Rick Pitino is a perfectionist and a traditionalist. The moments of sentiment and joy were sweeping through the Georgia Dome, the high emotions were pouring out from the players, the confetti was falling from the ceiling and the fireworks display scared the heck out of Pitino. It couldn’t have ended more perfectly for Pitino and Louisville, the top-seeded team overall built on depth and talent.
By the end of the night, Peyton Siva jumped around like a 10-year-old kid, hugged his injured teammate Kevin Ware and smiled to the Louisville crowd. At the final horn, Luke Hancock, who was the star in the Final Four, unleashed his emotions with his teammates. He was seemingly an all-around player in the tournament, making nearly every big play down the stretch, to respectively become the first reserve to win Most Outstanding Player Award. Pitino’s players had climbed up a ladder to cut down the nets.
The last player to cut the nets was someone who gave his teammates inspiration and become America’s most sensational athlete after his horrific leg injury. Recovering from a surgically repaired right leg, Ware couldn’t stick to the usual ritual, and when it was finally his turn, the basket was lowered. Standing on his crutches, just as he anticipated, Ware cut the last piece of the net. The universal support from across the country inspired the Cardinals to get the job done, and certainly in the absence of Ware, Louisville survived and prevailed. With the net around his neck, he was smiling and embracing the moment, while moving around on a broken leg with crutches under his arms.
Amid a grand celebration, Pitino’s wife, Joanne, rushed onto the court and wrapped her arms around her husband as she fought back tears. The best week of his life ended on Monday night after L’ville’s 82-76 victory over Michigan in the NCAA national championship. The best week of his life ended when he lifted the trophy and celebrated an enjoyable moment with his players and family. It had been a long time since Pitino been to a place he hadn’t been to in 16 years, finally winning his second national title, the first coach to win national titles at two different schools — winning those trophies in a state in love with basketball.
It’s a game he’ll talk about for years to come, a moment he’ll never forget. He’ll remember the dramatic comebacks, as Pitino was fortunate to guide his most talented and toughest squad ever. It was Louisville that lived up to a moment far more remarkable than most schools, surviving a field of 68 teams and recapturing bragging rights in the Bluegrass State, proving to outweigh state rivals, Kentucky. Just a year ago, John Calipari won his first title as Wildcats head coach and cut down the nets. But it’s Louisville’s turn to win back the state of Kentucky, on the day that Pitino was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
This is Louisville’s third national title in school history. This is Pitino’s first title since the much-publicized and embarrassing one-night stand he had with his mistress that turned out to be extortion. That’s why Pitino’s marriage nearly broke up five years ago when he confessed to having an extramarital affair with another woman. The media joked about him having sex at a table in a restaurant, and more than ever, the public was stunned by the allegations. Suddenly, folks had lost respect for him and felt he was immoral, and yet, his wife stood by him through the hardships.
By now Pitino, a married father of five and a devout Roman Catholic, is slowly regaining respect among citizens and a community. He’s now 60, and as the older he’s gotten, he’s learned to cast aside his sizable ego and finally shows signs of humility and willingness to become a better person and teacher of the game. It’s been a tough road, indeed, and Pitino’s life has been a roller-coaster ride. He’s won a national title in 1996 in Kentucky, but then hell broke loose when he left the University of Kentucky for an NBA coaching opportunity and spent a woeful three seasons in Boston with the Celtics. When he came back to the college level, becoming Louisville’s head coach, he took the Cardinals to a Final Four, before he was the subject of a sex scandal in the Karen Sypher case. The story was so grisly and sick, that he was embarrassed as she claimed rape and tried to extort him.
This latest championship wasn’t just about Pitino, but he was one of the reasons the Cardinals thrived to greatness. The chemistry that the Louisville men’s basketball team shared was special, and it created a growing bond that was unparalleled. These players are firm believers of brotherhood and absorbed the sense of goodwill and kinship. Brothers unite. Brothers compete. Brothers inspire. Brothers overcome struggles. Brothers are winners. It’s a team of brotherhood, and essentially these brothers had each other’s backs. This team developed trust and rode on Pitino’s confidence to complete an incredible journey that might have been one of the greatest runs for a team in tournament history.
Down by 12, with just under 4 minutes left in the first half, Hancock, an unlikely hero in the Final Four and title game, hit two free throws. The Cardinals spent much of the first half trailing — but ultimately when there’s a player making clutch plays down the stretch — it doesn’t seem far-fetched for Louisville to rally late from a double-digit deficit. This was when Hancock spotted up for a 3-pointer and made every shot, making four in a row that changed everything for Louisville.
Hancock’s hot shooting erased Michigan’s 12-point first half lead after freshman Spike Albrecht couldn’t miss from beyond the arc and scored 17 points. He scored 22 points, 14 of them coming in 2 minutes of the first half. The Cardinals 16-4 run turned a 12-point deficit into a one-point lead. As the Wolverines jumped out to a fast start with a dazzling performance from the unlikely freshman, Albrecht, they weren’t running away from Louisville. Playing with a heavy heart, Hancock’s father, Bill, is staidly ill, and while dealing with a personal issue, he was Louisville’s best scorer. His dad was watching from the front row behind the Louisville bench, the only game he’s been able to appear at and support his son.
It was hard to imagine that Siva wouldn’t bounce back from a poor 1-for-9 shooting in the semifinal game against Wichita State and not have an all-round performance in the national title game. This was the night that Siva finished 18 points, five assists and four steals, in what was the final game of his career. This was the night that Chane Behanan had a monster performance after promising his teammates and Pitino he would play his best game. Along with Hancock, he was big for Louisville in the second half and registered a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds and 11 rebounds.
