Louisville new coach insist to tread their star player Hercy Miller which displease his president that brings...

Hoopholic’s Gazette: The Portal, Frosh, and the Final Four.

How many discussions did I engage in with my close friends Smarts and Doc over the weekend?

The answer: Quite a few.

In one exchange with Doc, he rhetorically pondered how many freshmen were playing significant roles for the teams still in contention. The first name that came to mind was Stephon Castle from UConn.

We concurred that success in college basketball hinges on experience, among other factors like talent and skilled guard play.

Seeking some anecdotal evidence, I conducted research on the Final Four teams’ rosters. Out of the players who have averaged double-digit minutes for UConn, Alabama, NC State, and Purdue this season, only four are rookies: Castle, one player for Purdue, and a couple for Alabama. Apart from them, the majority of players still competing are seniors, grad students, grad transfers, with a few juniors and sophomores.

NC State, the underdog of the month, starts all transfers. Their standout player DJ Burns used to play for Winthrop, a connection reminding me of U of L’s Pat Kelsey.

Which brings me back to the Cardinals.

Only one player from this year’s squad remains. However, Kelsey has already persuaded a couple of his College of Charleston players to join him, including an Australian guard with a knack for three-point shooting and a sophomore center praised for his intangibles by pro scouts.

In today’s game, the ability to recruit through the transfer portal is crucial. Thus, questions about Kelsey’s ability to recruit five-star prospects are less significant than his proficiency in recruiting through the portal. Examples like Grant Nelson, who transferred from North Dakota to Alabama, highlight the importance of this approach.

The first few days of the Pat Kelsey era at Louisville have been noteworthy, emphasizing why Louisville is considered a basketball-centric city.

Firstly, the extensive media coverage.

Secondly, the widespread discussions. Since the introductory press conference, I’ve had numerous conversations with people I’ve never met before.

Lastly, the incident at Volare, where patrons spontaneously applauded and cheered “C*A*R*D*S” as Kelsey and his family entered the restaurant, underscores the enthusiasm for basketball in the city.