Averaging 13.4 minutes and 3.5 points per game usually doesn’t make you a target on the scouting report. But sophomore guard Kyle Kuric made the most of his time off the bench in the 823rd and final game in the historic Freedom Hall. What could have been one of the busiest nights in the arena’s history became the Kuric show with 16:11 left in the game and the University of Louisville Cardinals trailing, 40-37.
“I was kind of expecting Mike [Marra] to go in at the two spot and me and Reggie [Delk] to rotate at the three,” said Kuric. “But I wasn’t expecting anything like that to happen.”
He wasn’t the only one caught off guard by his performance. Seemingly channeling the skills of so many greats that surrounded the floor in the arena, Kuric exploded in such a way that you would almost think this was the norm for him.
In a game that some believe secured the Cardinals’ berth in the NCAA Tournament, Kuric helped collect the series sweep of the Orange of Syracuse University. The Cards have now accounted for two of the three losses for Syracuse this season and arguably two of the best wins for any team all season. More importantly, he sealed his fate as one of the most unlikely but highly celebrated heroes in Freedom Hall history.
“I think everyone is going to remember the game that closed Freedom Hall for him,” said men’s basketball head coach Rick Pitino.
Pitino’s words seem true, as Kuric was almost unstoppable in his 13 minutes of action in the second half, scoring 22 points in that time. Though that may not impress some, his ability to single-handedly match the top-ranked Orange in points during his 13 minutes should be a deal breaker.
Senior point guard Edgar Sosa finished with 9 points in an emotionally charged final game in Freedom Hall. His shining moment may have been in the final moments of the game. With a charismatic smile across his face, he began to offer an open invitation for fans to storm the floor. Senior guard Jerry Smith was U of L’s only offense in the start of the game, but injured his thumb on a dunk and was sidelined for the rest of the game. He finished with 8 points in 13 minutes.
“The seniors have never gone to the NIT,” said Pitino. “And now they never will.”
Kuric should enjoy a bit of that glory, but his excitement was even contained after the game. As the floor cleared, Pitino grabbed the microphone and invited the former players to join him on the floor. Kuric received so many congratulations from these players that he didn’t even have time to name them all.
Though the fans inside Freedom Hall were appreciative of the performance that Kuric put forth, there were no people more grateful than those watching him from the bench and sharing the court with him.
“Kyle came in and played a big part,” said freshman point guard Peyton Siva. “He showed everybody why he’s on the team.”
Though limited in his play, Smith couldn’t help but to show his excitement for Kuric on the sideline and after the game.
“Kyle is very capable of exploding the way that he did,” said Smith. “Even in practice, he’s big for us. He’s very athletic. He showed it tonight and he looked great.”
Kuric’s athleticism and his explosion were clear as he soared through the air for his first dunk of the game. He admitted that the first breakaway dunk he had gave him the ever-growing confidence to continue to knock down shots.
As a shy guy from Evansville, Ind. who began his freshman year as a walk-on, Kuric had a time where he didn’t believe he belonged on the Cardinal roster. After a performance that etched his name in the history books and introduced him to several legends, Kuric got something that he’s been looking for since he arrived at U of L.
“I definitely know I belong here,” said Kuric. “I definitely know I can play here and I can play among these players.”
So, as Kuric pushed through the crowd of people, stopping for photos and autographs along the way, his soft voice wasn’t audible for those standing right next to him. Still, his unlikely outburst was a fitting beginning for a young player and a fitting end for Freedom Hall.
Louisville Cardinal > Sections > Sports
An outspoken game from a shy guy
Published: Monday, March 8, 2010
Updated: Monday, March 8, 2010 21:03
 "Photo: N/A")
Be the first to comment on this article!