But above all else, it was a total team effort and everybody had a part in Louisville’s greatest run. This was the greatest moment, the One Shining Moment for Ware and Pitino especially.
Showing posts with label Louisville Cardinals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Louisville Cardinals. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Rick Pitino On the Verge of Historic Feat Because of Humility
If you’re 40 or older and were watching college hoops in the 80s era, you know Rick Pitino coached point guard Billy Donovan and took Providence to the Final Four. If you’re in your late 20s, you know Coach Pitino, who’s impetuous and impertinent, led Kentucky to the national title in 1996. If you are growing up today, hooked on college basketball and the Cardinals, well, then you know that he’s taken Louisville to three Final Fours.
For 28 years of coaching at the college level, a well-dressed, charismatic Pitino, one of the most brilliant minds in coaching, is primed to become the first coach to win NCAA titles with two different schools. He’s been a mentor, a guiding teacher, a motivational speaker. He has elevated his program back to the No. 1 seed overall with his coaching methods by opting to run full-court press, forcing those who’d play against the Cardinals to turn the ball over, which usually turns into points by getting out in transition and running the floor well. It’s debatable whether he’s the son of college basketball — more complete and more polished than most coaches.
He’s a New Yorker, wearing his custom suits and walking the sidelines smoothly, with a professional hair transplant. Even now, at age 60, he’s cementing a legacy and will most likely reach the 900-win club, especially when he’s committed to strong defense, continues to replenish a roster of elite talent and condition his players, teaching them the basics and fundamentals of basketball. He always says the right things, always has been an extremely hard worker. As of today, he still has the winning touch, his unflagging work ethic and his sophisticated speaking skills.
And now that he’s back in the national title game, this time guiding Louisville, he has an entire basketball-crazed state salivating for a championship. It’s still amazing to think how far he’s come with help from those talented players he’s coached and sent off to the pros. The team he coaches now, the ones who will play Michigan in the NCAA national title game on Monday night, is far more talented and deeper than most squads he’s ever directed. It would be irresponsible, or cruel, or just absurd to not realize that he’s piled up lifelong accomplishments.
This is where he can enjoy life, embracing the best week. He’s more than just a basketball coach, he’s a father to his 30-year-old son, Richard, who was hired at Minnesota after just one year and 18 victories at Florida International University. And Pitino’s horse, Goldencents, won the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby and earned a spot for the Kentucky Derby. The man who has rejuvenated a much-publicized basketball program clearly is one of the best college coaches all time, representing Louisville and has done it with heady leadership, honesty, good recruiting and intelligence.
The fact that he’s fortunate to have Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, who are arguably the nation’s best backcourt, gives Pitino the best chance to win. But Pitino’s group, seeded No. 1 overall, has already seen Luke Hancock and Tim Henderson, the unlikely heroes off the bench, making clutch shots and emerging into stars. It’s true what they say about Pitino. He knows how to win and reach the Final Four, no matter who he’s coaching or who he’s breeding. And his kids, as usual, are students of the game who eventually turns into studs.
Down 12 in the second half to a pesky Wichita State on Saturday, without the injured Kevin Ware, Pitino’s confidence uplifted his player’s assurance to spark one of the greatest comebacks. Although Pitino’s signature full-court press decided the outcome for the Cardinals, Hancock and Henderson kept their hopes alive for a national title. It’s a journey back to a place he hasn’t been in 16 years, finally returning to college basketball’s biggest stage to bring back the national spotlight. Where he made his mistake was when he ditched college for the pros.
Had Pitino not coached in the NBA for six seasons, he could have been climbing the mountaintop as one of the greatest coaches alive and nearing 900 career victories. Pitino, in his own way, relinquished his humongous ego and erased the memories of his bleak tenure in Boston, where he was mediocre and humiliated, luring him back to the college level. But now, he’s a man of great humility, and he’s changing as a person following an extortion case that nearly ruined his marriage and family.
Pitino, meanwhile, believed in his team and saw winners in his players. No wonder athletic director Tom Jurich stood by his side, giving him a second chance, although Pitino was scrutinized and belittled. And amazingly, he pulled through and salvaged his coaching job at the University of Louisville, where he’s the god of the community and campus.
The road ends here. And Pitino can end it historically.
For 28 years of coaching at the college level, a well-dressed, charismatic Pitino, one of the most brilliant minds in coaching, is primed to become the first coach to win NCAA titles with two different schools. He’s been a mentor, a guiding teacher, a motivational speaker. He has elevated his program back to the No. 1 seed overall with his coaching methods by opting to run full-court press, forcing those who’d play against the Cardinals to turn the ball over, which usually turns into points by getting out in transition and running the floor well. It’s debatable whether he’s the son of college basketball — more complete and more polished than most coaches.
He’s a New Yorker, wearing his custom suits and walking the sidelines smoothly, with a professional hair transplant. Even now, at age 60, he’s cementing a legacy and will most likely reach the 900-win club, especially when he’s committed to strong defense, continues to replenish a roster of elite talent and condition his players, teaching them the basics and fundamentals of basketball. He always says the right things, always has been an extremely hard worker. As of today, he still has the winning touch, his unflagging work ethic and his sophisticated speaking skills.
And now that he’s back in the national title game, this time guiding Louisville, he has an entire basketball-crazed state salivating for a championship. It’s still amazing to think how far he’s come with help from those talented players he’s coached and sent off to the pros. The team he coaches now, the ones who will play Michigan in the NCAA national title game on Monday night, is far more talented and deeper than most squads he’s ever directed. It would be irresponsible, or cruel, or just absurd to not realize that he’s piled up lifelong accomplishments.
