The Disappearing Act: Where was Kyle Kuric?

Kyle Kuric played 38 minutes against Kentucky. That would be hard to believe if you looked at the stats without looking at the minutes. His stat line consisted of just two points on 1 for 4 shooting, two rebounds, and one assist. Watching the game it appeared the senior’s performance just plain lacked effort. He disappeared for long stretches and I often forgot he was even on the floor. His name was seldom called by the announcers and he made little to no attempt to become involved in the offense, let alone make a play. Any given Louisville possession you could catch Kyle resting in his favorite corner. He watched his team struggle offensively and often seemed uninterested in the game.

Just as bad, if not worse than his offensive performance (or lack thereof) was his defensive performance and lack of rebounding. Kuric recorded just two rebounds in 38 minutes of play, while his matchup brought down 19 rebounds including 6 offensive boards. It wouldn’t be fair to say Kuric was to blame for all of the rebounds that were given up to Kidd-Gilchrist, but he definitely gave up more than his fair share. But not only did he get destroyed on the boards, he was also caught with his hands down on more than a few possessions on defense. Kidd-Gilchrist hit two big three pointers while Kyle slept on defense.

This is not an attempt to point fingers, but as a senior Kyle Kuric is expected to make big plays or at least attempt to make big plays in big games. Maybe three or four plays here or there from Kuric would have made a difference in the Cards 62-69 loss Saturday afternoon. The thing that bothers me and UofL fans like me the most is the lack of effort. Siva went 2-13 from the field, but at least it looked like he tried. Chris Smith had a disappointing shooting night going 1-10 from the floor…..But at least he tried. Kuric attempted only four shots in 38 minutes. Kentucky’s defense certainly played a part in that, but only four attempts is awful. He did not display the qualities of a leader when it counted. This game may not be very meaningful for the players since it’s on the non-conference schedule, but I would expect Kyle to understand how meaningful it is to the fans. He simply didn’t show up.

Better late than never for Kuric as Louisville outlasts Vanderbilt in OT Thriller

The 6^th ranked Cardinals faced their first ranked opponent of the season Friday night when the 20^th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores came to town. The atmosphere was that of a game in early March. Louisville was coming off a big win over Long Beach State in which they were finally able to get the offense rolling. However, it would be defense that dominated this game and helped the Cards come back from a nine point deficit late in the 2^nd half and win the contest in a 62-60 OT thriller.

Kyle Kuric was one of the heroes at the end of the day, but for the first 36 minutes or so it almost looked as if he would be one of the main factors if we were to lose the game. His field goal percentage wasn’t terrible, but he seemed to struggle most of the game and disappeared for long stretches. He had four turnovers at the half and continued to pile them up into the second. Then, with a little under three minutes remaining it appeared as if Kuric decided to turn it on. He hit a leaning mid-range shot to pull the Cards back within two. The very next play Chane Behanan used his deceptive quickness to get into a passing lane, get the steal, and flush the breakaway dunk to tie the game at 47 with 2:28 remaining.

With time expiring in regulation and the game tied, Louisville had one last opportunity to win the game. Siva penetrated the lane, drew the defense and passed to a cutting Behanan. Behanan pump faked, pump faked again, and then missed the game winning lay-up as time expired. This game would take extra time to decide the winner. Louisville was down by as much as six in the overtime period before they put together a small run.

Kyle’s biggest play came with one minute remaining in the overtime period and the Cards down by two. Pitino knows how deadly Kuric can be from “Kyle’s Corner.” Kuric shot a contested three pointer from his trusty corner and was able to get it to go down to give the Cards a one point lead.

Free throws were a big reason Vandy lost this game. They shot 14-24 from the line and missed a critical free throw in OT that could’ve given them the lead with less than a minute to go. They were however able to sink the second to tie the game. That is when Kuric struck again. He managed to sink an open 15-footer after losing the defender with a nasty pump fake. On the next possession Kuric was active on the defensive end of the floor, but was called for a blocking foul with only 12 seconds remaining. Vandy’s John Jenkins was able to make both free throws to tie the game.

Similar to the end of regulation, OT would come down to one last Cardinal possession. Siva would take his time bringing the ball up the floor. Dieng set a great pick at the top of the key to give Siva a little room to work with. Siva then crossed over at the free throw line and charged down the lane to make the game winning layup with 1.2 seconds remaining. The Yum! Center went crazy.

This was a huge win for the Cards. Especially when you consider that they are missing several players who will be critical to their success in March. Siva looked to be 100% for the first time this season and the Cards responded well to pressure. Behanan made several big plays down the stretch. I would really like to see more plays run for him. He seems to get most of his points from offensive rebounds, loose balls, etc. With this win Louisville has started consecutive seasons 7-0 for the first time in program history. The defense has been pretty good all season. When the offense gets going, and more players come back from injury, the future is very bright for the Cardinals.

