George Goode and Russ Smith to join Masiello at Manhattan?

by UL is my hot hot sex on Apr 12, 2011 9:45 AM EDT in Basketball

Came here for school, graduated to the high life.
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight

The Courier-Journal's C.L. Brown is starting to connect the dots to the basketball scholarship and playing time situation next season. In theory, at least.

Masiello's new roster at Manhattan could have a U of L imprint on it. Center/forward George Goode can transfer and play immediately as long as he graduates by the end of the summer and enrolls in a graduate studies course at Manhattan that is not offered at U of L.

Guard Russ Smith, who stumbled through an injury-plagued freshman season and appeared in 17 games, could seek to return home to New York and play for Masiello.

Smith might get lost in the shuffle next season, especially with U of L recruiting former Tennessee commit Kevin Ware. Even if they don't land Ware, Smith could see limited minutes again next season because of the Cards depth in the backcourt.

Both potential moves seem plausible enough.

As expected, Goode will be looking to fulfill his final year of eligibility in a new uniform. As a Jasper, one would assume Goode's familiarity with the head coach would give him a good shot at some decent D1 playing time. There were also rumors that he would jump at a similar opportunity under former Cardinal assistant Scott Davenport at Bellarmine. Both seem like win-win scenarios, but best of luck wherever you land, George.

The second issue is slightly more intriguing. Due to a recruiting windfall, the program may have more talent at its disposal than athletic scholarships and playing time in the near future. And now the Courier-Journal--or at least its Louisville beat writer--has officially tabbed the native New Yorker Russ Smith as front-runner in the oft-debated "who's going to transfer" sweepstakes. If a transfer actually happens.

Would C.L. print such information without some type of inside knowledge? To each his own interpretation and conjecture. As a fan, it would be bittersweet to lose yet another member of one the most beloved Cardinal teams and enjoyable seasons ever. However, since Masiello helped create this "problem" of depth, it's only fitting that he would hypothetically help heal the situation.

The other wrinkle to this story is the fact that Chris Smith transferred from Manhattan to Louisville less than 2 years ago. It probably has little bearing on Russ, other than Chris giving him pointers on which history professor to avoid, but the parallel would be interesting nonetheless.

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At worst Russ moves to 3rd/4th on the Depth Chart

for PG: Siva, Ware?, Justice, Smith. At best, he’s second. But I guess the bench is getting kind of crowded right now. Would be kind of cool to have a second Cardinal team to watch, playing in Manhattan.

by REALISTICCARDSFAN on Apr 12, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

I know we look deep in the backcourt but I would hate to lose Russ

Not sure exactly what his injuries were and how much they might have affected his play while he was on the court. But, a quick look at his numbers show a lot of promise.
1. He shot 41.2% from 3PT and was very consistent (shot 50% or better in 5 of 6 games with an attempt)
2. Had 13 steals in only 96 total minutes. That’s 5.4 steals per 40 min. (easily the best on the team and almost double Siva’s excellent 2.8 steals per 40 min.)
3. Had a positive assist to turnover ratio of 1.1. Would expect this to improve with experience and more playing time
4. Has excellent quickness (much like Siva)
5. And,with our aggressive defense, it would sure would have helped to have 5 more fouls to give a few times last year

It’s hard to say just how good a healthy Russ Smith could be in a year or two.

by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 12, 2011 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

No doubt, he's got tons of potential.

But if the kid ever wanted to start; it’s not going to happen at UofL.

by Remote Cardinal on Apr 12, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Hard to argue with that.

I just hate to lose a a guy with really great quickness and who can shoot fro 3Pt., but I can’t blame him if he wants more playing time. Also, I guess I’m a little gun shy about all the injuries we had last year. Here’s hoping we don’t need backups for the back ups!

by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 12, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Ditto to Carolina

Russ coming on the court was ‘instant energy!’ Hate to lose him, but would be happy for George to get more playing time wherever that may be – he deserves it.

by CardsLady on Apr 12, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

At least this scenario makes a whole lot of sense.

Russ would still have to sit a year, but I don’t see the bench opening up for anytime soon with Purvis coming Siva’s senior year.

by Remote Cardinal on Apr 12, 2011 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

From watching Russ this year

the thing that stood out the most to me was his quickness. I think if he stays here, his career will most likely mimic Andre McGee’s.

That being said, transferring may be in his best interests. From the way we’re recruiting, Russ isn’t likely going to ever be our 1st team PG, not with Siva and Purvis coming in. And Elisha seems capable of providing 8-10 minutes a game while our starting PG rests. With that scenario before him, going back home to play for a coach he knows seems like a smart move. You could almost call it a “business decision.”

by Centre24 on Apr 12, 2011 11:02 AM EDT reply actions