Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: The Best and Worst of the Louisville Cardinals
By Alex Otte
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Best and Worst of the Louisville Cardinals
The best part of the Louisville Cardinals and the dynamics of their gameplay Friday night was their solid defense. The unity and strength of their defense was surprising for everyone and was definitely the best part for them. Being the best part for one team automatically makes it the worst part for their opponent. Despite the talent in this team, the Kentucky Wildcats still succeeded in breaking free of this wall of Cardinals on the defensive end.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Russ Smith Keeps it Classy Against Kentucky rivals
Amid the rivalry, senior Russ Smith showed the big blue nation that even Cardinals are capable of class. Everyone would understand that it is hard for a Louisville Cardinal to know that their journey in the NCAA Tournament is over, but imagine how much harder it is for a senior. Despite the fact that their season was overall a success, ending your collegiate career without advancing past the Sweet 16 would not make any athlete particularly happy. Although most would be jealous or angry at the conclusion of a game like that, Smith swallowed his pride and went to the Wildcats after to congratulate his rival team on their advance to the elite 8.
"“If my career had to end, I’m okay with it ending to Kentucky.” –Russ Smith said in an interview with Larry Vaught"
Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Willie Cauley- Stein
With a little over 13 minutes left in the first half Friday night, Willie Cauley- Stein was evidently in pain. Cauley- Stein told trainers that he felt something pop in his ankle and when he went out of the game to have it looked at, he did not return. He now has a boot on his left foot and John Calipari says he is doubtful for their game today. Cauley- Stein is considered a top-15 pick if he were to decide to leave for the NBA this season. Wildcat fans are hoping for a change in the forward’s status, as the team will face #2 Michigan today at 5:05.
"“He’s acting like he thinks he can do something, and I would be stunned if he played in this game.” –Coach John Calipari said in the post-game press conference on Friday"
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Go Blue
As Kentucky takes on Michigan tomorrow, there will be fans screaming “Go Blue!” from both fan-bases. Fans all over the country will be watching this game. Many of the fans watching will be cheering for the underdog and hoping for an upset as they’ve seen so many in the tournament thus far. If Kentucky brings the intensity that they’ve had and plays like their refreshed and ready to go, fans just might get what they’ve been waiting for.
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
If Our Journey Ends…
The Big Blue Nation is hoping and cheering for a win tomorrow, and Michigan will be a tough opponent. With everyone hoping that we’ll come out ahead, there is still the possibility that we won’t. That is only said to talk about where our players go from here. The Harrison twins, with their impeccable talent and athleticism, have an incredible opportunity if they decided to enter the NBA draft this year. Julius Randle, after the skill he has displayed this season has a good chance of going high in the draft, despite UK’s less-than-perfect record in the regular season. Willie Cauley-Stein was ranked high nationally and the 7 foot forward would have done well had he declared for the NBA draft at the end of this season, but after his apparent stress fracture to his foot, we are just hoping for a comeback, whether that be in college or the NBA.