Injury riddled Louisville team keeps winning; improving

We are only six games into the season and the Louisville basketball program has already had more than it's fair share of bumps and bruises. The list of players who have missed playing time due to injury is in Coach Pitino's words "ridiculous." A lot of the injuries have been what coach P called "freak accidents." Mike Marra tore his ACL on a wide open lay-up with no contact from any other player. Freshman G/F Wayne Blackshear has been battling eligibility issues and injury since what seems like the day he committed to the university. He tore his adductor in his shoulder during a workout with his father just one week after becoming eligible. Elisha Justice was hit in the face with a ball in practice Sunday and suffered a broken nose. Rakeem Buckles has been out since last season with a torn ACL. Peyton Siva has battled an ankle injury and although he is playing, it is obvious that he is not yet at 100%. Stephen Van Treese missed last night's game with a knee injury and is out indefinitely.

But despite the tough luck, Louisville has managed to start the season 6-0 and played very well against a veteran Long Beach State team, overcoming foul trouble to win 79-66 last night at the Yum! Center. A huge part of the teams success has been due to two players who this time last year were greatly unproven; Chris Smith and Russ Smith. With all the injuries at the point guard position Chris and Russ Smith have both been forced to move from the shooting guard position to play some point guard. "The best thing about all of the injuries is the development of Russ Smith. I probably wouldn't have played him as much if Wayne (Blackshear) was here" Coach Pitino said. Last year I was hearing rumors of Russ Smith possibly transferring. This year he has been a huge asset for the Cards. He scored 11 points in 27 minutes to go along with 3 assists and 2 steals. Chris Smith has been HUGE this year. He obviously spent the entire summer in the gym as his three-point shooting has been off the charts. He went 4 for 6 from beyond the arc last night and led all scorers with 18 points. To top off his amazing game, he added three assists, three steals, and no turnovers in 33 minutes of play.

Depth at the power forward and center positions has also been an issue. Although Jared Swopshire has played above expectations, and Gorgui Dieng and Chane Behanan have been stellar, Louisville has still been pretty thin in the front court. When Dieng or Behanan get in foul trouble or need a breather Coach P's options have been very few. This will soon change with the return of Rakeem Buckles. He returned to practice on Thanksgiving and has participated every day since. He will be back on the court before you know it, however Pitino will be cautious in not rushing him back too soon. "He will get a few minutes against IUPUI, a few more minutes against Farleigh Dickinson, and then we will let him play full out for the Memphis game."

The Cards have a couple of big tests coming up on their schedule. Friday they face 19th ranked Vanderbilt. At times in the second half Louisville was late rotating on defense and that didn't sit well with Coach P. "If we make the defensive lapses we made in the second half against Vanderbilt they will pick us apart." Vanderbilt is coming off an overtime loss last night to #11 Xavier.

It was good to see the offense finally show up last night. We will need it Friday night vs. Vanderbilt. The Cards are looking better as they become healthier and it should only continue as more players return to the lineup.

Don't Sleep On Bellarmine

First of all, I want to say I'm glad this is only an exhibition game. The 8th ranked Cardinals will face their first challenge of the season as they take on the defending Division II National champion Bellarmine Knights Thursday night at the KFC Yum! Center. Not only is this game going to be close, I wouldn't be very surprised if Bellarmine actually wins this game.

The injury riddled Cards were already missing more than a few players, and with injuries to Peyton Siva, Wayne Blackshear, and Mike Marra in the past week their depth and leadership will really be challenged Thursday night. Let's have a rundown of the players UofL will be missing for this game. Peyton Siva, Mike Marra, Stephen Van Treese, Wayne Blackshear, and Rakeem Buckles. That is three potential starters and two quality role players.

On top of all that Bellarmine is ranked #1 in Division II and are coming off an inspiring effort vs. the 6th ranked Duke Blue Devils. Although they did lose the game (87-62), they were down only five at the half and managed to shoot 50% from the field for the game. The Knights are led by All American guards Jeremy Kindle and Braydon Hobbs.

Bellarmine also has help from junior guard Chris Dowe. Dowe is the Knights former 6th man who has managed to work his way into the starting five this year. He gave many dazzling performances last year as the Knights fought their way through post season play, including a team high 16 point effort in the National Title game. Dowe is a Louisville area native and a product of Eastern High School. I spoke with him yesterday and he talked about his admiration for the Louisville basketball program. "Growing up I always thought it would be great to play for the hometown university," Dowe said. "Plus the majority of my family are UofL fans." I'm expecting a big game from him as he plays in front of a lot of family, friends, and former classmates.

*My prediction*

Louisville pulls this game out by less than 10 points. Missing more than a few pieces, the hobbled Cardinals will learn a lot about their key role players and will rely on the starters to put this game away.

