I AM LEAVING: LOUISVILLE HEAD COACH JUST ANNOUNCE THAT HE WE BE LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AFTER FACING.....

I AM LEAVING: LOUISVILLE HEAD COACH JUST ANNOUNCES THAT HE WILL BE LEAVING IMMEDIATELY AFTER FACING.

Louisville boasts an illustrious basketball history, with renowned coaches like “Peck” Hickman, Denny Crum, and Rick Pitino, as well as memorable teams and some of the sport’s greatest players.

Here’s a rundown of the top 20 players in the annals of Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball, listed chronologically:

1. Charlie Tyra, Forward (1954–57): A Louisville native and the programme’s inaugural All-American, Tyra remains the school’s rebounding leader and ranks among the top 15 in NCAA history. He played a pivotal role in securing the Cardinals’ first NIT title in 1956.

2. John Turner, Forward (1959–61): Turner helped Louisville reach its first Final Four and earned All-American honours for his impressive scoring and rebounding abilities.

3. Wes Unseld, Centre (1966–68): Widely regarded as one of Louisville’s greatest players, Unseld boasts numerous accolades, including being the programme’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. His impact transcends statistics, as he’s enshrined in both the College Basketball and Naismith Memorial Basketball Halls of Fame.

4. Butch Beard, Guard (1967–69): A consistent scorer, Beard contributed significantly to the Cardinals’ success during his tenure, earning All-American honours and showcasing his scoring prowess.

5. Jim Price, Guard (1970–72): Price’s scoring abilities and leadership helped Louisville reach the Final Four for the second time in school history, earning him All-American recognition.

6. Junior Bridgeman, Forward (1973–75): Bridgeman, a versatile player, excelled in various aspects of the game and went on to have a successful NBA career.

7. Darrell Griffith, Guard (1977–80): Griffith, the programme’s all-time leading scorer, led the Cardinals to their first national championship while earning numerous accolades, including the Wooden Player of the Year Award.

8. Derek Smith, Guard-Forward (1979–82): Smith’s collegiate career was marked by consistent performances, contributing to Louisville’s success and earning conference honours.

9. Rodney McCray, Forward (1980–83): McCray’s contributions to Louisville’s success extend beyond statistics, as he played a crucial role in multiple Final Four appearances.

10. Milt Wagner, Guard (1982–86): Despite facing injury setbacks, Wagner showcased his scoring prowess and played a key role in Louisville’s national championship run.

11. Billy Thompson, Forward (1983–86): Thompson’s all-around skills and leadership were instrumental in Louisville’s national title victory, earning him a place among the programme’s greats.

12. Herbert Crook, Guard-Forward (1985–88): Crook’s contributions to Louisville’s success were often overshadowed but nevertheless significant, earning him recognition as one of the programme’s underrated stars.

13. Pervis Ellison, Centre (1986–89): Ellison’s impact on Louisville basketball is undeniable, as he remains one of the programme’s most accomplished players, leading the Cardinals to an NCAA championship and earning numerous accolades.

14. LaBradford Smith, Guard (1988–91): Smith’s versatility and scoring ability made him a standout player for Louisville, earning him a place among the programme’s top performers.

15. Clifford Rozier, Centre (1993–94): Despite a short tenure at Louisville, Rozier’s dominance in the paint earned him accolades and recognition as one of the programme’s greats.

16. DeJuan Wheat, Guard (1994–97): Wheat’s scoring prowess and all-around game made him a standout player for Louisville, earning him numerous accolades and a place among the programme’s top performers.