Pitino names starting 5; answers questions

By: Miller | June 17th, 2009 | Category: Cards

Rick Pitino, courtesy of RickPitino.com, has addressed several issues many Louisville fans have been discussing regarding his 2009-2010 squad. The main issue revolves around the starting lineup for the upcoming season and here is what Slick Rick had to say:

-Edgar Sosa will be the point guard and have a “banner senior year” according to Pitino
-Jerry Smith needs to get into better shape, but will have a “terrific senior year”
-The SF spot is up for grabs and according to Slick Rick, its down to Reginald Delk and Jared Swopshire. Pitino claims Delk needs to develop a better work ethic and make the gym and weight room his life. As for Swop, Coach says he is the MDP (Most Dedicated Player) and will fight for time at the 3 and 4 spot
-Samardo Samuels will play the 4 spot and Pitino claims people will be surprised at how good of a face up shooter he is from 17 feet
-Terrence Jennings will apparently be unbelievable if he can develop a “Swopshire work ethic–look out.

That takes care of the starters, but Slick Rick doesn’t stop there. He goes on to address the remaining members of his team, including the four incoming freshmen:

-McDonalds All-American Peyton Siva “will see plenty of action” as a freshman
-Preston Knowles is “the best 6th man in the country”
-Sharpshooter Mike Marra needs to get stronger and quicker, but has great range
-Rakeem Buckles has an awesome nickname “Rock”, but the news is that he reminds Pitino of former Cardinal Otis George. He’ll need to develop physically, but fortunately has the desire to do so
-Stephen Van Treese has to develop a low post game, but “will not back down from the contact of the Big East”
-Kyle Kuric has been great in the weight room, but needs to develop better ball handling skills
-George Great needs to work on his conditioning and the staff is constantly monitoring his diet to get his body fat under 8%

Coach Pitino also provides his team’s strengths and weaknesses, reflects on the 2008-2009 season, teams to beat in the Big East for 2009-2010, and many more. Its a very interesting read and nice to see coach Pitino getting back into the basketball related routine.