Posts Tagged “strait”
T-Will to Get Traded?
By: Miller | July 13th, 2010 | Category: Cards -Sports
On the heels of a decent rookie season and a solid Orlando Summer League, it appears Pinkie favorite and former Louisville star Terrence Williams could be traded soon. Speculation out of Jersey states the Nets could elect to trade T-Will in return for a power forward, a position in which the Nets are lacking. Outside of top draft pick Derrick Favors, the Nets do not have anyone halfway decent at that position.
The primary reason for trading T-Will appears to be he is their most enticing trade chip and it seems the Nets can only acquire a power forward via trade. T-Will’s stock is pretty high at this point coming off his Summer League performance in which he averaged 18 pts. and 5 assists per game and could give the Nets a nice return. We will continue to watch this situation as it develops.
De’Antre Rhodes Ineligible? Other Louisville Football Notes
By: Miller | July 12th, 2010 | Category: Cards
One of Charlie Strong’s top incoming recruits, four-star defensive tackle De’Antre Rhodes, appears to headed to junior college. The latest chatter says Rhodes, who went to Hargrave Military Academy this past year to get his grades in order, came up just short in terms of qualifying and will need another year before becoming eligible to play for the Cards.
This is a blow for the Cards, but not a knockout punch as some may speculate. Rhodes would easily be the most talented incoming defensive linemen on the line and perhaps even on the entire team in general. However, the Cards would still struggle up front and would need at least one more recruiting class before getting closer to adequate depth at that position.
The good news is, Rhodes will still have plenty of time to play. If he were eligible this year, he would have a full five years to play four. A year at a junior college will allow him to physically mature and assuming he remains with Louisville, he can step right in and play in 2011.
In regards to other eligibility situations, four/five-star safety Demar Dorsey’s status remains unclear. I had heard his academics were acceptable and his questionable past was the real concern. However, as more time passes without a resolution, it definitely makes me re-think that. Dorsey is a truly elite player on the field, but if the coaching staff is unsure how he will behave off the field and in the classroom, he may not be worth it.
Another player of concern is four-star quarterback Dominique Brown, perhaps the biggest piece to Charlie Strong’s first recruiting class. Brown’s eligibility is also unclear. The last word I received on Brown is he still has a shot to get qualified, but he may not make it to campus until fall semester. The original plan for Brown, as well as most incoming players, was to be enrolled by second summer semester, but that has not happened. It looks like we will just have to wait and see on this one.
I don’t want to end on a down note, so I would just like to say I am beyond pumped for football season. It’s the same kind of feeling I had going into Slick Rick’s first season for the basketball Cards. I know the team will take some lumps, but there will be a definite change in style and an energy in the stadium we have not seen in three years. And I love Charlie Strong.
Zach Price Headed to J’town
By: Miller | July 12th, 2010 | Category: Cards
In news that has been expected for seemingly forever, 2011 Louisville commit Zach Price will transfer to Jeffersontown high school for his senior year of basketball. Price, a 6-10 center from Ohio and top 75 player nationally, officially confirmed the news this past weekend. Like most people who follow the Cardinal program, we knew Price was headed to Louisville for his senior season, but the only question was where? Some speculated it was down to Ballard, J’town, and Eastern.
The decision to attend J’town seems obvious, even if Zach won’t admit it. J’town is coached by Slick Rick manager Jeff Morrow and despite Zach’s claim to Jody Demling that, “didn’t have a lot of affect” on his decision, I find that a tad hard to believe.
Regardless, I am a fan of this move. It will give the hometown fans an extra year to see Zach Price play and a chance to get to know him before he officially arrives on the Louisville campus. Zach had a very solid couple days at the King City Classic event in Cleveland and continues to look like a strong pick-up for Slick Rick.
Recap of Coach P’s Press Conference
By: Buck | June 28th, 2010 | Category: Cards 
The Slickster held a press conference today to discuss the changes to his basketball staff/team. Here are some key points from Coach Pitino’s Presser:
-Discussed the departure of former assistant Walter McCarty. He said he was caught off guard by his departure because he felt Walter was just coming into his zone. Coach stated in the past he always has names in the back of his mind for possible replacements.
