Cardinal Thursday news and notes
by Mike Rutherford on May 12, 2011 12:13 AM EDT
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Jeff Walz landed the No. 8 overall player in the class of 2011 when 5-8 guard Bria Smith chose Louisville over Tennessee on Wednesday. The combination of Smith and Shoni Schimmel in the backcourt will be worth the price of admission alone.
U of L is the site for the 2011 Big East softball tournament, which kicks off tomorrow. Louisville is the No. 5 seed, and will begin play in the single-elimination tournament against South Florida tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m.
As much as I'd love to see the Cards take the title (they've never won the tournament when it's been played at Ulmer), I also wouldn't mind seeing USF and DePaul face off in the title game. The two met last weekend and the Bulls head coach pulled his team off the field after accusing DePaul's skipper of instructing his pitcher to deliberately hit batters. Would be a tasty final.
The recruiting saga of Rodney Purvis continued on Wednesday as he reportedly dropped Florida from his list of top four schools and replaced them with Louisville.
Shoutout to Marist Nation, y'all.
Some sad news as former Michigan star Robert "Tractor" Traylor passed away on Wednesday at the age of 34. He suffered a heart attack in Puerto Rico where he was apparently trying to stage a comeback. The worst part about the story is that he was on the phone with his wife when it happened.
Thirty-four is far too young. Rest in peace.
On a much happier note, Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith announced Wednesday that he is completely free of prostate cancer. He then urged all men to get prostate exams. Gross, dude.
Jeff Goodman continues to stay higher on the 2011-2012 Cardinals than any other member of the national media, slotting Louisville at No. 5 in his latest preseason top 25.
5. LOUISVILLE
Lose: Preston Knowles, Terrence Jennings
Key returnees: Kyle Kuric, Peyton Siva, Chris Smith, Rakeem Buckles, Jared Swopshire, Mike Marra, Gorgui Dieng.
Newcomers: Wayne Blackshear, Chane Behanan, Zach Price, Angel Nunez.
Note: The loss of Knowles – and maybe even Jennings - will hurt, but Rick Pitino brings back a bunch of quality veterans and adds a strong freshman class.
Congrats to former Cardinal quarterback Stefan LeFors, who was named the new head football coach at Christian Academy on Wednesday. LeFors also announced that he will not be working on U of L football radio broadcasts this season.
I don't like Lebron James. I don't think you should like Lebron James either. If you like Lebron James and believe I should like Lebron James as well, please convince me why in the comments section.
Brian Bennett wrapped up Louisville's spring football season and deemed the following three questions as the biggest ones heading into the fall.
1. Manning the corners: Cornerback was a position of need heading into the spring after the loss of starters Johnny Patrick and Bobby Burns. It remains a major concern going into the summer. The Cardinals looked at Jordan Paschal, Anthony Conner, Preston Pace and others this spring and even moved promising freshman receiver Charles Gaines there toward the end of practice. The return of Darius Ashley from injury should help, but big questions still linger.
2. Rebuilding the offensive line: The strength of Louisville's 2010 team was its veteran offensive line. This spring, that experience was nowhere to be found, as four starters graduated and the lone returnee, center Mario Benavides, sat out with a knee injury. Ryan Kessling and Alex Kupper have played as backups and should crack the starting lineup. The rest of the line is unproven and will need to continue to develop as a unit.
3. Finding big-play targets: The Cardinals struggled to stretch the field in the passing game last season, and they don't return much production at receiver. Senior Josh Bellamy established himself as a go-to guy there this spring, but the unit was thinned out by injuries this spring. Some talented newcomers are on the way this summer in DeVante Parker and Eli Rogers, and Louisville hopes Michaelee Harris can contribute after two unfortunate knee injuries. There should be more speed at wideout this season, but it will be awfully young.
One tennis publication believes Louisville is the super sleeper of the tournament.
Sweater-vest.
And finally, the men's soccer team announced their schedule for 2011, which includes three rematches from the Cards' magical run to the national title game a year ago.
Louisville opens the season on Aug 27 (also the birthday of International sex symbol Mike Rutherford) against UCLA, and will also face Ohio State and North Carolina.
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Stoked to hear that Stefan LeFors will be leading my Centurions
Good luck coach
by quiet cardinal on May 12, 2011 12:31 AM EDT reply actions
Not sure if you knew this...
but Stefan LeFors was the only hearing member of his family growing up. I heard it somewhere, can’t remember where.
Im about over recruiting as a whole, both the way they act and our reactions
I’ll keep up but like most now until they sign, I really could care less. But the bria news is awesome though
On Pervis
This kid ain’t coming. Let’s move on. No UofL coach has had contact with him and he has decommitted. Probably using us to get more attention from his real choices. Let’s move on, he ain’t coming. Don’t let this little lier get in your head.
I know since
There are so many bandwagon Heat fans out there, that everyone would think I’m a bandwagon. I’ve been Heat fan for about three or four years now. I remember when I was younger, how awesome it was to see Dwayne Wade play and dunk all over some guy.
That said, athletes have DUIs, coaches cheat on their wives, and recruits use their spotlight given to them about 1000x worse than how Lebron did.
