Why Is Louisville Recruiting Struggling?
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 10:09 AM EST
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PrintThere has been a lot of talk lately about this team lacking talent and needing more elite level 5 star type athletes. So, let's look at our recruiting. I checked Scout's 2013 recruit list. They have given 25 athletes their highest rating of 5 stars. Of those 6 are already committed, so 19 are still uncommitted and available. Here is the list of schools these 19 elite athletes have expressed an interest in, by count for each school:
11 - Kentucky
9 - Arizona
7 - Georgetown and Kansas (plus another one already committed making 8 total for Kansas)
5 - Baylor, UConn, Texas, and North Carolina (plus UNC has 2 other 5 stars already committed in addition to these 5)
4 - Maryland, Memphis, Tennessee, Villanova, Virginia Tech. Plus Ohio State and Florida who both have one each additional 5 star recruit already committed making a total of 5 each).
3 - Miami, NC State, Syracuse, Virginia, Washington, Xavier.
2 - Arkansas, Clemson, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia, LOUISVILLE, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Oregon State, Rutgers, South Carolina, and Duke. (Duke also has an additional one already committed making a total of three).
1 - There are 32 different schools that have one mention each.
A more in depth look at the top half of this group shows the following. Of the top 14 players, 2 have already committed (one to Florida and one to North Carolina). Of the remaining 12 players, the breakdown in as follows:
10 players list Kentucky
5 players list Kansas, Arizona, Texas, Baylor, and UConn
4 players list Georgetown, Memphis, and Ohio State. Plus UNC and Florida each have 3 mentions plus their one each already committed player.
3 players list Tennessee and Villanova
2 players list Syracuse, Maryland, Arkansas, Washington, Duke, Georgia,
1 players lists 23 different schools including such powerhouses as Colorado, Miami, Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Xavier, Virginia Tech...............you get the idea.
LOUISVILLE has NONE. Not a single one of the top 14 recruits even list Louisville as an option.
So these are the facts. Without being a Pitino basher, but a passionate Cardinal fan I offer this question to the faithful - Why?
As much as we like to think of ourselves as a top 10 program, with a Hall of Fame Coach, best facilities in the country, and tons of tradition, the top level athletes simply are not even considering playing here. The question is WHY? If I were Tom Jurich, I would pay a market research firm to interview each one of these kids and find out the answer to that question, because the answer to that question is the key to our future. And what we are doing right now, isn't selling. I posted last year that Rick's Louisville First concept sounded great to me as a fan, but I was not sure how well it would sell to the elite level recruits. The preliminary results do not look promising.
So, tell me Cardinal faithful, why do so few elite level athletes consider coming to Louisville and how do we fix it?
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They think we are cursed & don't want to get injured.
Sorry, I don’t have a useful opinion, I just make sarcastic comments.
I would think we could at least beat out Colorado though ~ I also think the “college experience” doesn’t appeal to as many athletes as it used to, but that only explains getting beat out by a couple schools.
Yeah, we are not in the top 20.
I think it shows that what we think of the program is not what they think of the program. And that’s a problem.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 17, 2012 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
i hate to say it, but...
the “college experience” at Louisville is not comparable to that of a lot of other schools (personally i think Colorado would be frickin’ awesome). many of my high school friends are also UofL fans, but chose to go to UK because they thought it would be more fun. While Lessington might be more of a “college town”, Louisville offers that big city feel that you would think is more appealing to these 5* recruits. So what I’m really trying to say is, I also don’t know why they wont come to here?!
by LVILLE4LIFE on Jan 18, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
1. Adidas!
sucks. Nike just kills Adidas in star appeal. Pitino is buds with Adidas CEO so that is that. Number 2. All the other coaches tell recruits that Pitino hates freshman, and I mean hates. and last of what are probably many more….. Other coaches tell the recruits that Pitino’s practices are murder. So basically its Pitino. I do believe that you can win with 4 star guys but they have to completly buy into Rick’s system. So every three or four years we will have a good team.( 11/3 = 3.7 years! 2005, 2008,2009) and 2013 we all hope?
While I will agree with you that Nike is the more popular brand
I really doubt that it is the turning point between some recruit picking UL or not. Derrick Rose is practically the new face of Adidas basketball, and he went to a school that is sponsored by Nike. The bottom line is that recruits are going to go to the school that best prepares them for a career in basketball. They can wear their Nike’s all around UL, Kansas, or whatever Adidas sponsored campus all they want after that.
Not exactly sure my audience here
but if you take a look at an Eastbay magazine (the most popular sports-related shoe and apparel magazine) it is littered with Nike college gear and Under Armour stuff. While Derrick Rose may be the face of adidas Basketball, kids like to see themselves in the kind of stuff that Eastbay sell in their magazine and online
by Cards & Tops 4 Life on Jan 21, 2012 6:48 AM EST up reply actions
Stop trying to figure out why 17 year old kids don't "like" us, it'll make your head hurt
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 17, 2012 10:35 PM EST reply actions
We damn well better figure it out and my head already hurts.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 17, 2012 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Is there a way
Can you find the same stats for the program during Ricks 1st few years (pre-1&done rule)? I think that period killed the program, with the top recruits screwing us, and soured CRP completely on recruiting them anymore.
by 140sNotEnough on Jan 18, 2012 11:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don't think Rivals and Scout show that after a kid commits. At least not on the free part that I see.
Maybe someone with a paid subscription has access to additional info. But you’re right, it would be interesting to look at.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
It's not that hard
If we played an athletic, run and gun style that involved kids getting to the NBA we’d be fine.
At the end of the day we don’t put players in the league who are successful top 5 picks.
Until we do, they won’t come here
+1
valid point. do you think it would be worth the gamble to completely switch our style of play to suit these top recruits? i feel that CRP has to have a ‘bigger picture’ in mind, but i’m ready to see more elite talent back in the red, white, and black!
by LVILLE4LIFE on Jan 18, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
"We have a new recruiting staff, dedicated to bringing in the best players in the country."
Remember that crap? And the interview introducing the new coaches? How upbeat everyone was! “We’ll recruit as a whole, not individually (clearly a reference to the Fuller situation).”
I was among the severely pumped up when he brought these guys in, including Jr. Now, we can’t even get a glimpse of top ten players.
What was the point of bringing in those guys? Blackshear only? Seriously?
It’s more than just Pitino’s system scaring them off. I think the respect level CRP as a major figure in the sport has been tarnished or diminished to the point of no kid truly considers us as stopping point for the NBA anymore.
by David Lyons on Jan 18, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
I would say
because they don’t want to run on a treadmill all day and enjoy playing time. Also they may have aspirations of playing professional basketball (in the United States).
“Louisville First” does not fit with kids that want to get to the NBA. And I’m not even knocking the kids. I went to college to get a good job and get paid. Not to make the University of Louisville a better place. They are choosing a school and a coach based on their career aspirations. (If we’re talking about the top 15 guys here.)
A kid doesn’t have to put Louisville first for the situation to be mutually beneficial. Kid goes to school, plays great which raises his own draft stock and gets the school wins. Don’t understand why so many Louisville fans have the “oh we don’t want the guys that only care about getting to the NBA” attitude.
I honestly think “Louisville First” = Pitino excuse for not bringing in any 1 and dones.
by Jason G on Jan 17, 2012 10:40 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Personally, I think you have nailed it. We love Louisville First, they don't. It's a great concept but not realistic with the best players.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 17, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
I think "Louisville First" has evolved into a whole new meaning.
I could be wrong, but I think Rick first meant it to mean Louisville First while on the court, which is the way it should be. For 40 minutes don’t think about your draft stock, just play as a team for Louisville not yourself.
You might be right. But if it has evolved into something else, that is not be good for us.
Perception is reality. And how many elite athletes want to come to any school to see what they can do for that school? They want to go where they can showcase their talent, get playing time and national exposure, and play under a coach who they think can help them get to the next level.
Look at the stats above. 10 of the top 12 uncommitted 2013 list Kentucky as a school of interest. None list Louisville.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 17, 2012 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn't disagreeing at all.
You’re right, unfortunately that’s the way it is now so we have to adapt or get left behind.
Get left behind? We's done GOT left behind!
You have an error in tense. And the subject is why we are intense.
It's not one thing, there are many many things that can be pointed to.
Other coaches have so many reasons to point at Rick and say “why the hell would you go there?” If I were a coach recruiting against Louisville for an “elite” kid here is my pitch.
Are you serious? Louisville? Go there if you want but here’s what’s going to happen. #1, You’re not going to play big minutes until you’re familiar with their system, and their system is about as “complex/ hard to learn” as any system out there.
Bob, pull up that clip from the CJ web site of Rick talking about how all freshmen struggle in “their system.” See…
#2, Then, he’s going to severely limit your ability to showcase your athleticism/ talent. You’re never going to be at 100% in his program because of how hard/ often they go.
Bob, cue that sound bite of Siva saying he knows he’ll never be at 100% in their program; also, hand me those quotes from Knowles and O’Bannon saying the same things.
