taylor, Roburt Sallie (transfer) and Zach Price.

If you are not familiar with the Louisville coaching staff, Tim Fuller, the assistant coach has a significant relationship with two recruits that would enlighten the Louisville program.

Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello are amongst the athletes interested in the Louisville program. Both of these athletes have a close relationship with Assistant Coach Tim Fuller. It was once speculated that Miller wanted to commit, but does not think Rick Pitino will allow him to be a one-and-done player.

It seems Louisville is the smart option available. Bello has expressed a lot of interest in the Louisville program. Miller has also welcomed the idea of playing beside his best friend Bello.

Miller once considered the Kentucky program as his college choice. However, with the emergence of Anthony Davis, to go along with, Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, seems too loaded for another superstar. Not to mention, each of the four like to score the basketball a lot.

I believe that eliminates Kentucky and puts Louisville in the driver seat. With that, Coach Pitino will eventually have enough talent to compete with Calipari in Lexington.

Tony Wroten Jr is also in the picture. Wroten Jr and current-Louisville guard Peyton Siva played on the same High School team. Siva has done a fair share of recruiting via Twitter, and Wroten Jr could be present at Louisville September 4th when Miller and Bello both take their visit.

Now add this trio to the already verbal commits and you have one of the best recruiting classes in America.


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College Basketball Rumors: Quincy Miller a Lock at Louisville?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The past week, the Louisville Cardinals were brought up for all the wrong reasons. Their Head Coach Rick Pitino was involved  in a situation where Karen Sypher allegedly extorted money. She was found guilty of all six counts, and Rick Pitino is left with happiness.

I said it before the trial, I did not think it would effect the recruits considering the program.

In fact, a remarkable highly-touted recruit is still considering the program after what happened. It's not Rick Pitino, but the newly acquired assistant coach Tim Fuller.

Fuller has a strong relationship with Quincy Miller.

According to HighSchoolHoop.com, Miller is favoring the Cardinals, and would like to attend Louisville but has his doubts. Rick Pitino is not a coach that supports one-and-done players. 


That is what Miller can become, and under Coach Pitino that thought could be out of the picture.

Miller and his best friend Deuce Bello have both received offers from Louisville, and I think that is where they are headed. I've said it all along, Miller and Bello will commit to Louisville and bring other recruits with them.

Tony Wroten still favors Louisville, as well. Recruiting Wayne Blackshear, Wroten Jr., Miller and Bello spells top-five recruiting class.

However, as we know, anonymous sources say a lot of wild things. This may be just speculation or a wake-up call for the Louisville program.

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CBB Rumors: Where Will Tony Wroten Jr. Go?

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

Scout.com Photo

According to the Seattle Times, Tony Wroten Jr. was happy to come off the bench playing with the U.S. 17-year-old squad.

Wroten Jr. said he doesn't mind playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. Even after the Wildcats landed Marquis Teague, who is the number one point guard in the 2011 recruiting class. 


Not to mention, John Calipari is also targeting Quinn Cook and Trevor Lacey.

Wroten Jr. can go there and be a helpful contributor off the bench. With him it doesn't matter if he came off the bench or not. He did it for the U.S. team, so he probably wouldn't mind doing the same thing for Kentucky.

For when Wroten Jr. will decide, it's non-committal.

"You never know," Wroten said. "It could be tomorrow or it could be next year on signing day. Stay tuned."

Wroten has a lot of colleges that are considering his services. His college choices are the Louisville Cardinals, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Connecticut Huskies, and Villanova Wildcats.

It's going to be interesting to witness where he goes.

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Louisville Guard Preston Knowles Suspended Two Games

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Andy Lyons/Gerry Images

Last season, legal troubles couldn't stay away from the Louisville Cardinals. Their Head Coach Rick Pitino had an extortion case to worry about for most of the season.

Not to mention, once they got into the off-season, a player faced legal issues as well.

Remember the altercations that involved Louisville guard Preston Knowles on May 23?

Knowles was accused of punching his girlfriends step father twice in the face.

He claimed it was self-defense, because earlier that night, Knowles and his girlfriend got into a heated argument. As things started to get out of control, he did what a father was supposed to do, and that's step up for his child.

However, in the process, Knowles allegedly struck the stepfather twice in the face.

It was called a misdemeanor assault, on the account of the minor injuries that occurred to stepfather. No one was arrested or held captive.

But this story rubbed Louisville officials the wrong way. There student-athletes are suppose to stay composed both on and off the court. Every action that is made should be a positive one because you're representing the University of Louisville.

So you knew some kind of punishment was coming on the behalf of Knowles actions.

Well tonight, according to the Courier-Journal, Rick Pitino has issued a two-game suspension to his senior guard Knowles.

Before being able to rejoin the team, Knowles will have to serve his two-game suspension, possibly the opener against Butler, and complete two-weeks of community service.

By the way, Knowles will be absent in exhibition games. I presume, since it was self-defense and no charges were filed, he got the slighter penalty from Pitino.

Either way it goes, the Cardinals are willing to accept his mistake in hopes that he will not do it again.

Louisville will need to use Knowles on the court next season. With such a depleted backcourt, they'll need contributions from a player with experience.