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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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 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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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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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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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.

College Hoops Rumors: Miller, Bello and Wroten To Louisville?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

If you follow college basketball recruiting, you can understand why most of the top players consider Kentucky as their college choice. But, in reality, Kentucky cannot acquire every single recruit that wants to attend their school.

Then again, Kentucky isn't the only school that prospects consider. You'll hear Kansas, Connecticut, Syracuse, North Carolina, Duke and many other schools.

Nowadays, prospects consider a college that wins games and gives players a chance to improve. Sometimes it's not that way with the program I listed. Sometimes, players team up and go somewhere they all can benefit.

I think that is going to happen this year with a lot of recruiting programs.

With the emergence of Anthony Davis, the Wildcats have taken notice. Davis is considering the Kentucky program after listing their previous five first-round draft picks as an "eye-opener."

Now, in my mind, Davis will be attending the University of Kentucky in 2011-12. With that said, I don't believe they'll be able to snag Quincy Miller as well.

That's when Louisville comes into the picture. Miller has heard a lot from the program. He almost seemed like a long shot, but now he's in the picture. He hasn't reported major interest in the program but is considering the offer.

Now, Miller has a best friend named Deuce Bello. Bello earlier this month expressed how much interest he had in the Louisville program.

Bello, before this summer, was only considered an explosive dunker. He was showcased on ESPN for putting the ball between his legs and dunking it during a game.

But now, he has shown his ability to be a true guard out of the backcourt. Obviously, he is a great leaper. But he has added handle and a mid-range jumper.

Tony Wroten Jr. today proclaimed that his recruiting was wide open. That, in fact, Kentucky was his leader and no decision would be made anytime soon. His second college choice was Louisville.

It almost seems as if he would be a perfect fit with Rick Pitino and the Cardinals.

Rick Pitino wants him and Louisville guard Peyton Siva also wants him as well. Siva posted on his Twitter account, "Yea I want him to play in the backcourt w/ me." This was a reply to a tweet that said, "@206PS3 (Peyton Siva) your boy @ToneTone13 (Tony Wroten Jr.) was ballin this morning."

He then said this later on that day, "Ima need all my LOUISVILLE ppl to follow my bro @ToneTone13 (Tony Wroten Jr.) we need him in the backcourt wit me y'all show him love"

With that said, I think each of these three recruits will either commit to Louisville once basketball season starts, or on signing day in April.

ESPN suspects a huge class coming in for Louisville and so do I. With Wayne Blackshear already verbally committing, you'll have the best recruiting class in the nation when you add Bello, Miller, and Wroten. 

2011 College Basketball Recruiting Report: Louisville Cardinals

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Louisville Cardinals had an inconsistent season last year. They lost to teams that they were suppose to beat easily, and beat teams they weren't suppose to beat. But overall, the season ended on a bad note with a loss to Cal in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Their four seniors left and Samardo Samuels went to the NBA, leaving the Cardinals at a point where they are going to have to prove themselves.

It's definitely not an unachievable feat with a coach like Rick Pitino. Not to mention, they are equipped with McDonald's All-American Peyton Siva, Rakeem Buckles, and KyleKuric .

But the 2011 recruits are going to be very important. After this season the Cardinals hold a chance to further improve their roster instead of losing players to graduation or the draft.

Here is a look at the 2011 recruits that have committed or are considering Louisville.

Verbal Agreements

G Wayne Blackshear 6'5''

One thing that sets Blackshear apart from other recruits is his ability to stretch the defense. At 6'5" he has the ability to shoot lights out. He is also a very good slashing guard. He makes the precise cuts to the rim and finishes strong when he gets there. He will have the ability to crack the starting lineup once he reaches Louisville with his style of play.

F Ryan Taylor 6'5''

Taylor has one of those inside-out games that you have to respect. He was once considered a 6'5" power forward, but transformed into a dominant wing threat. He has equipped himself with a shot and his intensity cannot be taught.

C Zach Price 6'10''

Price has an NCAA-ready frame. At 6'10", 230 pounds, he can be a great post presence. He is a great rebounder with excellent box-out skills, and has a great effect on defense. With Price, Louisville has a great post presence they haven't seen in a while.

Considering

*F Quincy Miller

Miller is definitely not out of sight at Louisville. His best friend Deuce Bello has heavy interest in the program. But it's going to take a lot more than Bello to lure Miller away from Kentucky.

*G Nick Johnson

Johnson has interest in the University of Louisville. This isn't a long shot; he could be sporting red and white in 2011-12.

*F Jakarr Sampson

Sampson listed his five favorites last month, and Louisville was among them.

G Jabarie Hinds

Hinds is very high on West Virginia, but he spoke to a lot of Louisville officials about the offer. It's not a long shot. Louisville is still in contention.

F Mike Shaw

Shaw has interest in Louisville but when he listed his favorites, the Cardinals weren't amongst them.

*G Deuce Bello

Bello reports that he has high interest in the Louisville program. If he commits he could bring in his best friend Quincy Miller.

F Chane Behanan

Behanan has a lot of interest in the Kentucky program. In fact, he is reported to be waiting for the recruiting letters from their program.

G Angel Nunez

Nunez enjoyed his Syracuse visit a lot!

G Kedren Johnson

Johnson had Louisville and Tennessee as his favorites. However, once he lowered his list to four, neither was among them.