#3, He’s only had like 4-5 players drafted in 11 years, hell, he even had the #1 overall recruit play two years there and he didn’t even get drafted.
Do I need to keep going? Ok
#4, If you there you’re probably not going to get past the 1st weekend of the tournament; he’s only done that 3 times in 11 years. Yes,….. I swear,…. 3 times in 11 years. I know right?
#5, If you go there no matter what you do it’s never going to be right, or good enough. Bob,… cue up that clip from the CJ where that kid just went for 30pts, 5reb,& 3stls @ UK and all he did was bash his rebounding effort,… or how about the one where he went for 17pts, 7ass, 4stls,& 4rebs but Rick said he wasn’t playing “good basketball.” See?
I promise, if you come play for me and put up a line like that, I’ll be telling the press that you’re the second coming of LeBron James.
#6, If you go there, there’s a good chance that you’re going to get worn down and get yourself injured. Look at all the injuries they have there. Not where I’d want my kid to go Mrs. Willis/ Teague/ Smith-Rivera/ Purvis/ Dunn/ Miller/ Harris/ Ledo/ Harris/ Stephenson/ Parker/ Noel/ Hill/ Greene/ Poole.
Mother looks at (insert big time coach’s name), then at Bob, then at recruit “Well, we’ll get back with you.” (Coach/ Bob leave) “You might not go to them, but you’re definitely not going to Louisiville!”
See what I mean? It’s a lot of things, mainly that perception is reality and this is the perception of our coach out there. Not only that,….. this is the information age and there’s so much evidence to back up those claims that they almost seem undeniable.
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 17, 2012 11:19 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
Samuels wasn't the #1 overrall
Yes, that is Mike Marra.
by TheRealSlimShady on Jan 18, 2012 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
He was by several services. Maybe not ESPN, but I can vividly remember being in a Washington DC hotel lobby reading a copy of USA Today where they had all the best highschool players ranked and Sam-Sam was #1
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
Apprently Brandon Jennings was #1 in that class.
Sam Sam was #1 out of players who went TK college. Semantics
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Jan 18, 2012 10:23 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
This makes you cringe to read
But it’s 100% true.
You are sooooo right on
I keep saying Pitino’s big mouth causes problems and you have just listed several examples of how what he says can come back to bite him (and UofL) in the ass.
You did leave out one thing. Some people will probably get on my case saying it’s ancient history but it is not. Coaches have to look the parents, especially the mother, in the eye and tell them that they will be instrumental in taking care of their son and helping him become a man. Any mother who knows of the Karen Sypher incident (and don’t think for a second recruiters for other schools can’t figure out how to allude to it) is going to think several times before sending their son to learn how to be a man from CRP. I can tell you my wife doesn’t think he should be fired but she despises him for that tryst. Her respect level for him as a man is below the basement floor. And don’t think a lot of other mothers don’t feel the same way.
by cbcard on Jan 18, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
absolutely
around these parts, if you bring up sypher the pitino fans like to argue that “it’s in the past” and so it doesn’t matter. but as you point out, it’s not in the past at all – its the lens through which outsiders view our program.
Disagree
If we were making Final Fours regularly and spending the majority of the season ranked in the Top 5, Karen Sypher would not matter to recruits or anyone else. John Calipari is not exactly a bastion of ethical manhood, but the mother’s of top 10 recruits don’t seem to have any problem looking him in the eye and handing their sons over to him.
"We are on a collision course with the national championship; the only variable is time"
My point is that if we were playing high-level basketball
very few recruits (if any) would choose against Louisville because of a one-night stand 9 years ago. If that is true, then they don’t actually care now either — that’s just window dressing for the real reasons they pass on UL: lack of playing time eariy, poor record in March, injuries, Pitino is a jerk, etc…
"We are on a collision course with the national championship; the only variable is time"
Disagree,... Think about it like this. When that story came out, Rick had just put 2 players into the Lottery.
2!! 2 players into the lottery, that should have been the beginning of a fantastic recruiting run for him. He took a mid level recruit like T-Will and turned him into a Lottery pick.
There’s a reason why he wasn’t able to then recruit top10 talent on the heels of that, and things have, arguably, gotten worse since then on the recruiting trail. As far as Cal, well,…. he’s put enough players into the NBA top5 to overcome some allegations that that the NCAA never actually named him in. Is he responsible for what went on at his programs? Of course,… but he, as he always will, has “plausible deniability.”
Also,…. recruiting violations and adultery/ abortion are not on the same level of “morality.” To some people, all they need to hear is the word abortion and judgment is passed.
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
I hope you're not even a little bit serious with that last paragraph.
Even if Cal was accused of wrongdoing by the NCAA, which he hasn’t been, we’re still talking about BASKETBALL. We’re talking about a kid that got an agent behind Cal’s back (please, please tell me what benefit there is for Cal to get Camby an agent when he’s already at UMASS?), and a kid who was cleared TWICE by the NCAA clearing house being played in a game. Even if you want to call Cal’s shortcomings in policing these situations “moral failings”, they are still just rules (broken by people who are not Cal) that arbitrarily make someone eligible or ineligible to play a GAME. It’s that versus cheating on your wife and killing the resulting kid. How many times would you have to cheat at Texas Hold ‘em to equal cheating on your wife and killing the living evidence? Are you seriously so twisted with all that rationalizing that you’d put the real-life stuff that Rick did in a less serious category than basketball-related stuff?
Hold on just a minute.
There’s more than a little difference between Cal’s “ethical” issues (not doing enough to police his former programs) and Pitino’s (he is the actual perpetrator in his story, and it involves cheating on his wife and killing the living piece of evidence). On top of that, since Cal has been at Kentucky, our players have been good citizens frequently posting the highest or one of the highest GPAs in the SEC, and the one exception (Dodson with his weed problem) was kicked off the team. Meanwhile, Rick’s team issues involve hairbrush beatings and tazings and a bunch of “big” punishments for big boy Caracter that mostly turned out to mean sitting for a half. Oh yeah, and there’s the part where even the highly recruited Cards go undrafted or get hurt, while both our stars and our Harrelsons end up in the NBA. You guys have no angle anymore. You guys were just a big ol’ top 5 balloon waiting to pop, and now you might end up playing on a UK floor on the NIT. I understand how you’d want to take out your anger on somebody. But unfortunately, if you do it against UK right now, it just looks like sour grapes, because from literally every angle, we are doing much better right now.
I'm a mom, a single mom at that
And I don’t buy the whole argument that moms don’t want their sons to be coached by CRP due to the Sypher incident. However, maybe I just don’t expect much different behavior from men with big egos and a moderate amount of power. Besides, how many teenaged kids listen to their moms?
Some moms are offended by it and some aren't
And if half are that cuts the recruiting pool in half. Simple math.
I should add
that if I were recruiting against Pitino I would be sure the parents of the kid knew about it. Is that fair? I don’t know but don’t for a second think “fair” is a major factor in most recruiting. You use every tool there is except lying and believe me, a lot of recruiters use that too.
Didn't say I wasn't offended by it
I just kind of expected it. I think our NCAA tournament record under CRP and the fact that most underclassmen don’t get meaningful minutes are much, much bigger reasons.
Sure but it's just one more weapon against us
And the more weapons the stronger the army. And besides, you never know which weapon is the killer.
This comment and Carolina Cardinal's post are on the money.
I have one question, open to anyone with better insight / higher basketball IQ than I have.
I honestly don’t know what his system is. Does anyone, really? I know what Bo Ryan’s system is at Wisconsin — slow tempo, grind it out games. I know that Tom Izzo at Michigan State seems to recruit certain guys for his system.
But what is Pitino’s? The only consistent thing to his system seems to be that freshman/sophomores who don’t play aren’t playing because they don’t get the system. Other than that, I’m at a loss as to what his system is. Pressing? Tracking deflections, etc.? High tempo games? Conditioning? (As to conditioning, when’s the last team Louisville beat a team because the other team was tired?) Reliance on the three? (Then why don’t we have more guys who can shoot the three?)
I’m honestly confused as to what Pitino’s system here is, but I do know that it doesn’t seem to be getting us good recruits, and doesn’t seem to be winning games for us in March, let alone April.
by CardinalFanaticus on Jan 18, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
I too lack the basketball Xs and Os knowledge
to understand exactly what his “system” is. I’m more of a football guy in that respect.
Still you don’t have to be a genius to see the he is overly obsessed with conditioning and full-court defense. I mean, there are so many time outs and breaks in today’s game even if you’re a fatty you’re going to get plenty of breaks during the game.
And do they really play his type of defense in the NBA?? Not that i see! So why is he emphasizing it??
A lot of teams play 2-3 in college
do you see that in the NBA? No, that’s why college is so much different. Haha and most NBA teams play no D so why emphasize either one?
by dirtybirds32 on Jan 18, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Don't see how anybody can argue with this.
And after reading this, I don’t see how anybody can still say that Rick shouldn’t be fired. Any other coach in the nation would have already been fired. You can find a coach to get the same results at half the price and none of the character issues.
by ScottWalls on Jan 18, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Someone send this to someone who WILL take it to Coach P!
