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Is it too eary to have a rosy glow . For the first time in many years I am very optimistic for the coming basketball season . 5 good returning players from our Elite 8 team, two more superstars coming on board means we should at least make the Elite 8 again, maybe higher if they all mesh toward the end of the year.

And, even more, the recruiting snowball is finally rolling downhill and gathering strenght as it goes . We all know that good players usually bring in more good players. 2009 recruits look excellent including a real point guard for a change, and those announced for 2010 so far will keep things pumping.

Looking forward to UKs visit here this year.

Swamp Daddy (thinking of buying those rose colored glasses)

The snowball is rolling and things are looking better and better. Hopefully, one of the new comers will make a good point guard and superstar Samardo Samuels will take the place of graduated center David Padgett. Padgett has looked very good in some pro games he has played in so far.

Barring injuries I look for a very good year.

Swamp Daddy

Terrance Williams in a pickup game injured the ligament in his knee, it's not the ACL but another one that is supposed to heal quickly. Opinion locally is divided over the effect this might have on the first few games which he might miss.

Many think with so much talent on hand it won't matter much early.

Others think he should have been a vocal leader and might be missed that way.

Time will tell, Swamp Daddy

Hi all: Two exhibition games have come and gone. Rick Pitino has employed the usual revolving door of combinations of players. This helps him a lot I guess and judging what to do later on; but, it leaves the fans scratching their heads wondering what is going on at times.

I can report Samardo Samuels is a beast down low in the paint. He's going to play a lot and contribute too. Once he learns to occasionally jump a bit more and rebound he'll be another Samaki Walker if he stays around long enough. The other big recruit, Swopshire, is a good shooter and should see a ton of relief minutes this year.

Terrance Williams has not played in the exhibition games but he is practicing some with the team since his ligament injury.

The team hasn't gelled jet; but, that is also typical Pitino early in the year. Different people have done the shooting in the two games so far. This year will be the toughest OOC schedule we've had since the heyday of Denny Crum's good teams. Time will tell. I think we'll accumulate some losses but UL should be tough as nails by tournament time.

Former CUSA bitter rival Memphis has apparently gotten over it's snit with UL for leaving to the Big East (and personally I think Memphis should have gone too instead of DePaul or Marquette) and talks are under way for some B-Ball games in the future.

Swamp Daddy

Well, a couple of unexplained December bloopers ; but, then Kentucky arrived and a close one ensued. Arch rivals always give you hell . Next three straight wins against top 20 ranked teams in conference ending with knocking off #1 Pittsburgh tonight.

Pitt may, or may not, have been a 'real' #1 but let me tell you they are a brawling, bruising team. If you play them you will find this out. UL is still getting those patented runs; but, unfortunately, they are also letting the opposition make some. Now 4 - 0 in the Big East which surprises me.

Momentum is gathering; but, I am not sure of things once we hit the real road games. By the end of January, more should be known.

Sucess breeds sucess and more killer recruits have signed up; if they show up things will continue up hill.

Swamp Daddy

That's a pretty good win nonetheless. Pitt will be a 3 seed at least and this win should help out the seeding process for the Cards. I caught a bit of that game and they looked pretty impressive. They've had a couple head scratchers, but I'll give Louisville a 5 seed come tourney time.

Swamp Daddy wrote:Well, a couple of unexplained December bloopers ; but, then Kentucky arrived and a close one ensued. Arch rivals always give you hell . Next three straight wins against top 20 ranked teams in conference ending with knocking off #1 Pittsburgh tonight.

Pitt may, or may not, have been a 'real' #1 but let me tell you they are a brawling, bruising team. If you play them you will find this out. UL is still getting those patented runs; but, unfortunately, they are also letting the opposition make some. Now 4 - 0 in the Big East which surprises me.

Momentum is gathering; but, I am not sure of things once we hit the real road games. By the end of January, more should be known.

Sucess breeds sucess and more killer recruits have signed up; if they show up things will continue up hill.

Swamp Daddy

Pitt is a team full of hacks! They are a living, breathing loose ball foul! Been so for years and will continue to be so! The great news is that they allow even more of this "aggressive play" come the tournament! Did you know it was harder to do a back cut with a 232lb Sports Management Major on your back?

I guess, for once, my optimistic outlook turned out to be more true than originally imagined. With good hard work we took the Big East regular season. This allowed us to side step Pitt and UConn until the final game. With help from West Virginia and Syracuse's legendary run we were able to play our normal game and win the tourney (which I did not expect to be easy).

The NCAA brackets are set and while the NCAA Midwest is fairly tough I like our chances to get to the last dance weekend.

Swamp Daddy

I can hardly wait for the games to begin!

Other than the unreasonable upset I can't see UofL not getting to the Final 4. Pitino has got tourney play down about as good as you get...watch him work his line-up.

I really want to see an all Big-East Final 4! The chance looks better every year!

Swamp Daddy wrote:The NCAA brackets are set and while the NCAA Midwest is fairly tough I like our chances to get to the last dance weekend.

Siena is going to upset Louisville in the second round. Go Saints!