Lady Cards rout Lindsey Wilson 118-41 in Exhibition

The score says it all. The 9th ranked Lady Cardinals were never challenged during their exhibition game Sunday afternoon against Lindsey Wilson. From the opening tip to the closing whistle the Cards dominated every aspect of the game. With six players in double figures everyone was involved in the offense.

Coach Jeff Walz was asked about the starting lineup after the game. "I just drew names out of a hat." If that isn't confidence in your team then I don't know what is. He did have good reason to be confident however. The Lady Cards outscored Lindsey Wilson 84-16 in the paint and outrebounded the Blue Raiders 53-19.

Freshmen Bria Smith and Jude Schimmel gave a glance of what is to come this season, both scoring 10 points. Schimmel went 4 for 4 from the field including 2 for 2 from beyond the arc. Redshirt sophomore Cierra Warren led all scorers with 18 points on 9 for 13 shooting.

Lindsey Wilson point guard Monny Niamke from France is actually a former UofL recruit. Coach Walz intends to have her transfer to Louisville after the season and join the Cards next year. She is an excellent ball handler and an above average defender. She finished the game with 15 points and 9 turnovers against an aggressive Louisville defense.

There isn't much to learn from watching an exhibition game versus a NAIA school, but if this is any indication of what is to come, be prepared for some high scoring contests by the Lady Cardinals.

Dieng Gives Us an Early Glimpse of Whats to Come

Gorgui Dieng gave us a glance of the future last night. He filled the stat sheet with 14 points (on 5 of 6 shooting from the field), 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Although it was against a lesser opponent (Pikeville isn't exactly Syracuse), the Cardinals showed some good signs. The most important stat Gorgui had was a blank column. Fouls. Dieng had no fouls in the 24 minutes he played. Coach Pitino seemed as if he expected that type of game from him.

"In one more year, the way our players improve because of the amount of work they put in, I expect Gorgui to be one of the premier centers in basketball.... He's going to be 255 pounds by next year. You see how much he's grown now at 232 pounds. It's going to be all muscle and he'll always be quick. He'll never be a slow person."

*My Opinion*

Seems like we've got a diamond in the rough. I predict Dieng has a breakout year this season, goes into next season with a lot of hype, and goes on to be a lottery pick after his junior season.

Gotta love this picture

Football Recruiting Update

Charlie Strong just keeps sticking it to UK...both on and off the field. He has claimed another victory in recruiting with the commitment of Glasgow High School tightend Hunter Bowles. At 6'6" 250 pounds, Bowles is considered one of the states top prospects. He is also Strong's 15th commitement for the class of 2012.

“When you make a decision like this you follow your heart, and from Day One my heart told me Louisville was the best place for me,”

Bowles told The Courier-Journal. “I just really felt like part of a family when I was at Louisville."

Bowles was also considering UK and Marshall.

Basketball Recruiting Update

Remember that guy Rodney Purvis? The amazing point guard from North Carolina that seemed too good to be true? It turned out it was too good to be true when Purvis decommited from UofL and reopened his recruiting about four months ago. It seems as if The Ville still has a chance (an outside chance) of landing Purvis. He is expected to announce his college decision this Friday and surprisingly Louisville is still in the mix. He has narrowed his choices down to four schools; N.C. State, UConn, Virginia Commonwealth, and Louisville. Lets keep our fingers crossed and pray to the "basketball gods" about this one.

Good News and Bad News

BAD NEWS

I guess I'll give you the bad news first. Quarterback Will Stein has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained September 17th against Kentucky and Coach Strong is unsure whether he'll be ready to go or not for this week's home game against Marshall. Stein did not practice at all last week and his current status is day-to-day.

GOOD NEWS

The good news is we have freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to take his place if he is needed. When Stein went down with his injury midway through the first half Bridgewater picked up the slack with an impressive performance. He passed for two touchdowns and led the Cards to a 24-17 victory.

Don't count Stein out just yet. His status is improving daily and he is anxious to get back on the field. Stein has passed for 615 yards, five touchdowns, and only one interception through three games.

Is Louisville's Dominique Brown the Next Michael Bush?

Many Card fans had flashbacks of Michael Bush last Saturday night when Louisville defeated archrival Kentucky. Dominique Brown was recruited and has been listed as a QB since day 1, but you wouldn't know it from his performance Saturday. Brown led the Cardinals with a 91-yard outing, the most from any Louisville running back this season.

More than just his listing on the depth chart reminds fans of Bush. At 6'2" and 221 pounds Dominique Brown ALMOST has the physical presence and running style of Michael Bush (Bush was listed at 249). “We just feel like he’s too good of an athlete for us not to have him on the field, so running back was a natural progression,” running back coach Kenny Carter said.

Look for more carries and bigger numbers from Brown in the coming weeks.