"Marquise Teague sucks!"
-Bryce Cotten
I don't like LeBron either, but I will say this...
he was really classy in the post game interview on the court last night. Earned him a couple points in my book.
via Sports Pickle:
Lebron last night: “I never got into what people said about me.” Lebron a few months ago: “I’m making mental notes … H8RZ!!!!”
by crazygameofpoker on May 12, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't like Lebron either.
Never have never will, especially after how he did the Cavs.
by ville 606 on May 12, 2011 8:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
How did he "do" the Cavs?
Did he “do” them by giving them 7 years of increased attendance, playoff appearances, title contention, and an overall boost to their media exposure?
I get that people may not have ever liked him. But, those who changed their mind after how he “did” the Cavs are like those UK fans who hated Pitino the day he landed in Louisville.
Stout Out!
by tdstout on May 12, 2011 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Pitino was not the hometown hero of a long-suffering city and franchise
There is an enormous difference between those two situations. Another crucial difference, of course, is that Pitino brought a championship to Kentucky. Nobody forced Lebron to say that he wouldn’t stop until he brought a championship to Cleveland — well, he stopped, and worse, he did so by creating a national TV spectacle in which he spurned those long-suffering Cleveland fans for the glitz of South Beach. Add in that he did so after turning in a listless, uninspiring playoff performance that screamed, “I’m already gone” – a performance that left many observers (including those who previously liked him) saying he quit on his team – and yes, I think it’s fair to say that he “did” the Cavs (at least their fans) wrong.
As far as the franchise is concerned, yes, he increased their attendance, profile, and playoff appearances for 7 years. But he never fully committed to the franchise, and that is why they could not build a supporting cast that would bring a title to Cleveland; the Cavs beat reporter (Windhorst, now part of the Heat coverage at ESPN) noted last summer how Lebron had never recruited free agents to Cleveland, but was doing so immediately after leaving Cleveland for Miami.
Bottom line – he traded being a likeable, admirable hometown hero for being a dislikeable front-runner (if not a villain) on the “cool kids” team. It isn’t really surprising that so many non-Cavs fans (including me) soured on Lebron so thoroughly following his move to Miami.
by cardsinindy2010 on May 12, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It was a loose comparison.
But, you should check the history books and see what kind of condition the UK program was in when Rick took over. While not “long-suffering”, it was like an eternity for BBN. So, yes, Rick was the hero…though not in his hometown.
I will agree that “The Decision” was a mess. But, his decision was fair. Like it or not, he gave them 7 great years…pretty much single-handedly.
Stout Out!
No doubt UK was in bad shape when Rick took over
I remember it quite well. But again, it seems like apples and oranges to me. Rick left for a team in an entirely different league — the Celtics — not for another college program. And he did so only after winning a title, and because he was a coach rather than a player, he left the cupboard full – so full that they won the title the very year that he left.
And yes, Lebron gave the Cavs 7 good years. But those years could have been even better, and Lebron bears a large part of the responsibility for the Cavs not being able to add premier free agents during his stay — his unwillingness to recruit or give anyone reassurance of his commitment to the franchise spoke volumes.
He had every right to leave Cleveland, but he has to live with the consequences of his decision. He gave up the hometown hero role in order to win as a villain; it is a fair trade, and he decided to make it.
by cardsinindy2010 on May 12, 2011 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I said it was a loose comparison.
And, it was mostly meant as a joke and sting at UK fans. It’s the same as when I say living in Louisville and cheering against UL is like living in the US and cheering against our Olympic team. It’s a joke! But, I respect your defense of your opinion.
My opinion is that Lebron is an entertaining ball player and one of the best in the league. He’s kept himself pretty clean off the court and with his sponsors. I think the “villain” label is a bit much, but I realize how people like to dramatize pro sports. It’s part of the entertainment and draw. He had millions of fans. He still has millions of fans. A portion of the millions happen to be different now.
Stout Out!
He could of been upfront with them and told them he was leaving
Instead of stringing them along. Michael Jordan won 6 championships with the Bulls, for about 4 of those he was one of the lowest paid players in the league, contract wise. He made his money off endorsements, so the team could give him the talent they needed. If LeBron would have done something like that, well it might be a different story.
by ville 606 on May 12, 2011 1:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He could of been upfront with them and told them he was leaving
Instead of stringing them along. Michael Jordan won 6 championships with the Bulls, for about 4 of those he was one of the lowest paid players in the league, contract wise. He made his money off endorsements, so the team could give him the talent they needed. If LeBron would have done something like that, well it might be a different story.
by ville 606 on May 12, 2011 1:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sorry for the double post, stupid phone.
by ville 606 on May 12, 2011 1:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
LBJ
You should like him because………because……….because……….Emily Latella.
If you want to hate James,
then you are going to hate him, no matter what I say. But to be honest, I really don’t care what you think of Lebron James. I think he is a transcendent basketball player and all around athlete. As a person, he is just about exactly as egotistical as Kobe, MJ, Manny Ramirez, T.O. or any other diva athlete you care to name. Who cares what kind of person he is? We aren’t hanging out with him either way.
by twistedenglish77 on May 12, 2011 9:11 AM EDT reply actions
He may have the same ego as some other greats,
but unlike the others, James cries to the refs like a 7 year old everytime he misses a shot.
