Louisville Basketball: 5 things we love about this Cardinals team
We take a look at five different things that we love about this year’s Louisville basketball team and what they bring to the table.
This is going to be another fun year of watching Louisville basketball. The Cardinals are inside of the top fifteen again. I know, what a shocker. While this may not be one of the most talented teams that we have ever seen, there are many things that we love about this 2016-2017 roster.
The Cardinals are on a hot start to this season, but there are many tough challenges that are ahead for this squad. They have non-conference games with Kentucky and Indiana. Not to mention, they have to go through their ACC schedule against teams like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the five things we love about this Louisville basketball team:
Nov 14, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) scrambles for a loose ball with William & Mary Tribe forward Omar Prewitt (4) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
5. Donovan Mitchell Being The Most Athletic Player In Every Game
It has been a joy to have a player like Donovan Mitchell on the Cardinals’ roster for the past two seasons. He showed us glimpses of his talent last year, while dunking the basketball and making SportCenter’s top ten plays multiple times.
In his second season with the Cards, it’s pretty clear that Mitchell is not only one of the leaders, but the most athletic player on the floor every night.
Even though he still struggles to shoot the ball, the weight he lost over the offseason has made him quicker and that much more athletic.
Every time the Cardinals take the floor, they have the most exciting player to watch, at least as far as Louisville fans are concerned.
Once Mitchell can hit hit shots consistently, then he is going to be one heck of a college basketball player.
Nov 23, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) congratulates forward Deng Adel (22) and guard David Levitch (23) after the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
4. They Play As A Team & Not As A Bunch Of Individuals
This is what I love the most about Louisville Basketball. Every season coach Pitino puts together a team that is willing to play for the name on the front of their jerseys. Being a Louisville basketball player is a big deal for these guys and they also respect the heck out of their head coach.
There isn’t one player on this team that I feel believes they are above anyone on the team.
We have seen everyone from Mangok Mathiang to Ryan McMahon getting major minutes for the Cards this year. If that isn’t Louisville basketball, then I don’t know what is.
It’s not like this is a team full of incredible NBA talent, they are a team full of good college players that are willing to work hard and get better every single day.
These guys are going to take their lumps, but they will be better for it and will get better together.
Nov 25, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Louisville Cardinals bench reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis championship game in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Battle 4 Atlantis Won’t Be The Only Tournament They’ll Play In
Can I get an Amen? The Cardinals had to miss both the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament last season because of that stupid self-imposed ban. I don’t know about you, but I did not enjoy watching March Madness knowing that Louisville didn’t have a shot at the championship.
However, they will be able to play in both tournaments at the end of this season. Can I get another Amen?
Even if the Cards aren’t going to be good enough to win the conference tournament, the experience they receive will surely help them in the NCAA’s.
Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino knows what it takes to go the distance and I am confident he will have his guys ready to go when March comes around.
Nov 25, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) shoots as Louisville Cardinals guard David Levitch (23) defends during the first half in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis championship game in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2. The All-Around Depth That Pitino Has At His Disposal
This is a super deep basketball team that no one really talks about on the national stage. Like I said earlier, they have guys like Ryan McMahon and David Levitch that are getting some major minutes for Rick Pitino.
It’s not like they are playing a few minutes before the half, he is putting them in situations where the Cards need points bad. If you remember, it was McMahon’s three-pointer that stopped the Purdue run on Wednesday night.
Not to mention, the Cards have players like VJ King, Anas Mahmoud, Ray Spalding, and the experienced Tony Hicks coming off the bench.
Pitino can give so many different looks to other teams and I believe their depth will help them come the NCAA tournament.
Nov 30, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) battles for the ball with Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
1. The Effort & Hustle They Bring Every Single Game
Other than being unselfish, this is the other thing that every Louisville basketball team brings.
The pressure that the Cardinals can put on opposing shooters is just crazy. Frankly, I’m not sure Purdue could even think straight with the type of defense Louisville was playing in the first half on Wednesday night.
I remember a few weeks ago, Rick Pitino challenged Anas Mahmoud to give better effort and focus on getting more defensive rebounds. The next game, Mahmoud about ran over his own teammates, trying to go and grab a rebound. I love that effort and dedication from a guy looking to please his coach.
Whether it’s guys diving on the floor for loose balls or chasing down a fast-break, I am very comfortable and appreciative of the effort this team brings every game.
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