STAT. Sorry, I’m watching House.
GO! CARDS!
BEAT!
PURDUE!
Lets be clear,.... I don't think anyone would have a problem with the "Louisville First" mantra if we were healthy and winning,... but we're not and we don't have the kind of talent that can overcome injuries.
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm....
that sounds more like coaches not wanting prospects playing at Georgetown (Princeton modified offense), instead of UofL.
The DDR (dribble drive) offense looks more appealing rather than a structured offense (that requires more basketball IQ, and discipline).
it's better preparation for the NBA and face it, that's what the top players want
Education comes in second. They all figure they’ll make enough money in the NBA to buy several universities.
Only 3 times in 11 years
That says it all to me! Anywhere else, the coach would have already been fired. I think there are so many reasons we have underperformed. One reason is recruiting. Pitino’s recruiting philosophy has shifted. Initially, he went after several top recruits such as Telfair but was burned for the NBA (can’t remember the others). As a result, it seems he changed his recruiting philosophy to recruit the 2nd tier because they will stick around . But now, we can recruit the one and dones but haven’t or we cant compete. Not sure which. I think the revolving assistant carousel has also contributed to poor recruiting. And player development Sucks. I rarely see our top players get stronger over time. Example, Siva, Sosa, Jennings, etc.. They reach their peak during their sophmore year and stall. All of this is very frustrating.
Amir Johnson was one
And other ended up with the Hawks I believe. Smith? A different Johnson?
Might be the first time we agree on something that paints UL in a negative light.
Pitino absolutely made up “louisville first” to compensate for a lack of talent.
It’s the same reason he went on TV during the tournament and kept picking UK to win and saying, “they have the most talent.”
It’s the same reason for Louisville fans. I’d love to root for Derrick Rose/Tyreke Evans/John Wall/Brandon Knight for 4 months each. But, in the absense of being able to do that, they’re jerks who only care about themselves.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Jan 18, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
I know i've been ragging on him a lot
but the thing is, overall I (used to) like the guy and admittedly I was ecstatic when we hired him. If he would just change the way he does things a little bit I could probably be a fan. But it’s like his ego is so big he refuses to make any adjustments to his methodologies. I’m just over it, I don’t see him changing so if he refuses to do so I’ll beat the new coach drum and try to get other people on board.
I personally don't want one and dones
The success Cal has had at UK has a lot of UL fans green with envy and it doesn’t look good on some of you. CRP is great coach, he can develop players. TWill was ranked somewhere in the 70s 0r 80s if I’m not mistaken just like this Rozier kid. We had a top 5 class this last year. What is happening this year with injuries is really just bad luck. No one was complaining when Pitino ran our teams hard and practiced and we were smoking guys by the end of the game cause the opposition couldn’t keep up. If the Cards don’t turn it around this year, they’ll be back next year with a vengeance, even with a one man, non blue chip recruiting class
Sorry, BUT NO
I am as big of card fan as anyone, but this is nonsense! I dont care if there 1 and dones. Send them hear. A close source is saying that Shabazz Mohammad is defintely going to corupt Arena to play. Look what happened with our football program with recruiting. If we dont make the tourney, The grass will be greener on the other side without CRP. When he throws his little sulking spells after a loss and dont personally come out and hold a post conference. This shows his CLASS. Also bashing player at your press conference, really dont sit good with recruits. Look at the good recruiters BOEHEIM,CALIPARI,Williams,DONOVAN and so one. When have u ever seen them refuse to do a press conference? As far as next year siva will be the same. Is chane gonna grow(physically) so he will be a beast? With no one coming in, and the injury bug not leaving which is a total different story we need good recruits and no one to recruit them. Chick-Stratino’sUrDaddy, said a mouthful. Send us some one and dones, our 4 and dones just AINT getting it CARDCHOMP!
by east ky card on Jan 18, 2012 7:05 AM EST up reply actions
Well, regardless
CRP is not getting those guys so it doesn’t matter what either of us think now does it
I want two things
Wins and kids who don’t get into trouble. Would I like for them to be here four years? Yes. But if it’s my two things I want verses four years of being sort of good I’ll go with my two things.
Calipari is a snake oil salesman...
And I HATE being in a position to defend him. But I believe he nailed it when he said, if he doesn’t recruit the one and dones, he’ll end up playing against them. That is indeed a fact.
I don’t like the thought of it either, but you either successfully get those kinds of players or you’re going to get beaten by them on a regular basis.
"There is no OFF position to the genius switch" - D. Letterman
He's not exactly selling these kids empty promises. I don't like him or UK anymore than anyone else. But he promises them things they want and he delivers. Point blank, period.
Playing time,… a system that allows them to play freely and score,… High draft stock,…. and millions of dollars when they leave.
Promising them those things and not delivering would make him a “Snake oil salesman.”
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Just like Chick did with the recruiting scenario, I thought a Calipari visit might go something like this:
Cal to 5 star kid: Well son, I am glad that you are interested in playing for me and that you are smart enough to see that this is the best place for you to realize you dreams. I think that you are one of several players that have the talent to be very successful here. And as you know, we always recruit the best players in the country, give them the national exposure and opportunity to show off their skills and often that results in their going off to realize their dreams and become multi millionaires in a very short period of time. In fact, we count on that happening, we know how to do it and will do everything in our power to make it happen.
Now, we think you are one of a couple of players that have the talent to be our next superstar. My only question is, are you the player that deserves this opportunity? You know we know how to get players to the next level. Just look at our record. The only real question is, if we choose you, do you have the drive, the work ethic and the desire to do whatever is required to make that happen? Because at Kentucky, we want you to be successful. Your success is our number one priority. We feel that only by helping you be successful, can we be successful. And me and all the coaches will do everything possible to help you achieve that success. And to do it as quickly as your talent and dedication allow. In fact, we count on you quickly realizing that potential quickly because like all those who have gone before you, we will need your spot in a year of two for our next NBA millionaire.
So, like I said, we feel like you may be a good choice to join our program but that player B and player C, are both very talented as well and have expressed a strong interest in joining our team? Now tell me why you deserve to be the next millionaire to wear the Kentucky jersey? Convince me that you the best choice we can make?
At this point, recruiting is done. You just sit back and let the kid do all the talking and see if he can convince you hat he has the talent, work ethic and dedication to be the winner of this competition. Of course you can sprinkle in the names of the many new NBA millionaires as proof of your ability to deliver.
Also, I recall when we had Rodney Purvis committed, Calipari contacted him and arranged for him to play some pick up ball with John Wall. I remember Purvis tweeted that John Wall, “had the nicest car I’ve ever seen.” I knew we were done after that. Rodney Purvis didn’t care about Louisville First, he cared about NBA riches and who could get him there the quickest. And I think that this is what nearly all of the really top level players think.They have been told since grade school that they were great, they were special, and they were going to make it big in the NBA. The only question they have now is, who can help me get there the fastest. What do I need to make this happen – exposure, playing time, decent coaching. Ok, where can I get that?
This is pretty much how I see the process playing out. Like it or not.
Now, envision how Pitino’s Louisville First speech might sound by comparison to a 16 year old kid with no money.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I agree with Carolina--Louisville First is a great concept to the fan, but not to today's elite players
They focus on 1)getting to the NBA , and/or 2) playing time
They are not interested in lowest % of body fat, or in being the toughest conditioning program possible.
I’m not a Pitino basher— but I’m a realist who can see some writing on the wall.
As a few have mentioned, Calipari—and I hate his dirty program!— is making Pitino look old, the way Pitino made Crum look old. The game had changed and Crum didn’t change with it…neither is Pitino. His phiosophy is simply not selling—nor is it producing bottom -line results on the court
by frankpos on Jan 17, 2012 11:14 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Does that mean Jurich will fire Pitino
and replace him with another Hall-of-Fame coach?!?!
No idea what Jurich will do. But I can definitely see the comparison.
Rick is very comfortable doing what Rick has done successfully for 30+ years. That is very understandable, even logical. Denny was the same way. But when that is no longer successful, it is easy to think that the plan is fine, you just need to work harder. It is very hard to let go of something that has always worked for you. Much easier to blame everything rather than adapt.
One thing is certain. Elite level athletes do not see Louisville as a place they want to play. And that is a problem we must solve.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Those top recruits don't want to go through a system of 4 years.
They are looking out for themselves and will do what they can to reach that level of NBA ball.
Could possibly have something to do with sports meida
No one ever talks about Louisville. Even when we go to the elite eight two years in a row, win a BE championship, BE runner ups, and are #1 over all seed you still just don’t really see a lot of people on ESPN talk about Louisville. Maybe one causes the other though. Maybe without top elite talent they have little reason talk about us or maybe because they don’t talk about us we can’t get elite talent. A vicious cycle. Maybe that has nothing to do with this but it’s something I’ve noticed. Freedom Hall’s last game was the most attention we got in a long time and then the YUM center opening got some.
Is it possible they aren't fond of Pitino?