This is where he can enjoy life, embracing the best week. He’s more than just a basketball coach, he’s a father to his 30-year-old son, Richard, who was hired at Minnesota after just one year and 18 victories at Florida International University. And Pitino’s horse, Goldencents, won the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby and earned a spot for the Kentucky Derby. The man who has rejuvenated a much-publicized basketball program clearly is one of the best college coaches all time, representing Louisville and has done it with heady leadership, honesty, good recruiting and intelligence.
The fact that he’s fortunate to have Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, who are arguably the nation’s best backcourt, gives Pitino the best chance to win. But Pitino’s group, seeded No. 1 overall, has already seen Luke Hancock and Tim Henderson, the unlikely heroes off the bench, making clutch shots and emerging into stars. It’s true what they say about Pitino. He knows how to win and reach the Final Four, no matter who he’s coaching or who he’s breeding. And his kids, as usual, are students of the game who eventually turns into studs.
Down 12 in the second half to a pesky Wichita State on Saturday, without the injured Kevin Ware, Pitino’s confidence uplifted his player’s assurance to spark one of the greatest comebacks. Although Pitino’s signature full-court press decided the outcome for the Cardinals, Hancock and Henderson kept their hopes alive for a national title. It’s a journey back to a place he hasn’t been in 16 years, finally returning to college basketball’s biggest stage to bring back the national spotlight. Where he made his mistake was when he ditched college for the pros.
Had Pitino not coached in the NBA for six seasons, he could have been climbing the mountaintop as one of the greatest coaches alive and nearing 900 career victories. Pitino, in his own way, relinquished his humongous ego and erased the memories of his bleak tenure in Boston, where he was mediocre and humiliated, luring him back to the college level. But now, he’s a man of great humility, and he’s changing as a person following an extortion case that nearly ruined his marriage and family.
Pitino, meanwhile, believed in his team and saw winners in his players. No wonder athletic director Tom Jurich stood by his side, giving him a second chance, although Pitino was scrutinized and belittled. And amazingly, he pulled through and salvaged his coaching job at the University of Louisville, where he’s the god of the community and campus.
The road ends here. And Pitino can end it historically.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Final Four: There’s No Denying It, You Can’t Stop Louisville
He was everywhere. He was shooting the ball effectively. He is a guy shooting well over 50 percent. Russ Smith looked up at the scoreboard, watched the clock expired and heard the buzzer sound. He was relieved to know it was finally over, he started crying and teammates hugged him, but no one appreciated him more than his coach, Rick Pitino, who kindly exchanged words and laughed with his fast and talented guard on the court.
There’s no better transition guard in the country, the top-scoring player relentlessly defending the perimeter, the speedy runner who exploits lateral quickness and displays ferocity as he’s omnipresent and turns the game into a track meet. With Smith outmuscling and outworking opponents in basketball, committed to playing at a fast tempo and managing to get into the lane and score at will, Louisville beat a pesky Wichita State 72-68 to reach the title game for the first time since 1986. The highest point for Smith, a skilled guard who’s as loved as horses in Kentucky, an endearing athlete for a Louisville squad one win away from the third national title in school history, came into view when his stardom began to rise and when he reached the acme of his incredible career with the gift and enthusiasm to translate well to the NBA.
There’s a reason he’s leading all scorers in the NCAA tournament and he has earned an excellent reputation, even a nickname “Russdiculous,” which was given to him by Pitino. This was to have been the beginning of another jubilee, the first national title trip since Denny Crum guided Louisville to two national championships in the 80s. The Cardinals were down by as many as 12 points with 13 minutes to play in the Final Four when walk-on Tim Henderson hit a corner 3-pointer off a pass from Luke Hancock, then Henderson drained another 3-pointer from the same corner, finding his sweet spot and becoming an unsung hero.
This hot shooter couldn’t be stopped and barely was contained, finishing the night with six points in just 42 seconds, a spectacular effort from a guy who had to write letters to Pitino, begging him for an opportunity and finally was welcomed to join the basketball program. It was a scenario similar to when Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the former walk-on at Notre Dame, featured on the big scenes and became an inspiration, just as we are seeing the emergence of a backup guard, rallying one of the greatest comebacks in Final Four history.
This was a motion picture in the making. This was a cinematic Final Four.
The college basketball world told a story about Ware for much of the week, the injured guard who vastly was a primary topic and an inspirational tale. But, as it turns out, Henderson, and respectively so, is the one player everyone is talking about. He performed incredibly and confidently stepped up and played well. It was a great night for Smith, as well, and he finally altered his game to play more efficiently and consistently. A long time ago, he was awful, he attempted ill-advised shots, and he was selfish and unintelligent. A long time ago, he would turn over the ball and miss free throws. But now, he’s more disciplined, he secures the ball as if he’s holding an infant tightly and, well, he’s careening and spinning into the lane.
The swishing of the nets was loud, the cheering of the fans was deafening on a night when Luke Hancock was the star and on a night when Smith, an emerging star who is averaging 26.0 points during an outstanding NCAA tournament, scored 21 points, handed out three assists and snatched two steals. The most awesome part of Louisville’s late surge was Hancock, who might have been virtually the storyline of the Final Four, making clutch plays in the second half and settling for 20 points.
