I’ll try to keep it in perspective. Team started with 15 players available. Currently has less than 10, Marra, Buckles, Blackshear, Kuric, SVT, and Justice are all hurt. Siva and Smith were also out for a couple of games (and practice). Ware didn’t start playing until two weeks ago and Swopshire is coming of a year and half long injury.

IMHO it’s not rough practices, bad coaching, or poor effort that has us losing, it’s a combination of inconsistent practice and out-of-shape players (they can’t work out when hurt). I don’t know of another team ranked in the top 25 that has had to withstand the number of on-going and ever-present injuries. You know that has to take a toll on the players’ mental attitude as well. (Will I be next?)

No doubt after the Marquette loss the Cards will drop out of the Top 25. Not a surprise given the trials and tribulations this team has had to overcome. Granted that doesn’t make losing any easier to handle, but at least I know it’s not from lack of heart, talent, or coaching ability. I challenge anyone on this blog to tell me they could have done more than Pitino or these players have, given the same circumstances.

I’m not apologizing for Pitino or the team’s won/loss record. I could debate the minutia all day, and never come to a definitive conclusion. What I think is that a potentially good/great season has become very painful to watch for one reason - injuries. It has happened to pro-football, pro-baseball, and other teams in the past and they suffered likewise.

The only solution is to get well.