I know most of the local guys had no respect for Coach HWNSNBS and thought he was a liar. This was said clearly and directly to me by one of the local sports radio guys so it is not second hand.
THIS!
Is a very viable explanation and something that I thought about it too a while back! Maybe even commented about it.
GO! CARDS!
BEAT!
PURDUE!
Guys with big egos, especially those who have been successful can tend to be very overbearing.
Kind of an “I know everything and you are a moron”, and a “how dare you question me?” type of attitude. And Rick does show a bit of that in the press conferences I think.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Explain Digger Phelps then
I’m pretty sure he, Rick Majerus, Bob Knight, Jim Boeheim, Calhoun (remember the ‘NOT A DIME BACK’ tirade?) etc. are just as overbearing, if not more so, than Rick, yet remain popular. This hypothesis holds no water.
What's to explain? I don't disagree that these guys all have pretty big egos and tend to be overbearing, like Rick.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
Well, implying that Rick is being singled out for his overbearing nature
doesn’t really hold up when you consider that essentially the entire college basketball coaching fraternity is composed of overbearing know-it-alls.
Why would
A kid wanna come here and sit the bench???? Pitino is never gonna play his most talented and athletic 5 at the same time, for body fat and defensive reasons
by Reppinthaville21 on Jan 18, 2012 12:45 AM EST via Android app reply actions
maybe Chane can change that?
Hopefully with Behanan being our starting PF (as a freshman), that will change a few minds.
by Hawkins3403 on Jan 18, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
It's not really plausible to say CRP wouldn't play a top freshman recruit
If by “top”, you really mean top.. like Calipari, Boeheim, Williams, Calhoun and Krzyszewski get; probable first rounders.
CRP doesn’t get probable first rounders, else perhaps he would play them. Wayne might have been the first, if of course it weren’t for the other curse…
CRP wont play Blackshear
a McDonalds all american. Well he can’t practice yet anyway even though he’s been cleared too. Because the kid is 10lbs overweight. This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of. You think Cal down the road tells MKG and Teague you can’t play tonight your overweight by a few pounds. IMO get a new coach and this drama will end. GO CARDS
As CS5 said
" Winning gets you where you want to go " First round exits, and an unfortunate injury list dont get top flight kids to sign up.
Not to mention all the crazy things CRP says like " Im gonna retire at the end of my contract"
Talking about how freshmen dont catch on to his system very fast
Saying Russ Smith needs to play better when he just dropped 30 on UK
Stating that his current all American point guard should have a break out year but ends up regressing.
Top kids want national exposure and a chance to play. You dont get national exposure by writing letters to ESPN asking for a big intro or write up. You get it by winning and having ESPN and the rest of the media noticing you.
So far the only we have been noticed for this year is being over rated and players getting injured or re-injured.
"Winning gets you where you want to go"
-CS5-
Exactly right
CRP is not winning and when your sent home in the 1st round 2yrs in a row it doesn’t bold well in any aspect for the program. Does anyone think this yrs team will do any better? Players stay on the injured list, The usual Rick drama on body fat % and weight gain. Announcing retirment on the same day as the football bowl game (selfish ass move) Sorry Rick but Strong is getting it done on the recruitng trail unlike yourself. He also plays freshman. I’m tired of the drama of CRP.
kids want to play in March
and the first weekend of April
It All Goes Back to Recruiting For Need...
After the 2012-13 season, we will be losing Siva and SVT (for sure). So that’s only two players to recruit for. Marra will likely receive a redshirt for this season, which would bring Marra and Buckles back for the 2013-14 basketball season. We may be losing Dieng after the 2012-13 season, but by that time Zach Price will be a junior.
We have already signed a point guard, Terry Rozier. He fits the bill of the new kind of players we want, guys who can definitely shoot.
Kentucky has to have all of those prospects because they empty the cupboard EVERY season. When the 2013-14 season rolls around, Nunez, Price, Blackshear, Ware and Chane will all be juniors. That will be a hell of a junior class, and experienced! (Insert injury jokes here). Russ, Hanckock and Bullet will be seniors, along with possibly Marra and Buckles and maybe even Dieng. Terry Rozier will be a sophomore point guard, plus one other guy we pick-up. Those guys alone would make a HECK of a team!! I’m confident we’ll add a solid freshmen class to that bunch, along with maybe a juco or other transfer.
by FrankensteinsJacket on Jan 18, 2012 1:50 AM EST reply actions
That won't happen. He might leave after this year, since he's already sat out a year I think he could just go play somewhere right away.
But there’s no way he plays here for his 3rd year of eligibility, then transfers to sit out another year before he plays his final year
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
you don't lose a year when you transfer
he played two years at george mason and will have two years of eligibility here. same as CS5 at Manhattan, and D Padgett at Kasnas/here (though DP played one at KS and three here).
I thought he has to sit out a year (this year) but then has 2 years of eligibility left. Not sure though.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Saul good, Carolina nailed down what I meant. BTW,... I've never seen so much vitrol for others in the last month on this site.
But you know what else,… I’ve also never seen as many people saying they were sorry for jumping to conclusions or taking out their frustrations. Which, in a way, is kind of cool.
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
It's clear that we all want the same thing - to regain the prominence of our storied basketball team.
Pretty sure we can all agree on that (except maybe for CasualGamerReed)
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
I'm so sick and tired of "wait till next year/ 2 years from now." Aren't you?
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Been sick of that for years now!
And when looking at our recruiting classes coming in the near future I don’t see any change to that. Right now I’m on “can’t wait to see 2015 recruiting class”
by CardinalCory on Jan 18, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Boy are you an optimist
I hope you are right but based on what’s going on now I have my doubts.
Problem with Rozier
How does he improve the talent level if he’s ranked 112 by Rivals and not ranked by Scout? I know ESPN has him a bit hgher, but he’s not a difference maker at all.
If you listened to Mike on "the 2 man game" last night (ESPN680) he said TR was gonna be a good player,... but that he's not a program changer who's going to get us over "the hump."
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Who would've seen Knowles save the season last year?
I didn’t see it coming. I stopped paying attentions to stars and rankings when Teddy committed, and he dropped in the rankings.
by WhiskeyRider on Jan 18, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Football recruiting rankings and basketball recruiting rankings aren't really comparable.
It’s much easier to rank recruits in basketball because, thanks to AAU, the highly rated kids are competing against each other. That doesn’t really happen in football. Basketball recruit rankings are also much more reliable when predicting future success because one or two elite level guys can have a much greater impact in basketball.
As Carolina mentions below, getting good players is all well and good, but you have to get the top level guys if you want to compete for titles. With the resources we have, we should be getting at least one or two top 25 – 30 guys in every class.
by Cool Hand Cards on Jan 18, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Agree but I could accept that occasionally we didn't land a really top level recuit
but I cannot accept that we are not even listed as a school of interest by so many. To me, that is really telling.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
I did hear that and he's right.
He is the typical kind of recruit that Pitino takes and turns into a pretty sound all around player in 2 or 3 years. And while there is nothing wrong with having a few of these on the team, you can’t be dominant with a whole roster full of them. We simply must be able to attract some of the elite level athletes that the UNC’s. Duke’s, UConn’s, UK’s, Ohio State’s, Arizona’s, Kansas’, Texas’, etc. do.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
We are getting great recruits in FOOTBALL but no one wants to talk about that.
by louisvillefootball on Jan 18, 2012 2:28 AM EST reply actions
Count me in
I’m ready for football again. It’s gonna be the longest 7 months of my life until late August. I think the 2012 Cards will win 10 or even 11 games, a Big East Championship, and a BCS bowl. I’m stoked!
by CardsRuleBE on Jan 18, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
I love HCCS
We are now a football school!!!!!!!!
Cut the head off the snake. GET RIDE OF THE BILLY MINARDI CURSE!
The only way to change perception is to change the coaching staff.
Facts:
1. Only 1 Freshman at a time will flourish in Rick’s system (Samardo, Chane, Tello,)
2. IT IS TOO EASY TO RECRUIT AGAINST RICK. “Hey kid, want to be injured the next 4 years-go play for Pitino.”
3. Tourney futility – “Hey kid, they only play one game a year in the NCAA tourney.”
4. He treats the players like crap.
Your user name
Is entirely too similar to mine, and I share none of your sentiment.
by CardChakra on Jan 18, 2012 10:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I hate to say this crazy curse stuff but anyone else have a theory?
This stuff really didn’t start in earnest until the Quick One was messing around at Porcinis.
Heard that.
Is he still messing around with broads on the side?
by WhiskeyRider on Jan 18, 2012 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
all I said was that I didn't agree with the sentiment expressed,
and don’t want to be associated with is all.
here ya go.
Too many people come out of the woodwork to stir the pot when things are going badly. These are kids, playing as hard as they can, for our team, for a HOF coach that isn’t going anywhere.
FFFUULLLLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRR
hate to say it, but no one on staff is that great of a recruiter. and “winning” doesn’t have to be the key ingredient. Look at teams like baylor and missouri, what have they ever done in basketball and they are top 10 teams with loads of talent.
by willscottonfire on Jan 18, 2012 10:25 AM EST reply actions
Simply comes down to our current staff
Kids aren’t seeing what they consider a current-day elite level staff. Two things to back that up: 1.) Louisville hasn’t won enough games in March lately 2.) kids aren’t actually developed and getting better over 4 years under this staff. I can think of only a few that spent 4 years and DID get better by their senior year: Knowles, T-Will, O’Bannon.
A 17 year old only has a short term memory and our staff just isn’t getting it done consistently enough over the last few years.
Recruiting my #1 issue with Pitino
Why are no top choices considering UL? I think it’s quite simple. First, Pitino doesn’t want to recruit the one and done players. He doesn’t like to turn the reigns over to freshmen and I think he feels he can’t control them as well as he might a mid level recruit who has slim hopes of playing in the NBA.
Second, I think the top players are generally avoiding Pitino because he doesn’t like to play freshmen all that much, he stresses defense first, he is relentless about conditioning, and he’s had very little success getting players to the NBA. I love UL, but even I’m not sure I would want to play for Pitino at this point.
People wonder if the game has passed Pitino by. I don’t think that’s the case. He still knows how to coach, but he did not adapt to the new age of recruiting. It’s noble he wants to bring in four year players and mold them into fine, young men, but the teams that win the most generally recruit the top flight players.
Yesterday, I went back and looked at the recruiting classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010, the core of this team. Of the 11 players signed, 5 were not ranked by either Rivals or Scout. The sixth player, Swopshire, barely made the bottom end of the rankings. On top of that, the only two highly regarded recruits in those three seasons, Samuels and Jennings, have long since gone. In essence, that means, of the remaining 9 players, 6, including Swop, were not ranked or barely ranked.
We can’t win like that.
Whacker-Pitino still knows how to coach.....
Ask Michigan State, California and Morehead State if they agree…
I'm a Pitino basher, but
Look, does anyone really believe we’d be in the situation we find ourselves if the talent level weren’t so low? I don’t. As for the MSU loss, sometimes upsets happen. I’m not so worried about losing in the Elite Eight as I am about losing in the first round of the tournament.
Has Rick ever gone on the record saying that?
Not questioning you, just want to see his quotes for myself. It would help put things into perspective, for sure.
No passion..seems like CRP and his staff are just going thru the motions.
Now HCCS on the other hand has the train going full steam down the track.!
Become a football school immediately...
Just add Strong and Pitino.
Given our storied basketball history, it is sad to see so many comments about us being a football school.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand those comments, but it’s still sad. Rick and company need to get this fixed….and fast.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
He almost had it fixed.
Then everyone got hurt.
by WhiskeyRider on Jan 18, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
One program is trending up and one trending down
Which train do you want to be on?
Dear High School Basketball Players
Do U Like us??? Check yes if U do! I hope U do!
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
by WhiskeyRider on Jan 18, 2012 10:59 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Sad thing is
We could have had House and Chicken… we didn’t go after them.
Would've loved to have both of them
But thats life. I’m not sure where Pitino’s head is at, but if we had a healthy roster, we’d still probably be in the top ten, and a legitimate top ten.
by WhiskeyRider on Jan 18, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Don't understand this comment.
If you are in business and were selling a product that your targeted customer base is not buying, you better figure out why or you’ll be out of business – fast. Rick and the staff are out there selling our program to (hopefully) the most talented high school prospects in the country, and nearly all are not even putting us on a list with 8-10 other possible schools. That is a problem. And we need to understand why that is…..and fix it, if we want to stay in business as a basketball power.
And don’t think that I am a Pitino hater. I intentionally avoided any negative reference to Pitino in the post. I only put the facts out there and asked the question, why are we not even on the list of so many elite level athletes? That is the issue that must be dealt with and solved, whether Pitino does it or someone else really doesn’t matter to me.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Look. I understand we're all in a tizzy.
And I don’t know where I’m going with this. Just trying to bring a little laughter to the subject.
by WhiskeyRider on Jan 18, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Didn't read all the comments, but IMO
When was the last time a freshman really contributed. For example: Samardo Samuels. #1 player in the country out of high school. Plays 2 years here, enters the draft, doesn’t get drafted. Had a good supporting class as a freshman, but he didn’t have to do much. Earl Clark. This guy had superstar written all over him. 1st rounder, but you pot him in another system, potentially #1 pick in the draft. Terrance Jennings. Where do I start 5* recruit, all the potential in the world, yet he had the shortest leash there was, in fact he had a choke collar. Those are the real big ones that stick out to me. With this Derek Willis kid, considering UofL and UK. All Cal has to say is; Why play for Rick, it will take you a year to pick up the system, freshman dont play there, name the last freshman that amounted to a hill of beans? And he would be spot on.
by ville 606 on Jan 18, 2012 11:07 AM EST via mobile reply actions
i know this year
the three expected to contribute, one is hurt, one started mid-season and the last is starting and playing. chane is a beast but still makes freshman mistakes.
Terrence Jennings plays in Belgium
Because he was a 6’ 10" super athlete, that couldn’t get a rebound if it hit in the face. WORK ETHIC. Think that SS had the same problem. 6’8" and couldn’t/wouldn’t jump, and owner of some of the worst body language I’ve ever seen from one of our players.
Ellis under Denny but not under Rick
Remember him on the bench with the towel over his head and face. Rick gave him a brain transplant.
so what you're saying is...
that Rick can coach? Hard to imagine, huh? ~
Same thing happened with Whitehead.
He can coach, I don't think anyone's disputing that. Look at Reece Gaines. Dude was considered just as good as D Wade as a Senior but when he got into the NBA he fell off the map.
Why? Most would tell you that because in the NBA you don’t have coaches who stay on your ass about working hard and doing all the little things, you’re just expected to do them on your own.
This issue at hand is getting “program changing” players into the program
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
All i'm saying is
You put those kids in a different situation, we are talking a whole new ballgame. If Kidd-Gilchrist (the only player I have respect for on that team) played for us, he would be guarding the watercooler, or he would of stepped on a basketball in practice and broke his fibula.
by ville 606 on Jan 18, 2012 3:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think the fact that Clark has been relegated to utility player status for the Magic
Is something of a vindication of the way he played while he was here. He just doesn’t have one killer skill that makes him offensively viable in the NBA, and that was also the thing that kept him from being a true star at U of L.
in other words, when he played like HCRP wanted him to...
Offense always comes when you play D and rebound.
Brad Stevens???????
Is there anyway we can get rid of CRP now and bring in a young and very talented coach like Brad Stevens. We need a coach that will change our “system” that is so predictable. We are nowhere near the team we once were.
This post is something that I have been very concerned about lately. Next year is going to really suck. I am sorry to say.
If the topic is recruiting, how do we know Brad Stephens can recruit? He's signed a few decent recruits here and there but after two straight final four years, can only muster up one 4 star at this point.
Brad Stevens seems like a great coach, for obvious reasons, but I don’t know if he’s the recruiting answer everyone here seems to be looking for…. I don’t buy into recruiting that much. Sure, you don’t want guys that absolutely blow, but look at what Brad Stevens has done with his guys in the past two years compared to what Cal has done with his. It’s a joke and UK is the punchline. That being said, UK will probably get it done this year. :-/
"Free throws don't win and lose games." -John Calipari
by AllHailUofL on Jan 18, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Stevens>CRP
Look at what Stevens has done with Butler a small school that no one cared about before him. Stevens is young and still has alot to learn. But with a big name school like Louisville. I think he would do alot better job recruiting than CRP. Recruiting is a big part of how successful we will be. UK will not win it this year. I am not just saying that because I am a Cards fan. I think Cuse will win it all.
by CARDS#1ALLDAY on Jan 18, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
The thing that scares me
Is that CRP doesn’t seem to want to admit that there is at least somewhat of an issue here. I do believe Pitino is still a great coach, and could definitely improve the recruiting situation if he really made it a priority, but he it seems like he is denying that the problem exists. How will the situation improve if he won’t admit something needs to be done. I think this falls into the same category as our offense this year, again, i think Pitino is still a great coach, but he says that he doesn’t see problems with our offense, when we are ranked in the 100’s or 200’s in almost every category. Problems can’t get fixed if the problem isn’t acknowledged as actually existing.
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 11:28 AM EST via mobile reply actions
This is what I mean when I say he seems to be hanging on to what has worked in the past, when it is clearly not working now.
Your comment about the offense is a good example. He has said several times that the offense is fine. The offense is certainly not fine. But I fear he will continue to hang on to that and try to just work them harder, tweak it a little, etc, rather than change. Same for recruiting. If his Louisville First is not selling to the top level kids, adding new salesmen to push it is not the answer.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
It's just impossible to fix a
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 12:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
What's he gonna do?
Go to a press conference and say “We Suck!”? He still has to coach THIS team THIS season.
"It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up."
-Muhammad Ali
How about accepting a little responsibility for the problems like Charlie Strong did and not blaming the players, especially one who was just your leading scorer and rebounder saying he just didn't play very well.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, he did do that but it was because of issues w/ Sanford and he's gone now.