A packed Georgia Dome with a multitude of Louisville fans screamed, as the Cardinals overcame the largest second-half deficit in a national semifinals in 12 years, the last we’ve seen a Final Four so compelling, so electrifying — for those who are in love with epic ballgames and comebacks. The Louisville crowd, louder than those red shirts, howled and cheered on the Cardinals, during which Henderson went on a shooting tear. As Wichita State, worn down and exhausted, was leading by 12, Henderson knocked down his first 3-pointer with 13 minutes left. Seconds later, he was firing another long-range shot to reduce the Shockers lead to six, still on fire with his clutch shots that overwhelmed Wichita State.
The Cardinals, however, kept their hopes alive, their promises and chances of winning a national title intact, while a dream suddenly came to an end for the Shockers. The boys from Wichita slowly worked the ball upcourt, fatigued and plagued by Louisville’s speed and up-tempo offense, which created fast-break points and allowed the Cardinals to beat Wichita State. The favorites are more foreseeable and scarier than ever, yet it still overwhelms the senses that Kevin Ware is not available to play because of a broken leg and that Louisville, the No. 1 overall seed, bounced back, overcame adversity and fought hard against the underdogs, Wichita State.
The Cardinals, clearly the deepest squad in the country guided by Pitino, the only coach to have taken three different schools to the Final Four, are inspired, motivated and on a mission. They may have lost one of their men and may have experienced one of the most horrific injuries in sports, but Ware’s words have inspired and uplifted the team’s spirit to compete hard and strong, to raise the trophy and cut down the nets by the time it’s all over.
Plus, Smith, the 6-foot-1 specimen, is undeniably the x-factor to Louisville’s unstoppable, high-octane offense, having amazingly one of those games. It should be noted, now that he’s a third-team All-American for the No. 1 team in the country, that he’s the frontrunner for the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. In this game alone, he was 6 of 17 shooting. It turns out he was clumsy and careless with the ball, having four turnovers in the first half, five total. And he was terrible from the foul line, going 5 for 12. He’s quick with the ball and has the ability to finish in traffic as a skilled penetrator and defensive specialist.
The praise belongs to Henderson, just as much as Smith merits recognition for setting the tone early, despite that Wichita State jumped out to a fast start and could have pulled off the improbable even. Late in the game Hancock and Chane Behanan, who scored eight points, both led the way for the Cardinals. And as much as fans love Peyton Siva, the nation’s most complete point guard, he only shot 1 for 9 from the field, having one of those off nights that every player is entitled to have once in a while. There was not much scoring from Gorgui Dieng or Wayne Blackshear, if at all, but the good thing is that Smith, Behanan, Hancock and Henderson especially had those players’ backs, regardless of how poorly the starters were playing.
It’s good to know Ware had confidence that Henderson could prevail and prove his worth on college basketball’s big stage, and amazingly, he knew Henderson had it in him, finishing 4 for 17 from the 3-point line. Together, as the deepest and most well-coached team in the country, they won a pivotal game. And when Henderson was called to play, taking the place of his injured teammate, he was certainly ready and succeeded in his role. It took a couple of unexpected shots Saturday night to make a name for himself.
It wouldn’t be nice to spoil Smith’s night and realize that he was huge in the semifinals, a major part why the Cardinals will be playing for a national title. If different guys can show up each night, it just goes to show you that this team will likely be crowned winners by Monday night.
There’s no better transition guard in the country, the top-scoring player relentlessly defending the perimeter, the speedy runner who exploits lateral quickness and displays ferocity as he’s omnipresent and turns the game into a track meet. With Smith outmuscling and outworking opponents in basketball, committed to playing at a fast tempo and managing to get into the lane and score at will, Louisville beat a pesky Wichita State 72-68 to reach the title game for the first time since 1986. The highest point for Smith, a skilled guard who’s as loved as horses in Kentucky, an endearing athlete for a Louisville squad one win away from the third national title in school history, came into view when his stardom began to rise and when he reached the acme of his incredible career with the gift and enthusiasm to translate well to the NBA.
There’s a reason he’s leading all scorers in the NCAA tournament and he has earned an excellent reputation, even a nickname “Russdiculous,” which was given to him by Pitino. This was to have been the beginning of another jubilee, the first national title trip since Denny Crum guided Louisville to two national championships in the 80s. The Cardinals were down by as many as 12 points with 13 minutes to play in the Final Four when walk-on Tim Henderson hit a corner 3-pointer off a pass from Luke Hancock, then Henderson drained another 3-pointer from the same corner, finding his sweet spot and becoming an unsung hero.
This hot shooter couldn’t be stopped and barely was contained, finishing the night with six points in just 42 seconds, a spectacular effort from a guy who had to write letters to Pitino, begging him for an opportunity and finally was welcomed to join the basketball program. It was a scenario similar to when Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the former walk-on at Notre Dame, featured on the big scenes and became an inspiration, just as we are seeing the emergence of a backup guard, rallying one of the greatest comebacks in Final Four history.
This was a motion picture in the making. This was a cinematic Final Four.
The college basketball world told a story about Ware for much of the week, the injured guard who vastly was a primary topic and an inspirational tale. But, as it turns out, Henderson, and respectively so, is the one player everyone is talking about. He performed incredibly and confidently stepped up and played well. It was a great night for Smith, as well, and he finally altered his game to play more efficiently and consistently. A long time ago, he was awful, he attempted ill-advised shots, and he was selfish and unintelligent. A long time ago, he would turn over the ball and miss free throws. But now, he’s more disciplined, he secures the ball as if he’s holding an infant tightly and, well, he’s careening and spinning into the lane.
