By Whitney Spencer
After an unexpected announcement, sophomore center Samardo Samuels has decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility at the University of Louisville.
“I didn’t think it was open for discussion,” said men’s head basketball coach Rick Pitino.
After being recruited as a McDonald’s All-American, Samuels had shown steady improvement the past two years. Still, his lack of size at his intended position and his inability to manuever inside of and pass out of double teams leaves many believing Samuels should play at U of L for at least another year.
Mock drafts have him listed as late second rounder but more likely an undrafted player. Pitino believes Samuels will have the ability to show NBA executives and coaches that he is ready to play on the next level.
“He’a going to change people’s mind of where he is right now,” said Pitino.
Though Pitino admitted to needing Samuel’s presence he refused to get in the way of his decision saying he understood he needed to do what was right for his family.
Overshadowed by the departure of Samuels was the news of guard forward Justin Coleman from Richmond, Virginia and point guard Elijah Justice from Pikeville, Kentucky. Justice, who had committed as a walk-on was offered a full scholarship. Pitino nodded to the scoring prowess of both players and said he hopes to develop them both enough this summer in order for them to be contributors next season.