HCCS also blamed the players for playing too much Call of Duty…just saying there’s no reason to come out publicly and say things that will only make the future more bleak (i.e. "I’m gonna retire in a few years)
"It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up."
-Muhammad Ali
by Red Rage06 on Jan 18, 2012 1:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hit enter too early
Its just impossible to fix a problem you don’t believe exists.
No doubt Pitino has the capability to facilitate the much needed positive change – he is a
great coach. But I don’t see anything changing the rest of the season if he just keeps doing what he is doing
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 12:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'm not saying that.
Don’t you remember when Coach Strong had the press conference after the Marshall loss I believe, and owned their problems? That’s what needs to happen. He doesn’t need to just beat the team down. Pitino is a great coach and can bring about positive change if he would acknowledge our problems as problems and go to work on them. Look how it worked out for Coach Strong.
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 12:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I've never said this before& it's so cliche, but this guy I know who's "in the know" told me something after Fuller left.
He said that when Fuller got here he promised Rick that he’d bring in top talent, like Purvis and help run practices. Rick was all about it.
Fuller soon began to deliver, ie: we were in on a lot of kids in a very short period of time and even got a commit from Rodney. But once the season got rolling, that wasn’t good enough for Rick.
Rick not only wanted him to stay on the road 24-7 recruiting,… he also wanted him to (as my guy says) get there at 5am and cut the grass. Not literally of course, but it just wasn’t good enough for Rick that Fuller could bring in the high level kids, he also wanted him putting in 80 hours a week breaking down film, ect,ect,ect.
Fuller’s wife, was not amused. Fuller was not amused, and the relationship was pretty much ruined; Frank Haith getting the Mizzou job was the open window the Fuller was looking to jump out of.
To me, that whole scenario is just another example of how out of touch he is, sometimes, with what the recruiting aspect of the game has become. I don’t know anything about it, but if you have a guy who can get the job done, why wouldn’t you try to make him happy and keep him?
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 11:33 AM EST reply actions
RP is a great face of a program
but this “old school” we work 80 hours a week for the assistants and the players just isn’t panning out.
He was pretty proud of outworking programs back in the Providence days. I think he wants to go back to that and not have to deal with Jay-Z and all the crap.
by Chip Constant on Jan 18, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
I have also heard the same thing
Cant say its true as you know how rumors are, but typically there is at least a little truth to a rumor.
"Winning gets you where you want to go"
-CS5-
looks like there may have been with all the rumors of Pitino's philandering
I heard lots of them when he was at UK. And from some big UK fans.
RPs staff changes every year
There is just incredible turnover in his staff. The entire staff churns about every 2 years. How can you be in with a kid if the head recruiter leaves? Why is there so much churn? RP is the king, the be-all end all and the assistants are just chaff. Well, we found out when Purvis bailed that was not the case. His own kid left him, for goodness sakes. Who is Keatts in on? Wyking Jones? Who is little Rick going after? This is all on RP, the recruiting, the injuries, and the failure.
As I said before, we are looking at a 2-3 year very dark tunnel until we can get to a buyout period. He isn’t going to change. We will win a few games based on hard work and our name. Beyond that, it is NIT or first round failure, the recruits just are not there.
I think these are the years that UK fans call “The Tubby Years” lackluster recruiting, false sense of hope, we’re getting better, crappy results. all year we have heard “we’re getting better, he’s getting better” at what point time does it become " hes good, we’re good"
by bds1998 on Jan 18, 2012 11:42 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I just hope thet don't turn in to the Gillespie years. That's what I'm afraid of.
No losses to Gardiner Webb, please!
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
It is getting close
Lost to Drexel at the Yum Center and lost to Morehead State in the first round. It isn’t Gardiner Webb, but it should never happen to a team like Louisville.
Jesus Scott,... I actually agree with you ;-)
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
I know I am taking a chance here but
even though I am a Kentucky fan, I hope I have shown on this site that I really do love you guys.
This thread is eerily similar to the last few years of Tubby’s tenure. I found myself defending Tubby again and again to an ever increasing faction that became even more coherent in their arguments.
The day Tubby left, I was SO F**KING PISSED at the idiots that ran off a great coach and even more amazing man. Down the street from my house is one of the many Tubby’s Clubhouses, which is still funded by the Coach, providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged kids in Lexington. The man has been gone for years and he still provides funds to keep the doors open.
My point is that, hindsight being 20/20, I now see that it was time for him to leave. I wish it could have been under better circumstances but I was too wrapped up in defending my Coach, that I couldn’t see the bigger picture.
I really am sorry that the Louisville fan base has been infected with the same damn bug that infected us for so long. I hope you find the cure fast.
by Strangeite on Jan 18, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Didn't we just have a top 10 recruiting class?
I mean didn’t we just get a top 15 guy in Blackshear?
And how many scholarships will we even have available in 2013? 1? Because our two seniors aren’t even using their scholarships.
Top10 class, yes and a lot of that was because it was a big class that for a long time included Ryan Taylor who didn't qualify but the addition of Ware saved it's ranking.
But what this post is referring to is “elite talent” or program changing recruits. Top10 kids who are big time scorers.
Maybe Wayne was gonna be that guy. Who knows, his underneath out of bounds defense would have probably kept him off the floor anyway.~
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
First thoughts that come to mind
Kids today don’t want to work hard (as in how they used to have to). Now days, every top recruit thinks they’re a star before they even graduate HS. They hold televised press conferences to announce what college they’re going to sign with. Social networking allows fans to get to know them well before they arrive on campus, meaning the recruits get to soak in all the hype and love from the people which only inflates their egos even more. Most of them think all they need to do is show up, play ball, hold acceptable college grades for one year, and the gold mine awaits complete with shoe deals, other endorsement contracts, and all the encompassing glitz and glamour.
CRP has a known rep for working players – TOUGH. And if you’re a star recruit, the same basic consensus applies to you as it does for everyone else: if you work HARD, listen to CRP, WORK HARDER, listen to CRP, and WORK WORK WORK — you will be an outstanding basketball player SOMEDAY and have a CHANCE to play at the next level.
Not what big time recruits want to hear these days.
________________________________________________
www.lordkayoss.com
Can't argue with any of that. But if that is the world we live in (twitter and glitz), coaches must adapt.
Wishing it weren’t so won’t change reality.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
What is really sad about the whole situation is, if we had stayed healthy this year everyone would be singing Rick's praises and the "Louisville First" mentality.
But, we’re not healthy and we are struggling.
In the end, for me anyway, I can’t keep giving Rick a pass every year and act like it’s all good. I just can’t keep saying “well, maybe next year we’ll be a contender.” I posted before the season started and asked people if this year was “Final Four or Bust” and it was a pretty even split. If I had asked “Tournament or bust” I think it would have been pretty one sided.
I’m gonna wait and see how the rest of this year shakes out before I pass judgment on the future of the program. If nothing else he’s earned that, and it doesn’t do anyone any good to call for his job 1/2 way through the year. It’s not gonna happen, and there’s always the chance that they could make a run.
I don’t see it happening and will, as I’ve said, be very surprised if they make the tournament.
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I said it was final four or bust
which is probably a bit unrealistic for even the best teams. I’ll admit that. But if we don’t even make the tournament…
Would SU or Duke fans say Boeheim and Krzyzewski should be fired after a bad year?
Before you freak out, I am just saying look the scenario.
They are both Hall of Fame coaches like Pitino. Both of those teams are use to success, and I would imagine a Final Four is always their goal as well.
We have been to 2 Elite 8’s and 1 Final 4 since 2005.
Syracuse has never been to an Elite 8 since then, and lost in the first round twice.
Before Dukes Championship run, the 5 years previous they never made it to an Elite 8 once, and had one first round loss.
I ask; if those two schools had a year where they outcoached their talent in a year where they were going to rebuild, and got a 4 seed with a first round upset, and were 14-5 the following year on a downslide, but still going to be just outside the top 25; would and should, their two fan bases call or called for their jobs?
I'll give creedance to that sentiment, but even relative to what they're doing we've fallen pretty far
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
How long does a Final Four and 2 Elite 8's in 4 years get you?
You would think it would get a Hall of Fame coach at least a few years without people calling for his job.
your exactly right and I hate to say it, but UofL fans are so fairweather it sickening. What happened to standing behind the kids and the program through thick and thin? At the Notre Dame game I saw several people leaving the game at the end of regulation and even more people leaving at the end of the first OT. So much for strong fan support. If your gonna leave a tie conference game before the overtime starts so you can “beat traffic” or whatever, then give your tickets to someone who will stay till the end and root our boys on.
It could be viewed as more than one bad year if you look at the last two one and done NCAAs
Both times as pretty good favorites. And the last one was Morehead. Seems like a downward trend.
Both of these coaches have national titles in the past decade. That changes the whole argument.
by James Sutherland on Jan 18, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
How long does a Final Four and 2 Elite 8's in 4 years get you?
You would think it would get a Hall of Fame Coach at least a few years without people calling for his job.