The swishing of the nets was loud, the cheering of the fans was deafening on a night when Luke Hancock was the star and on a night when Smith, an emerging star who is averaging 26.0 points during an outstanding NCAA tournament, scored 21 points, handed out three assists and snatched two steals. The most awesome part of Louisville’s late surge was Hancock, who might have been virtually the storyline of the Final Four, making clutch plays in the second half and settling for 20 points.
A packed Georgia Dome with a multitude of Louisville fans screamed, as the Cardinals overcame the largest second-half deficit in a national semifinals in 12 years, the last we’ve seen a Final Four so compelling, so electrifying — for those who are in love with epic ballgames and comebacks. The Louisville crowd, louder than those red shirts, howled and cheered on the Cardinals, during which Henderson went on a shooting tear. As Wichita State, worn down and exhausted, was leading by 12, Henderson knocked down his first 3-pointer with 13 minutes left. Seconds later, he was firing another long-range shot to reduce the Shockers lead to six, still on fire with his clutch shots that overwhelmed Wichita State.
The Cardinals, however, kept their hopes alive, their promises and chances of winning a national title intact, while a dream suddenly came to an end for the Shockers. The boys from Wichita slowly worked the ball upcourt, fatigued and plagued by Louisville’s speed and up-tempo offense, which created fast-break points and allowed the Cardinals to beat Wichita State. The favorites are more foreseeable and scarier than ever, yet it still overwhelms the senses that Kevin Ware is not available to play because of a broken leg and that Louisville, the No. 1 overall seed, bounced back, overcame adversity and fought hard against the underdogs, Wichita State.
The Cardinals, clearly the deepest squad in the country guided by Pitino, the only coach to have taken three different schools to the Final Four, are inspired, motivated and on a mission. They may have lost one of their men and may have experienced one of the most horrific injuries in sports, but Ware’s words have inspired and uplifted the team’s spirit to compete hard and strong, to raise the trophy and cut down the nets by the time it’s all over.
Plus, Smith, the 6-foot-1 specimen, is undeniably the x-factor to Louisville’s unstoppable, high-octane offense, having amazingly one of those games. It should be noted, now that he’s a third-team All-American for the No. 1 team in the country, that he’s the frontrunner for the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. In this game alone, he was 6 of 17 shooting. It turns out he was clumsy and careless with the ball, having four turnovers in the first half, five total. And he was terrible from the foul line, going 5 for 12. He’s quick with the ball and has the ability to finish in traffic as a skilled penetrator and defensive specialist.
The praise belongs to Henderson, just as much as Smith merits recognition for setting the tone early, despite that Wichita State jumped out to a fast start and could have pulled off the improbable even. Late in the game Hancock and Chane Behanan, who scored eight points, both led the way for the Cardinals. And as much as fans love Peyton Siva, the nation’s most complete point guard, he only shot 1 for 9 from the field, having one of those off nights that every player is entitled to have once in a while. There was not much scoring from Gorgui Dieng or Wayne Blackshear, if at all, but the good thing is that Smith, Behanan, Hancock and Henderson especially had those players’ backs, regardless of how poorly the starters were playing.
It’s good to know Ware had confidence that Henderson could prevail and prove his worth on college basketball’s big stage, and amazingly, he knew Henderson had it in him, finishing 4 for 17 from the 3-point line. Together, as the deepest and most well-coached team in the country, they won a pivotal game. And when Henderson was called to play, taking the place of his injured teammate, he was certainly ready and succeeded in his role. It took a couple of unexpected shots Saturday night to make a name for himself.
It wouldn’t be nice to spoil Smith’s night and realize that he was huge in the semifinals, a major part why the Cardinals will be playing for a national title. If different guys can show up each night, it just goes to show you that this team will likely be crowned winners by Monday night.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Take My Advice: Pencil In Louisville, Gonzaga
March is the month when we fall in love with college hoops. It’s a birthright, in America, to fill out tournament brackets, and then witness the suspense, the excitement and thrills, the disappointments and underdogs of college basketball. Our infatuation with underdogs and the best tournament in all of sports captivates our heart and souls, grabbing the attention of all men and bringing offices together with conversations about the madness near the water cooler and the boxes of Dunkin Donuts on the back table.
The madness is upon us, and the irony of the game today is at a time when it is not as fun to watch with college hoops becoming a one-and-done system, the annual rite of spring still overwhelms employees in the office. All next week, no doubt, March Madness pools will generate attention and productive employees will stop what they are doing in the workplace. March will always be fun because of thrilling upsets, breathtaking finishes and the influence of brackets.
The real fun of March Madness, whether the program is an underdog or a favorite, is the interesting match ups and the drama. This year’s tourney, clearly, is intriguing, with solid match ups and refreshing storylines. This has been a crazy season of college basketball, and since college basketball is so unpredictable in March, here are the keys to filling out those NCAA Tournament brackets.
Top Contender In the Country: Louisville
By now, you should be sharping your pencils and choosing Louisville to prevail in a tough Midwest Region. There appears to be no one who can beat the Cardinals, a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, a 28-5 squad, a favorite to punch a ticket to Atlanta, Ga. and win an NCAA tournament. The Cardinals ended the season on a tear, with an astonishing turnaround after Notre Dame upset Louisville 104-101 in a five-overtime thriller back in February, winning 10 straight games and capturing the Big East title, the school’s second straight.
You never know about March Madness — Louisville will emerge as a Final Four team. It’s possible coach Rick Pitino’s team is the deepest that he’s had during his tenure at Louisville. Have you seen Louisville lately? If not, it’s the hottest team in the nation and senior Peyton Siva, an efficient point guard who had 11 points and eight assists to lead No. 1 Louisville to a 78-61 victory over No. 19 Syracuse on Saturday night, is the heart and soul of the Cardinals.
