As Freedom Hall closes out its 54-year tenure as the home of the University of Louisville basketball teams, nostalgia inevitably swells among the Cardinal faithful. Looking back at the players and coaches that made the program great, one cannot overlook former Cardinal legend Reece Gaines.
Gaines, who now plays for the NBA Development League’s Bakersfield Jam, was quick to talk about his favorite memories at Freedom Hall, a place he says still gives him “a great feeling.” Gaines’ favorite memory was from Dec. 20, 2001, when he nailed two 3-point shots in the game’s final 30 seconds, to give the Cardinals the win over the University of Tennessee.
“The Tennessee game during Coach Pitino’s first year—I hit the game-winning shot,” said Gaines of his favorite Freedom Hall moment. “It was one of the most awesome feelings in my life. But there are a lot of great memories from my time at U of L.”
Gaines starred for the men’s program from 1999 to 2003, and won All-American honors in 2003. He was head coach Rick Pitino’s first star—the one Pitino says was important in rebuilding the program.
“Reece was key to us getting over the hump when I first came to Louisville,” said Pitino. “He was the cornerstone of our early rebuilding efforts.”
Longtime U of L fans remember Gaines among the best basketball players they have seen play in Freedom Hall.
“He was just an outstanding basketball player,” said freshman nursing major Josh Baechle. “He pretty much dominated for four years.”
Gaines’ abilities on the floor still linger in the minds of many true Cardinal fans.
“He was amazing and clutch,” said freshman political science major Olivia Feldkamp. “I felt like he could hit threes without effort.”
This season he was honored on a game ticket as one of the greatest to ever to play at Freedom Hall. Though he said he didn’t know of the honor until after the game, several friends sent him their tickets.
“I heard about it later,” said Gaines. “I saved all the tickets I got; I actually have one in my locker. It is such a tremendous honor. It’s great to relive the feelings.”
After graduating in 2003 with a degree in sociology, Gaines was drafted 15th overall, in an NBA draft class that included LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. But his career in the NBA never got off its feet; he only appeared in 38 games in his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. This was his highest total of any season to date, as injuries and bad timing held Gaines back.
“It’s been a really tough road for me in professional basketball,” said Gaines. “I never really had a chance to play in the league.”
The next year, Gaines was traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal that included Tracy McGrady. Due to injury, Gaines played in only 10 games for the Rockets, before again being traded, —this time to the Milwaukee Bucks. After extremely limited playing time in the 2005-2006 season, Gaines decided to try his luck in Europe.
“Playing in Europe allowed me a chance to find what’s important in life,” said Gaines. “I got a chance to focus on my family.”
But this year Gaines decided to give the NBA another chance, signing with the D-League Bakersfield Jam, a member of professional basketball’s minor league. Gaines, now 29 years old, has been playing well this season, averaging 13.1 points a game. But he said success on the court does not necessarily mean he will make it back to the NBA.
“I thought I’d give it a chance,” said Gaines. “But it takes a lot more than talent to make it in the NBA. You need a little luck too.”
Whether or not Gaines makes it back to the spotlight, he said he will always fondly remember his time at Louisville, and playing for Pitino.
“Coach Pitino always believed in me—believed in my talent,” said Gaines. “I will always remember that.”
Likewise, Pitino remembers Gaines’ playmaking ability, as Gaines was Pitino’s first All-American at U of L.
“Reece was the most talented player we had on defense, and was the most explosive offensive weapon we had,” said Pitino. “He made other players better. He was recognized as an All-American his senior year for a reason.”
Several years after his last game at U of L, Gaines wants to thank the Cardinal fans for all the memories and support he received while playing in front of the Freedom Hall crowd for four years.
“Undoubtedly the best fans in college basketball,” said Gaines.
Louisville Cardinal > Sections > Sports
Where are they now? Reece Gaines finds his spot in NBA D-League
Published: Sunday, February 7, 2010
Updated: Sunday, February 7, 2010
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