I'm not calling for his job. I'm showing you that your comparison isn't even.
Those two coaches built their HOF career at those schools. Rick’s accomplishments outside of the FF and 2 EE’s were not here. So it’s not really relevant what he’s done in his career if it wasn’t here.
by James Sutherland on Jan 18, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Because you're saying a "HOF Coach". Rick is a Hall of Fame coach because he has a National Title and 5 Final Fours.
Only 1 of those Final Fours was here. So, does Rick get a pass for being a HOF coach? No. He didn’t build a HOF career here.
by James Sutherland on Jan 18, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
I've gotten so caught up in your ad hominem argument that I'm arguing for a stance I don't advocate.
I don’t think Rick should be fired, but I don’t think the comparison to coach K or Boeheim makes sense at all. That is why I commented in the first place. Those are two guys that have Championships at their schools. That changes everything. If we had won it all in the past decade Rick would have a lot of passes.
He is a Hall of Fame coach but his 80% of his best accomplishments weren’t for our program. We owe him some patience, but to say we owe him unquestioned passes for disappointing results is not true. I like Rick. No matter what happens with him, he will always be one of my favorite coaches. He’s an alluring figure and he has a great outlook of being successful in life and business. I have read both of his books, I enjoy hearing him speak, I like watching him on the sideline. Even his arrogance is intriguing when we are doing well. But more than anything I like about Rick Pitino, I love Louisville, and at the end of the day that’s who fans have to look out for.
We are a top 10 all time program. I don’t care how entitled some of you think we shouldn’t feel, at the end of the day we have top 3 attendance year in and year out, #1 in revenue most years, the best arena in basketball, the greatest facilities in conference sports, locally based fortune 500 companies that don’t mind writing us checks, and one of the most passionate fan bases in America. We deserve to expect Championships and Final Fours on better than a decade by decade basis, and that’s what a lot of us are going to do.
I want nothing more than for Rick Pitino to cut down the nets in his time at Louisville, whether it be another regional final, or the title game. However, if we continue moving in the opposite direction from those achievements, No we don’t owe Rick anything.
by James Sutherland on Jan 18, 2012 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I do understand
And I agree, that if a downslide continues then there is every reason to be considering a change. And I love UL too, after a loss I refuse to watch college sports for at least a day so I don’t have to see any replays. And I agree with you about Coach K, I would put those guys ahead of Rick on what they accomplished. I just think it is extreme to be calling for his job at this point in time, at least by some people.
With a top 10 recruiting class in that year, but marred by injuries.
And a top 15 player who because of injuries has yet to see the floor.
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this yet
But sites like scout and rivals update school lists like once a year. Sure they’ll update it when someone commits but as far as schools of interest, they’re always way behind. I know UofL’s staff has been recruiting Jabari Parker big time and he’s mentioned Louisville as a school of interest but last I checked none of these sites list UofL in his list of schools.
I bleed red and black. I poop blue.
by neecebravo on Jan 18, 2012 1:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Seriously tho
If you really pay attention you really dont see too many big east teams that high period. considering the strength of the competition, I always wondered why some high level recruits like for example Kevin Durant, would join a Big 12 team, and not showcase his talents in a dominant basketball league. At the end of the day why do all these kids go to kentucky? Not just the quickest path to the nba, but also the easiest,.honestly its starting to look like even if you did come to louisville and get drafted, your probably gonna be hurt when you get there.
OK so if we are saying having 4 star and 5 star recruits are guys who come in and contribute as freshmen...
Then the last 4 classes Coach P has recruited:
Samardo- 5 star
Blackshear- 5 star
Chane- 5 star
J. Tyler – 5 star (left high school to play overseas)
K. Ware- 4 star
Price- 4 star
J coleman- 4 star (failed to qualify)
Dieng- 4 star
Buckles- 4 star
Siva- 4 star
So on the current roster we have 7 guys who are rated 4 star or higher. that would be half of the roster if we only carried 13 guys but we have 18, and the other guys like VT, Swop, Marra, and Kuric were all rated as three stars meaning they shouldn’t have been steady contributors till their junior/senior years either.
Its obvious that recruiting isn’t the problem, because this is the most talent we have assembled on one team in a while, this post should be questioning the development of a certain key player this season (siva), who has gotten worse as this season went along. Bahamas Siva seems like such a long time ago.
by Criss-Cross Card on Jan 18, 2012 1:41 PM EST reply actions
Neither,... they're just not, Samardo Exception, top10-20 elite "program changers/ scorers"
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Even Chane and Wayne. Although, I don't know how Wayne wasn't ranked that high. He was the POY in Chicago over Anthony Davis who everyone thought was the unanimous #1.
I honestly thought Wayne was gonna be that guy this year in so many ways.
I thought he was gonna be the guy who came in right away and scored/ got talked about as “NBA ready” as a freshman at Louisville.
I thought he was gonna be the guy who started changing those negative perceptions, he was gonna be the guy that Rick and his assistants could point to and say… “Look at WB, he’s getting tons of minutes/ exposure as a freshman,.. that could be you next year!!”
But, it just wasn’t meant to be and while I feel bad for him, and our team,…. I just can’t keep excusing away failure
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Twitter rumor going around says Kevin Ware injured his knee in practice today
As I read the rumors I broke into a wildly maniacal laugh. This season is testing my sanity.
by Criss-Cross Card on Jan 18, 2012 1:56 PM EST reply actions
All over Twitter right now,.... Kevin Ware has injured his miniscus,..... in
PRACTICE!!
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 1:58 PM EST reply actions
You simply can't make this shit up.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
No, and why would you?
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
for the love of all that's good and righteous
what the hell is going on!
This is what I imagine Rick will look like the next time he's asked an injury question
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
I'm on the fence regardling pitino but recruiting is not one of the reasons why
Recuriting is a dirty area. We will never recruit like UCONN, UK, Baylor, OSU, or Memphis, and THAT IS A GOOD THING. I like my program not on probation. I like my program not being a constant beacon for scrutiny. Unless we start offering dollah bills y’all there are schools we’re not going to out recruit, even when the kid loves us and wants to come here. However, if you scrape them off the list, what you’re left with for the most part are established schools with long term coaches and long term success. We should be able to compete with them, and in all honsty, outside of Duke and UNC, i think we do. People rag on siva (hell i rag on siva) right now, but he’s still hurt, and here lately i think he’s gotten better each game. He was also a 4 star. No one knows if blackshear is worth a damn. Marra looked much improved on both ends of the floor before he got hurt. Dieng is awesome, and SVT should be a nice complement to him. Next year I hope Price is all he can be, he’s definitly the right size and that’s something you can’t teach. Buckles is the exact same as tello, they looked great before their initial injuries, and now I hate to say it, but you can more or less write him off. Chane’s a beast who needs to learn his way around the basket, but again has things you just can’t teach.
I think Pitino is at his best when he has three and four year players that are a notch below these coveted one and doner’s. Our 2005 team had no one and doners, and they are my favorite (pitino) team by far. Ellis myles was our center for F’s sakes! Compare that to the ‘09-’10 team, with two future lottery picks, another lottery pick in his own mind, and a whole lot of prima donna-ing (word) going on.
I’ve written off this team, but i don’t know why. Half the guys are down and we still played okay at MU. I do think our best team right now is siva, russ, chris, gourgi and chane. The pick and roll works about a million times better with russ running it, and if siva is the open guy on the perimeter you still get people chasing and it gives him the chance to drive again. The problem now, as it’s been for the past few weeks, is that there is absolutly nothing left on the bench. I really do believe this team would be completely different with Wayne, VanTran, and Marra, but maybe I’m just trying to be optomistic.
Not getting the absolute best players is not a "good thing". You're out of your mind.
Unless we start offering dollah bills y’all there are schools we’re not going to out recruit,
Not to start a flame war, but I suppose you think Edgar Sosa and T-Will bought that Mercedes and tricked out Charger with their high school savings?
Let’s not be naive.
by James Sutherland on Jan 18, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Well you're not the first to say that, although this is the least compelling argument
You’re right about cars and things like that, but if you think Comparatively speaking UK, OSU, Baylor, and UCONN are as realatively dirty as everyone else, then I’m not the only naive one in this thread.
My point simply was the “best” players are not the be all and end all of having a good team. Pitino’s best team here had one, one player that made an NBA roster. That’s not an opinion or conjecture, that’s fact. I’m perfectly happy with this last class pitino brought in. I like chane as a freshman, i think he’s just as productive and talented as garcia was (not th same position, but still same idea). I love Gourgi too, and I think he’s still testament to how pitino can bring along people if they have the right attitude, and more importantly, don’t hit a serious injury during their development. Nunez and Price both have the size, I think by their junior year they’re going to be real players. So bottom line, I think if we continue to get players like this last class, we’re going to be solid for years to come,
In fact, if we weren’t so beat to hell this year, i seriously doubt this thread even starts. But that’s probably just me being out of my mind.