There’s absolutely no sense to discount the Cardinals from the Final Four or even call the team a disappointment, because this season is their time to cut down the nets and raise the trophy. So there’s a sense that the Cardinals, having defensive-minded center Gorgui Dieng who was recruited out of Senegal, are the team to beat and no team in their region stands a chance against them. It’s a team you would, well, respect in this tournament, when the Cardinals are well-coached and play fundamentally sound, when the Cardinals have the No. 1 defense and the No. 15 offense, run by Siva who speeds up the tempo and then there’s two-guard Russ Smith who presses and pushes in transition, accelerating and finishing at the rack.
Louisville, fast and experienced, thrives on turnovers and moves the ball along in transition for points. The road to Atlanta seems realistic for Louisville, but it won’t be easy. They will have their work cut out for them against eighth-seeded Colorado State or ninth-seeded Missouri, who are among the nation elites, and then later in the regional title game they can either meet No. 2 Duke or No. 3 Michigan State. The last time Pitino won a national title was in 1996 at Kentucky, and the Cardinals have the recipe for success.
It probably won’t even matter now, as Louisville has an elite defense, who they will play throughout the tournament. And now the Cardinals, forcing 59 turnovers in victories over Villanova, Notre Dame and Syracuse, have been penciled in, and as a result, the NCAA selection committee rewarded Louisville the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. The committee was right, no matter how many people disagree, no matter how many people think they will be a major disappointment. The committee made a good choice, whether you like it or not. It’s Louisville. And guess what? My bold prediction: Louisville advances to the Final Four and wins the 2013 national title. Yeah, and so what if I’m wrong?
What if I’m right?
Gonzaga Is No Easy Out
In the West Region, I like the Gonzaga Bulldogs. If you don’t have Zaga going to the Final Four, you don’t know college basketball. That’s the truth, and sometimes, the truth hurts. The chalk it is for No. 1 Gonzaga, who may play No. 2 Ohio State in the West Regional in Los Angeles. There are no secrets to the way Zaga has dominated all season to be rewarded a No. 1 seed, and longtime coach Mark Few has done an amazing job in turning the Bulldogs into a national brand. Will it happen this time?
It’s a much different team this year, and even the vibes are good for those who are Zag fans, cheering on and believing in the Bulldogs. Get past Ohio State, and we can move on and talk Final Four, such as 7-foot center Kelly Olynyk. The Bulldogs star is Olynyk, a versatile Canadian who can play forward and maybe even shooting guard, averaging 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. It’s a Gonzaga team that can beat anybody in its path. There’s no way — at least I don’t see it — that the Bulldogs will obliterate brackets with a stunning loss in the first round.
Keep your eyes on Louisville and Gonzaga.
They will have a date in the Final Four.
The madness is upon us, and the irony of the game today is at a time when it is not as fun to watch with college hoops becoming a one-and-done system, the annual rite of spring still overwhelms employees in the office. All next week, no doubt, March Madness pools will generate attention and productive employees will stop what they are doing in the workplace. March will always be fun because of thrilling upsets, breathtaking finishes and the influence of brackets.
The real fun of March Madness, whether the program is an underdog or a favorite, is the interesting match ups and the drama. This year’s tourney, clearly, is intriguing, with solid match ups and refreshing storylines. This has been a crazy season of college basketball, and since college basketball is so unpredictable in March, here are the keys to filling out those NCAA Tournament brackets.
Top Contender In the Country: Louisville
By now, you should be sharping your pencils and choosing Louisville to prevail in a tough Midwest Region. There appears to be no one who can beat the Cardinals, a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, a 28-5 squad, a favorite to punch a ticket to Atlanta, Ga. and win an NCAA tournament. The Cardinals ended the season on a tear, with an astonishing turnaround after Notre Dame upset Louisville 104-101 in a five-overtime thriller back in February, winning 10 straight games and capturing the Big East title, the school’s second straight.
You never know about March Madness — Louisville will emerge as a Final Four team. It’s possible coach Rick Pitino’s team is the deepest that he’s had during his tenure at Louisville. Have you seen Louisville lately? If not, it’s the hottest team in the nation and senior Peyton Siva, an efficient point guard who had 11 points and eight assists to lead No. 1 Louisville to a 78-61 victory over No. 19 Syracuse on Saturday night, is the heart and soul of the Cardinals.
There’s absolutely no sense to discount the Cardinals from the Final Four or even call the team a disappointment, because this season is their time to cut down the nets and raise the trophy. So there’s a sense that the Cardinals, having defensive-minded center Gorgui Dieng who was recruited out of Senegal, are the team to beat and no team in their region stands a chance against them. It’s a team you would, well, respect in this tournament, when the Cardinals are well-coached and play fundamentally sound, when the Cardinals have the No. 1 defense and the No. 15 offense, run by Siva who speeds up the tempo and then there’s two-guard Russ Smith who presses and pushes in transition, accelerating and finishing at the rack.
Louisville, fast and experienced, thrives on turnovers and moves the ball along in transition for points. The road to Atlanta seems realistic for Louisville, but it won’t be easy. They will have their work cut out for them against eighth-seeded Colorado State or ninth-seeded Missouri, who are among the nation elites, and then later in the regional title game they can either meet No. 2 Duke or No. 3 Michigan State. The last time Pitino won a national title was in 1996 at Kentucky, and the Cardinals have the recipe for success.