-Tim Fuller will be taking over Walter McCarty’s position as an assistant coach. Coach Pitino said he went with Tim Fuller solely because of his potential as a recruiter. Coach Pitino also had this to say about his new assistant, “He has experience in coaching and the private sector with the game of basketball. He has the potential to be an outstanding recruiter and will add a totally different dimension to our staff. We’re excited to have Tim as a part of the Cardinal family.”
-Mark Lieberman was hired as Director of Basketball Operations. Mark has spent the past 13 years coaching high school basketball in Miami. He coached current Cardinal Rakeem “the Dream” Buckles while there.
-When Coach Pitino arrived here nine years ago he started a new brand. Now, he wants to redefine the brand with this new staff saying, “we will bring a new brand of basketball. This years team will be playing at a much quicker pace.” Rick said the talent is finally there to fit that style of play unlike in past years.
-Discussed a few new players coming in this year. Pitino mentioned Roburt Sallie, a transfer from Memphis, Gorgui Dieng, and Elisha Justice. Although Justin Coleman’s name was not mentioned here, Pitino did stress importance of grades and said, “you never know how good of a student they are til you have a transcript.”
-Later, Rick stated Coleman has a tough road ahead of him. Adding Sallie was a big key because of this question mark.
-This years team will be switching defenses, going from a zone to man-to-man.
-Pitino stated that he is not worried about Peyton Siva playing the point because he will improve each season. Every player makes mistakes on the court from time to time. He said he is more worried about who will be backing him up.
-Preston Knowles is in Coach P’s doghouse right now. Rick did not state how much time he will miss because he has not made an official statement regarding his situation. Overall, he is not very pleased with PK at the moment. However, he did state that Preston is still a Cardinal.
-David Padgett was hired to be assistant strength coach. He wants to be a coach one day and this should be a great learning experience for David. Love this move.
-After Coach Pitino talked, his new coaches met with the media.
Miller will have more later with his thoughts, including some video from the presser.
Charlie Strong Buys House, Sends Message to UofL Fans
By: Miller | June 27th, 2010 | Category: Cards
In yet another example of why Charlie Strong just gets it, he used the news of his purchase of a home in Lake Forest as a way to send a message to all Cardinal fans regarding his intention of staying in Louisville for a long time. In Sunday’s Courier-Journal, Louisville beat writer “Smooth” C.L. Brown reported Strong has purchased a $1.8 million home in, surprise surprise, Lake Forest. For those who don’t know, Lake Forest is the east end neighborhood where pretty much every former Louisville football head coach has lived.
While this is a pretty mundane thing that probably won’t be the hottest topic around the water coolers on Monday, Coach Strong took this opportunity to send a message to UofL fans via his Twitter account:
Courier said I bought an expensive house today in the paper. I hope that shows cardinal fans that I’m ready to stay build this program.
This may not seem like a big deal, and truth be told, it probably isn’t. However, it again shows Strong’s ability to not only unite a previously fractured fan base, but connect with fans. He is batting 1.000 so far as head coach of the Cards and if he puts together some wins early this season, the man could probably run for mayor and win by a landslide.
USC LB Campbell Signs With Louisville
By: Miller | June 26th, 2010 | Category: Cards
Due to recent NCAA sanctions against the USC football program, linebacker Jordan Campbell has chosen to transfer to the ‘Ville to play for Charlie Strong. Campbell, 5-11 and 235 lbs, will have two years to play his final two years of college football. Campbell visited Louisville this weekend and took him one day to decide Louisville was the place for him. As with most recruits, Jordan cited Charlie Strong as his main reason for choosing the Cardinals and it probably didn’t hurt to take a look at the depth chart either.
In any event, this is a big pick-up for the Cards. Campbell will immediately challenge for a starting spot at the linebacker position, probably at the MIKE spot. Even if he does not start, Campbell will give the Cards more depth at the linebacker position. Campbell plans to enroll in school for the second summer school session and jump right into team workouts. He’s a big get for Charlie Strong and I fully expect to see Campbell on the field quickly.
