Montrezl Harrell Added As A Louisville Basketball Captain For 2013-14

Rick Pitino has made sophomore Montrezl Harrell one of Louisville's team captains for the upcoming season, joining the senior tandem of Russ Smith and Luke Hancock. U of L SID Kenny Klein announced the news on Twitter Monday afternoon.

Louisville players and coaches alike have raved about the improvements Harrell has made since last season, both in his game and as a leader.

"Montrezl Harrell has been flat-out awesome," Pitino said during his radio show last week. "Montrezl has made the most improvement of any one on the team over the offseason. He's really improved his jump shot and he has that same incredible motor every day in practice."

Pitino also praised Harrell for giving what he calls a "professional effort" every day in practice, one where he goes about his business in a mature fashion and serves as an example for the rest of the team. His increase in leadership has been a huge asset for a team looking to adjust to life without Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng.

As a freshman in 2013-14, Harrell averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, but showcased his vast potential when he went off for 20 points and seven rebounds against Syracuse in the Big East Tournament championship game. He is considered by most experts to be the top NBA prospect on the Cardinal roster.

To my knowledge, Harrell is the only sophomore to be named a captain during the Rick Pitino era at Louisville.