It probably won’t even matter now, as Louisville has an elite defense, who they will play throughout the tournament. And now the Cardinals, forcing 59 turnovers in victories over Villanova, Notre Dame and Syracuse, have been penciled in, and as a result, the NCAA selection committee rewarded Louisville the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. The committee was right, no matter how many people disagree, no matter how many people think they will be a major disappointment. The committee made a good choice, whether you like it or not. It’s Louisville. And guess what? My bold prediction: Louisville advances to the Final Four and wins the 2013 national title. Yeah, and so what if I’m wrong?
What if I’m right?
Gonzaga Is No Easy Out
In the West Region, I like the Gonzaga Bulldogs. If you don’t have Zaga going to the Final Four, you don’t know college basketball. That’s the truth, and sometimes, the truth hurts. The chalk it is for No. 1 Gonzaga, who may play No. 2 Ohio State in the West Regional in Los Angeles. There are no secrets to the way Zaga has dominated all season to be rewarded a No. 1 seed, and longtime coach Mark Few has done an amazing job in turning the Bulldogs into a national brand. Will it happen this time?
It’s a much different team this year, and even the vibes are good for those who are Zag fans, cheering on and believing in the Bulldogs. Get past Ohio State, and we can move on and talk Final Four, such as 7-foot center Kelly Olynyk. The Bulldogs star is Olynyk, a versatile Canadian who can play forward and maybe even shooting guard, averaging 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. It’s a Gonzaga team that can beat anybody in its path. There’s no way — at least I don’t see it — that the Bulldogs will obliterate brackets with a stunning loss in the first round.
Keep your eyes on Louisville and Gonzaga.
They will have a date in the Final Four.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Louisville Disheartened by Rick Pitino's Sex Infamy
As peculiar as the revelations sound, Rick Pitino is the one special coach you truly admire. With brilliant success over the years, he has spent time mentoring kids with his savvy coaching customs. His style in guiding young stars to the next level is what describes Pitino.
For years, he has being a teacher who defines all the virtuous meanings of basketball. But now, the Louisville fans are shocked at the latest scandal, which puts a dent in Louisville’s tradition and hurts its chances of adding elite talent.
Suddenly, a wise and successful coach watches dreadful accusations unfold.
We want to believe the accuser has a case of mistaken identity, we want to believe the man who wears a white disco suit, with hair groomed neatly walking the courtside yelling out plays isn’t the one wanted on charges
The entire state of Louisville basketball is in a downcast mood and emotionally disheartened by Pitino’s sexual fling, which has had jaws dropping faster than a horse races in the Kentucky Derby.
According to a report in the Louisville Courier-Journal, Pitino acknowledged that he had sex with a woman named Karen Cunagin Sypher, at a table inside an Italian restaurant in 2003.
Two weeks later, Sypher informed Pitino that she was pregnant and planned to have an abortion without having health insurance to cover it. But Pitino’s lawyers said he took care of, when he paid $3,000 to have her operation done.
That is sending poor examples to talented players, inspired of Pitino’s influence. That is staining long years of applause for building a winning tradition. You swear from the never-ending cheers, he’s the mayor in a town that adores its basketball.
It is very much so a town, where Pitino serves as the state ambassador, leading and creating a social landscape. What a disaster for such a likable man who won a national title at Kentucky in 1996, and taught many players the importance of life, not just the fundamentals of the game.
But it’s difficult to teach others when problems strike in your life. Right now, Pitino’s life isn’t perfect, but more stressful and devastating.
Once again, we are witnesses to coaches and players who we tend to admire deeply, but find themselves in tough dilemmas because of a foolish mistake.
Pitino was known as a respectful person who never would do such a thing. He's married, a father of five children, and a faithful Roman Catholic.
But none of those aspects mattered, going against his morals to disappear with another woman. It doesn’t just affect his future with Louisville, but the program’s future, too. They were on the rise to top the rankings last season, and were in for a battle with John Calipari, who is rejuvenating a winning ritual to answer demands at Kentucky next season.
Not sure if the program will nearly rank as high as Kentucky with the disturbing news spreading around the community as a scandal overweighs the Cardinals intentions next season.
Either it will force Pitino to step down, or it will encourage him to stay and attempt to restore normalcy and trust level among the people. Anyhow, most disgrace will be forgotten, and will allow Pitino to focus strictly on guiding the players.
But an affair has Pitino stuck sinfully, and sadly, knowing he has put the Cardinals in a befuddled mess, especially in recruiting large amounts of talent to upgrade national title hopes. Pitino needs belief and can definitely pray often about having coaching opportunities active next season.
Nonetheless, it starts with first-class recruiting and superior play from the Cardinals as a unit.
As he committed adultery, Pitino has unhinged a recruiting class, changing the minds of athletes who were committed in signing their names in ink to play under one of college basketball’s premier programs and coaches.
But with all the distractions and clutters that can refrain winning enough games to qualify for the tournament, as Sypher faces federal charges for lying to the FBI and trying to extort $10 million from Pitino. After surrendering to authorities, her trial may last until the college basketball season gets underway.
Headaches are enough to turn players in opposite directions. They’ll sign with programs that have less situations and positive examples. One mistake can turn players away, and can weaken obligations in which Louisville may pay for their blunders.
Before earning back recruits, now, Pitino will have to maintain self-consciousness and refine trust again to reestablish a Final Four team, even better a national championship team. It’s hard to reshape into an effective program when half of the talented recruits are declining to commit.
Twenty-five considerations are expected to play in Louisville, but most of them will likely become newcomers elsewhere if infamous charges continue to cloud a once admired tradition.