Cards Big East Opponents Revealed
By: Miller | June 24th, 2010 | Category: Cards
The Big East released their conference schedules for the 2010-2011 season today. Louisville will have UConn, West Virginia, and Providence as the teams they place twice. The home slate features the aforementioned Huskies, Mountaineers, and Friars, along with Georgetown, Pitt, and Syracuse amongst others. The road slate’s most notably trips include the ‘Nati, Notre Dame, and Villanova.
I like playing West Virginia twice and hope it becomes an annual thing. First, I love Huggy Bear and he has developed quite a relationship with the Louisville fans over the years. Second, West Virginia and Louisville always seem to produce exciting games, in all sports. I like the way this rivalry is emerging and hope the Big East recognizes it.
The Cards’ non-conference schedule is still incomplete, but should be released soon. We’ll obviously post that when released.
Fuller in Lead to Replace McCarty?
By: Miller | June 24th, 2010 | Category: Cards
Could the search to replace Walter McCarty be coming to a halt? It appears former Wake Forest player and assistant Tim Fuller is currently in the lead to become a new assistant for Slick Rick. Fuller played at Wake from 1997-2000, then had assistant stints at North Carolina A&T and Elon before heading back to his Alma mater as Director of Basketball Operations.
Tim Fuller, 32, also spent time in the high school ranks at West Forsythe high in which he coached some guy named Chris Paul, some may know him as CP3. Fuller is currently a NBA players’ rep for Nike and is said to have strong ties on the AAU circuit.
I have not been able to find much more about Fuller, but from what I have heard, I would be on board with this hire. The Nike connection is fine, but I don’t see it as a huge thing since the Cards just re-upped with Adidas. However, the connection to the AAU circuit is the bigger deal to me. Hiring a person already heavily involved with that world, and believe me, it is a different world, can only help re-establish Louisville’s presence as a major player in the recruiting world.
Having said all that, Fuller is not a lock to get the job. Torrey Ward from Ole Miss is also in the mix, although it seems at this point, most of the signs point to Fuller. If I had to put money on it, I’d say its Fuller, barring another candidate entering the fold.
McCarty Officially Hired by Pacers
By: Miller | June 17th, 2010 | Category: Cards
Cards’ assistant Walter McCarty has officially accepted a job with the Indiana Pacers. Walt is an Indiana native and is close with current Pacers coach Jim O’Brien. Walt’s time with the Cards comes to a close after three years. The Cards now need an assistant to fill that role.
Based on what I’m hearing, Slick Rick will look in the direction of a recruiting specialist. Between himself and Old Man RiverRalph Willard, I would think the Cards are set in terms of a assistant that specializes in teaching, while Steve Masiello focuses on recruiting and game planning.
In terms of a replacement, the most talked about name from the Louisville side is Jerrance Howard, an up and coming assistant from Illinois, but there is nothing definitive yet. We’ll have more updates about potential candidates when they become available.
Big East Invites UCF & Memphis?
By: Miller | June 17th, 2010 | Category: Cards
The Big East is denying a report from an Orlando radio station that it will formally invite Central Florida and Memphis State to join the Big East conference. The radio report stated the Big East was going to invite the two C-USA schools as early as next week, but the Big East is officially denying the invitations will happen.
I could not be more indifferent to this. If it happens, fine, I really don’t see it affecting the conference either way. The only thing it does is revive the heated Louisville-Memphis State rivalry, and force me to start referring to Memphis as “Memphis State” again. If it does not happen, oh well, it’s not as if those two schools will drastically improve the football status of the conference other than get it one step closer to having a Big East conference championship game.
The only real positive I can see from this move occurring is it will provide some depth to the conference if it were to be raided in the future, which I consider inevitable. If Memphis State and UCF can improve their status as football schools by being in a BCS league, then it could conceivably soften the blow of losing more established teams if future raids were to occur.
We’ll continue to follow this story and have more when available.