EVERYONE tries to play the refs
We are simply watching Lebron more closely at the moment
by twistedenglish77 on May 12, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I love
the daily news and notes, makes my mornings so much more pleasurable, especially when there is a cute wittle baby, yes you are.
by willscottonfire on May 12, 2011 9:12 AM EDT reply actions
My first thought was
Why is that baby on ice?
"...and the present, for us, is something that we really look forward to."
- Rick Pitino
Cute wittle baby??
Uh oh. Cuter than Siva bear? GOCARDSATTITUDE will find you.
(And yes, I now fully expect Siva’s face photoshopped onto that baby within the hour.)
by Leeroy Jenkins on May 12, 2011 10:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lebron James
Game 5, 2007 Conference Finals against Detriot:
by johnnyjoejohnson on May 12, 2011 10:53 AM EDT reply actions
I am pretty sure none of us hang out with Lebron
So I can’t say whether or not I actually “like” the guy since I have know nothing about him. Also anyone who thinks they would not have left the Cavs when Lebron did given the opportunity than you are lying to yourself. Miami v. Cleveland….. Chicago v. Cleveland….. NYC v. Cleveland…. just based on the city alone I would have gone anywhere!!! But if I were Lebron last year I would have gone to Chicago – I think that team would be unstoppable.
The point is, from a purely Athletic/talent standpoint (which is all we should base this off of since we DON’T know him) he is the most physically imposing (p4p) and physically remarkable athlete in any sport that is around today…. and I may even argue ever in sports. There is nobody in sports who had his size, strength, speed, explosiveness, and ability in their sport. The guy is a freak of nature – he is like a 6’8 Spartan Warrior!
to be clear, I do not LOVE Lebron – I don’t really like the NBA – but I give respect where respect is due…… Also Kobe = biggest whiner in the NBA
by I WantReeceBack! on May 12, 2011 11:17 AM EDT reply actions
I respect Lebron's talent - he is an amazing athlete
Still don’t like him. Did I forget to mention he showed up at a UK game? Ugh.
Disagree on the Cleveland decision — some small-market athletes stay put even with opportunities to go elsewhere.
by cardsinindy2010 on May 12, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
It is not the small market aspect
Cleveland is just not an attractive city. It is industrial with no real appeal or attraction to it other than the sports teams and the weather is terrible.
This is just my opinion from my experiences there, I do not mean to offend anyone with ties to Cleveland.
by I WantReeceBack! on May 12, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Couldn't agree more on Kobe
Any time he doesn’t make a shot, it HAS to have been a foul, there is simply no other explanation ~
by twistedenglish77 on May 12, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Lebron's a DICK!!!
And here’s your proof…
WOW!
that was almost as big of an understatement as me using the “C” word to describe my ex – which, by the way, is the understatement of the millennium.
Only other word that women hate more than the "C" word
….. Moist
by I WantReeceBack! on May 12, 2011 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
My girlfriend hates "moist"
She won’t say it and cringes when I do.
by Peter McSheisty on May 12, 2011 3:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That's so strange
Yet so true. I can think of at least two chicks off the top of my head who HATE the word ‘moist’.
"When was the last time you saw a hippie who could take on an offensive tackle?" - Hank Hill
by Yum! Caliente Cardinal on May 12, 2011 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I kind of laughed
is that bad?
My roommate has a friend from college who has that job for the Pacers and said opposing players do shit like that all the time. Mostly because they are just not paying attention to the 5’7 guy, their mind is on the game. I think it looks like a dick move when you see the video but in reality this is what happens when players take off their warm-ups 99% of the time, regardless of level of star power. They are not going to fold them up and hand them to them!
I really sound like a Lebron fanboy in this thread, I am not. But the man makes any game he is in more entertaining damnit!
when he scored the last 10 in a row last night, including 2 deep 3’s, I was pretty damn impressed – I mean it wasn’t as good as ! against Marquette, but what can you do.
by I WantReeceBack! on May 12, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed - this example doesn't bother me
And I am obviously not a Lebron defender. But this isn’t why I dislike him.
by cardsinindy2010 on May 12, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
That kid had a chance to call out Lebron and live in Sporscenter infamy.
But hey, how many people get the chance to pick up Lebron’s clothes off the ground? He is married right?
by Get_In_My_BELLY_ on May 12, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't think any of you all watched the NBA
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
In other news I did some
recruiting for Charlie in Birmingham last night. Found some goodies.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on May 12, 2011 4:54 PM EDT reply actions
Birmingham Alabama?
“Only two things come out of Alabama. Steers and queers. Which one are you, MAYOnaze?”
purvis
apparently he had a conversation today with the new coach kevin keatts
rpurvis_44 Rodney Purvis
Coach Keatts is too funny !!
by Cardinal crunch on May 12, 2011 8:57 PM EDT reply actions
So..... What's the deal with this Purvis kid?
#Damarcus Smith
by bjack357 on May 12, 2011 11:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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