Now they’re caught in turmoil, as most talented recruits will decide upon Pitino’s decision to either resign or take a leave of absence. It will work in other programs' favor, enabling recruiters to speculate on values without Pitino in his tailor-made suits on the sidelines, crossing his arms, and giving advice on each possession.
What a tough loss that would be for the university and players who were willing to have a role in Louisville.
They have already lost the recruiting war with Big East rivals Syracuse. The Brazilian, big man, Fab Melo, committed to enhance a college career with the Orange, turning down the Cardinals, who he had targeted greatly.
In the wake of the shocking news, there’s a slight chance they might even grab Samardo Samuels.
Michael Chandler, a 6'10" junior in high school whose stamina and toughness inside make him the type of big man they’re targeting. But now, he might change his mind and choose to play elsewhere, not knowing the status of Pitino.
Even though Pitino is the integral piece in guiding and engaging prosperity, the recruits are more vital to save a unique and well-liked tradition before it no longer endears quality that is commendable.
You would’ve thought Pitino knew.
For years, he has being a teacher who defines all the virtuous meanings of basketball. But now, the Louisville fans are shocked at the latest scandal, which puts a dent in Louisville’s tradition and hurts its chances of adding elite talent.
Suddenly, a wise and successful coach watches dreadful accusations unfold.
We want to believe the accuser has a case of mistaken identity, we want to believe the man who wears a white disco suit, with hair groomed neatly walking the courtside yelling out plays isn’t the one wanted on charges
The entire state of Louisville basketball is in a downcast mood and emotionally disheartened by Pitino’s sexual fling, which has had jaws dropping faster than a horse races in the Kentucky Derby.
According to a report in the Louisville Courier-Journal, Pitino acknowledged that he had sex with a woman named Karen Cunagin Sypher, at a table inside an Italian restaurant in 2003.
Two weeks later, Sypher informed Pitino that she was pregnant and planned to have an abortion without having health insurance to cover it. But Pitino’s lawyers said he took care of, when he paid $3,000 to have her operation done.
That is sending poor examples to talented players, inspired of Pitino’s influence. That is staining long years of applause for building a winning tradition. You swear from the never-ending cheers, he’s the mayor in a town that adores its basketball.
It is very much so a town, where Pitino serves as the state ambassador, leading and creating a social landscape. What a disaster for such a likable man who won a national title at Kentucky in 1996, and taught many players the importance of life, not just the fundamentals of the game.
But it’s difficult to teach others when problems strike in your life. Right now, Pitino’s life isn’t perfect, but more stressful and devastating.
Once again, we are witnesses to coaches and players who we tend to admire deeply, but find themselves in tough dilemmas because of a foolish mistake.
Pitino was known as a respectful person who never would do such a thing. He's married, a father of five children, and a faithful Roman Catholic.
But none of those aspects mattered, going against his morals to disappear with another woman. It doesn’t just affect his future with Louisville, but the program’s future, too. They were on the rise to top the rankings last season, and were in for a battle with John Calipari, who is rejuvenating a winning ritual to answer demands at Kentucky next season.
Not sure if the program will nearly rank as high as Kentucky with the disturbing news spreading around the community as a scandal overweighs the Cardinals intentions next season.
Either it will force Pitino to step down, or it will encourage him to stay and attempt to restore normalcy and trust level among the people. Anyhow, most disgrace will be forgotten, and will allow Pitino to focus strictly on guiding the players.
But an affair has Pitino stuck sinfully, and sadly, knowing he has put the Cardinals in a befuddled mess, especially in recruiting large amounts of talent to upgrade national title hopes. Pitino needs belief and can definitely pray often about having coaching opportunities active next season.
Nonetheless, it starts with first-class recruiting and superior play from the Cardinals as a unit.
As he committed adultery, Pitino has unhinged a recruiting class, changing the minds of athletes who were committed in signing their names in ink to play under one of college basketball’s premier programs and coaches.
But with all the distractions and clutters that can refrain winning enough games to qualify for the tournament, as Sypher faces federal charges for lying to the FBI and trying to extort $10 million from Pitino. After surrendering to authorities, her trial may last until the college basketball season gets underway.
Headaches are enough to turn players in opposite directions. They’ll sign with programs that have less situations and positive examples. One mistake can turn players away, and can weaken obligations in which Louisville may pay for their blunders.
Before earning back recruits, now, Pitino will have to maintain self-consciousness and refine trust again to reestablish a Final Four team, even better a national championship team. It’s hard to reshape into an effective program when half of the talented recruits are declining to commit.
Twenty-five considerations are expected to play in Louisville, but most of them will likely become newcomers elsewhere if infamous charges continue to cloud a once admired tradition.
Now they’re caught in turmoil, as most talented recruits will decide upon Pitino’s decision to either resign or take a leave of absence. It will work in other programs' favor, enabling recruiters to speculate on values without Pitino in his tailor-made suits on the sidelines, crossing his arms, and giving advice on each possession.
What a tough loss that would be for the university and players who were willing to have a role in Louisville.
They have already lost the recruiting war with Big East rivals Syracuse. The Brazilian, big man, Fab Melo, committed to enhance a college career with the Orange, turning down the Cardinals, who he had targeted greatly.
In the wake of the shocking news, there’s a slight chance they might even grab Samardo Samuels.
Michael Chandler, a 6'10" junior in high school whose stamina and toughness inside make him the type of big man they’re targeting. But now, he might change his mind and choose to play elsewhere, not knowing the status of Pitino.
Even though Pitino is the integral piece in guiding and engaging prosperity, the recruits are more vital to save a unique and well-liked tradition before it no longer endears quality that is commendable.
You would’ve thought Pitino knew.
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