There is nothin wrong with "Louisville" recruiting
Jus Louisville men’s basketball recruiting. Charlie Strong and Jeff Waltz are doin jus fine!!
by Reppinthaville21 on Jan 18, 2012 2:06 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I don't care what anyone says
It is literally impossible for this many injuries to occur purely by chance. I have no idea what it could possibly be, but there is something/somethings that MUST be contributing to the way these athletes are going down.
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 2:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
IT'S THE SHOES MONEY!!!!!!!!
Hey Listen, I know some will think I’m crazy for this one but real talk…. We need to move AWAY FROM ADIDAS and get on the #TeamNike train. Shoe alliances run deeper than you might think. These kids grow up playing in a certain shoe and just think about this. We all hooped growing up, did WE want to play for a school that wore Adidas? (I think not) Basketball is not as much about tradition as it is culture for many of these kids. (They don’t remember the doctors of dunk, Never nervous, or even Dejuan Wheat) Along with that, the fact that CRP can’t walk in and tell kids about how many players from the ville are high first rounders due to his help is also hurting us. CRP has a history of being a great coach that got kids to the pro’s, he just can’t say he’s done that well lately. I’m not saying….. I’m just sayin
by Cardinal faithful on Jan 18, 2012 2:14 PM EST reply actions
Yeah
Adidas is not the choice of these young kids. They grow up wanting AND getting every pair of Nike/Jordans
by Reppinthaville21 on Jan 18, 2012 2:36 PM EST via Android app reply actions
derek rose wears adidas'
he has a hurt toe right now….hmmmmm something to think about. but back on your subject i looked it up and there are a lot of well known schools and nba players that wear adidas. didn’t have enough time to look up the injury list on those teams or players.
Problem: we are not recruiting top level talent.
Wrong.
That is a symptom. Problem is who is recruiting them.
Programs like UK, Arizona, Baylor, (specifically Baylor) are proving that a coach is pretty much the only commodity important to a top flight player.
The purpose of marketing is to “see a need, fill a need”. To create value for your customer using a manipulation of variables within your control.
Rick needs to start creating value for these players, and not for himself. Winning gets you where you want to be, and high level talent wins.
by James Sutherland on Jan 18, 2012 2:42 PM EST via mobile reply actions
James,.... no homo, but I love you
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by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Jan 18, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Let's talk Cal
I think his “this is the greatest day in Kentucky basketball” comment when he had six guys drafted it rediculous and stupid. But that thinking is a big reason why he is getting the top 10 players. It’s the NBA that is important to these kids. Not an education, not the NCAA tournament. The bottom line is he is getting players to the NBA, he is selling that above all else and it is working.
Not sure
if a fellow UK fan is messing with me but he just told me that he heard Kevin Ware tore his miniscus in practice today. Can anybody confirm this? Has to be a joke…
Saw that... It's been updated that the injury is a bone bruise and he'll be back.
Not sure whether it’s true, but yeah.
by Get_In_My_BELLY_ on Jan 18, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
I haven't read all of the comments, but I'll chime in.
Maybe it isn’t that what we have isn’t selling, but rather what we have isn’t being made available to everyone (in this case the elite recruits). The “Louisville First” ideology, so I understand, is aimed to bring in guys who put the team’s goals before their own (i.e. NBA). This leads me to think Rick is looking past any player who has big-time potential to make the NBA jump after one year. Perhaps his recruiting now is based on four-year potential, meaning guys who aren’t quite ready to play pro ball yet.
Beside this point, there are several other factors that play in to the recruitment of teenagers. It may sound outrageous to some of the older generation, but athletic apparel sponsorship is a big deal. A huge number of young guys are really into the Nike and Jordan brand apparel, especially shoes. Who the hell collects Adidas? There is certainly nothing wrong with the Adidas brand, but it’s all about popularity.
Other points:
John Calipari + Location, location, location: If guys are going to come to the state of Kentucky to play basketball, they most likely want to play for UK and John Calipari. The school has the bigger reputation, more national exposure, and a coach that is far more popular among the younger generation than Coach Pitino. As far as location goes, it’s not easy to attract the highly touted recruits from their home and unfortunately, Kentucky doesn’t produce many of those.
Lack of recent success: Kids want to win and keep winning. We haven’t been out of the first round in three years. I ponder this often: We can’t win without the recruits and can’t recruit without the wins.
Freshmen haven’t exactly exceeded under Rick Pitino: When Pitino has gotten elite-level talent, it hasn’t flourished as hoped. Earl Clark, Derrick Caracter, Samardo Samuels, and even now with Behanan and Blackshear. These guys were highly touted coming into UofL, but either didn’t get the PT elite players demand nowadays or didn’t live up to the hype (Samuels was ranked #1). Blackshear hasn’t seen a minute of game time (even if it is due to injury), and Behanan has struggled. Upcoming recruits need to know they will be able to play big minutes and in big roles as soon as they arrive.
by Get_In_My_BELLY_ on Jan 18, 2012 3:12 PM EST reply actions
Top 15 by shoe company
Just looked up the top 15 and found only 2 schools that didn’t wear #teamNike……
by Cardinal faithful on Jan 18, 2012 3:13 PM EST reply actions
Why does a UK site have the most updated story/source of info?
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 3:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
On the Ware injury I mean
by LouisvilleSklardinalFAN02 on Jan 18, 2012 3:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I see 200+ comments and just assume they're all positively glowing reviews.
No need to read, right?
Great post, Carolina. Little absurd we don’t even make the LIST of those top guys.
by Justin Gingey Smith on Jan 18, 2012 3:51 PM EST reply actions
Recruiting soft?
I agree with Pitino that quotes from ex-players stating they are never healthy and they work all the time cannot help recruiting. Although Coach if you were winning it would not matter. When you consider the fact we’ve been drummed out in the first round the past two years and his players struggle at best in the NBA, why would a top recruit who has offers from everywhere come to Louisville? If Darrell Griffith had not been a home boy who knows where he would have gone. Unfortunately, he or Denny Crum of the seventies and eighties are not walking through that door. What does Rick have to entice top recruits? Long rigorous workouts with no rewards at season’s end. A college career riddled with injuries? Playing in Europe as most Ex-Cards do? A complex system that in no way translates to an NBA game? Let’s hope another Allan Houston who was born and raised and whose father was an assistant for years comes along, that’s some real loyalty…..oh wait……we lost him…Or maybe a player from Louisville who follows the team his whole life and actually sits on the bench and works out with the team…oh wait we lost Winston Bennett as well. Recruits have been stolen from Louisville since I can remember so don’t blame Calipari. The U of L program is first class, Rick Pitino’s contribution as of late is not. I have no solution to the problem of substandard performance of what we all thought was a good team, but then again I am not collecting $3 Million year to come up with them. I know when one considers Rick Pitino’s extra curricular activities in Italian bistro bathrooms along with his reputation among players as being a hard a.s.s., you have to ask are we spending our money wisely? He was a great coach. For a short time at Providence and UK he may have been the best. But then again, my wife’s 90 year old grandmother was once considered hot. I doubt she would win any bathing beauty contests today. One more thing. I hate people/posters who blame the fans. We are the only ones paying here. Rick, the scholarship players, the sportscasters, writers they all have what they have for free because of us. If I am unhappy with a meal at a restaurant , I let the server know. I pay for Cardinal basketball so I will do the same each and every time I am not satisfied with Chef Pitino.
This post is a little bit flawed, but the general point is correct.
At this point, the recruiting season is over for last year and will be beginning soon for next season. Lists are not updated often at this point. We are on quite a few five star’s lists, and at least two top 10s at this point.
Nerlens Noel
Aaron Gordon
Don’t forget that there’s only going to be about 12 or so five stars at this point. There will probably be about 25 by the time the finals are out. We’re in the running for five-star recruit Jakaar Sampson (he was a sure-fire five-star, until grades came up and the sites dropped him). Torian Graham is plausible. Derek Willis decides Friday. Jerrel Martin lists us as his favorite. RP will make a huge push for Malik Price-Martin and Solomon Poole.
Here’s a better list
- Nerlens Noel (unlikely) C
- Aaron Gordon (possible) PF
- Solomon Poole SG (very VERY real possiblity
- Malik Price-Martin PF (probable) FALLER
- Derek Willis PF (possible leaning towards unlikely) FALLER
- Kennedy Meeks C (unkown) RISER
- Anton Gill SG (COMMITTED)
- Greg McClinton SF (very possibe) RISER, GREAT FIT FOR SYSTEM
- Jerrel Martin (Likely- lists us as favorite)
Yeah, I think we’re okay.
Remember the Beef Bowl!
Thanks for the update and as I said earlier, this data came form Scout's website today.
As an avid Cardinal fan I certainly hope that we are doing better than this data suggests. And, thanks also for agreeing that the general point is still valid. Fans are talking about how our talent level may be down and I, for one wonder how Louisville First plays with the top tier athletes, especially compared to the Kentucky’s, North Carolina’s, Duke’s, Kansas’, Texas, UConn’s, Ohio State’s, etc.
by Carolina Cardinal on Jan 18, 2012 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
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