By Chris O’Grady
On Aug. 27, 2010 it was announced that Justin Coleman, an incoming freshman, and Roburt Sallie, a transfer from the University of Memphis, were not going to be able to join the University of Louisville basketball program, after they did not meet NCAA rules academically. Not long after that date, freshman guard Russ Smith broke his foot and freshman center Gorgui Dieng was disqualified by the NCAA, leaving the team depleted. The team also felt the loss of last year’s senior co-captains Edgar Sosa and Jerry Smith. All this, coupled with the early jump of center Samardo Samuels to the NBA draft, resulted in a gloomy view of the 2010-2011 campaign, with many feeling it would be one of limited success for Cardinal basketball.
But, for most of the players still around, the loss, confusion and frustration of losing those players has been replaced by a team dynamic that has actually improved.
“This is definitely the closest bonded team I’ve ever been a part of,” said junior guard Chris Smith, who sat out last season after transferring from Manhattan College. “I think it’s good we don’t have a superstar, because that kind of kills the chemistry. This team has fun. We’re always out there laughing and enjoying where we’re at.”
Junior forward Terrence Jennings agreed, saying this bond may be the key to this team achieving even more than last year’s team could.
“Any given night any guy can come up big for us,” said Jennings. “So you have that confidence that it could be you, instead of leaning on one guy all the time. This year we’re a year stronger and a year smarter. I think we can do something great.”
For longtime U of L basketball fans, it may be hard to adjust to all that will be different in the inaugural season for the new downtown KFC Yum! Center. And the changes are not limited to the new arena.
Following the team’s loss to the University of California in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the Cards underwent one of the most tumultuous and eventful summers in recent memory. This resulted in a roster that is noticeably missing many of the players who were expected to be leading scorers for the team. But players didn’t necessarily view this as a negative.
“Man, summer was great,” said junior forward George Goode. “We got in shape, because there was so few of us. At first there was a little panic, because we were undermanned. But we have started to get adjusted and get in shape to play at a faster pace.”
Beginning with a contract extension through the 2016-2017 season for head coach Rick Pitino, the U of L program has taken fans on a ride that leaves a lot of question marks for this season.
Coleman had averaged more than 20 points per game at Huntington Prep School, but failed to meet NCAA admission requirements. In basketball, he was ranked 40th for his class nationally, but from the start Pitino had concerns for his academic achievement.
“He needs to take care of business academically,” said Pitino at the news conference announcing Coleman’s signing. “But we’re optimistic he’ll be in a Cardinal uniform this year.”
His optimism was unfulfilled, as Coleman was eventually ruled ineligible. In addition, Pitino’s aspirations to get a year out of Sallie were also cut short. Sallie, who averaged 10.5 points per game as a junior at Memphis, hoped to use his final year of eligibility at U of L. However, in the transfer, Sallie missed a deadline to gain admission to graduate school at U of L.
With all these struggles meeting NCAA requirements, in addition to the recent rumblings in sports media about rules violations at other schools, it raises the question of: How hard is it to follow the rules set out by the NCAA? For example, the football program at the University of Southern California has come into question, along with University of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and nearby University of Kentucky freshman recruit Enes Kanter.
“Man, Coach P makes sure we get everything in order,” said sophomore forward Rakeem Buckles, who scored 22 points in the season-ending loss to California. “We got a lot of people here to help us out with all that. It’s hard to keep the focus, but off-the-court stuff is just as important. If you have no grades, you can’t play.”
Goode said most players just stick to what their academic advisers tell them, and work to keep up with schoolwork.
“I just try to stay on task and listen to what my adviser says,” said Goode. “He’ll make sure I do my French homework or get everything in on time. Man, I’m trying to graduate in May – there’s no BS-ing now.”
But even when players stick to the guidelines, they can run into trouble with the NCAA, as seen with Dieng. He was ruled ineligible, despite his outstanding grades at Huntington Prep. After U of L appealed the ruling, the committee quickly reinstated him. Dieng, who is from Kebemer, Senegal, would not have been able to attend U of L had the ruling stood.
“He’s an extremely conscientious student, speaks five languages and is very concerned about his academic welfare,” said Pitino after Dieng’s reinstatement on Oct. 26. “I always had confidence and was optimistic that the NCAA would clear him to play. It restores my faith in that if you do things the right way, things will work out. For the young man and for our program, it’s a big boost.”
Dieng was all smiles after hearing the news but, after missing several weeks of practice, he remains a few steps behind the learning curve. Though Dieng’s English, which is his fifth language, is still in progress, he said his level of comfort is increasing and he’s grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m really happy to be here and able to play,” said Dieng. “I can just go out and do what Coach Pitino asks me. I’m comfortable with this team.”
His teammates, particularly those in the post, were just as elated to hear of his reinstatement.
“Lovely, just lovely,” responded Goode and sophomore forward Stephan Van Treese in unison when asked about Dieng’s return.
“We were getting worn out in practice,” said Goode. “But, seriously, he’s great to have. And we think he’ll be a great contributor.”
Jennings, who served last year as an understudy to Samuels, said Dieng’s return will help everyone to improve. He appreciates the challenge the 6-foot-10 Dieng provides.
“It was very frustrating [during the time Dieng was ineligible],” said Jennings. “He is another shot-blocker and changes shots for people. And he helps me out a lot. We make each other better each day.”
For other players, the drama of who would play this season was little more than peripheral. Most said they focused on improving their play, regardless of the turnover within the team.
“The coaches do a great job recruiting, so that I don’t need to worry about it a whole bunch,” said Buckles, who Pitino said was possibly the most improved on the team. “There’s not really much I can do, other than show recruits what a great place this is when they come on visits. So yeah, during the summer for some reason I don’t really pay much attention to it.”
Sophomore point guard Peyton Siva spent two weeks in China playing with a group of other NCAA players from across the nation, including UK’s Josh Harrellson and Jon Hood. Siva, who will take over the starting point guard spot this season from Sosa, said the time in China taught him to play more physically.
Others took advantage of a unique opportunity here in Louisville – a chance to practice against an NBA star. Chris Smith’s brother, J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets, spent the summer working out with the team.
“This summer was really big, to see him and learn from him,” said Chris Smith, who looks to alternate with senior Preston Knowles at the shooting guard position. “We all got to see how hard he works and what it takes to get to where we want to be.”
While many questions remain to be answered, Cardinal basketball fans will see a few beginning to be answered against Butler University on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Through the adverse summer, players could agree on one thing – they’ve had their eye on the date with Butler.
“That game is going to be great,” said Buckles. “I’ve been anticipating it since the Cal game.”
Pitino thinks this team, though it still has a long way to go, is prepared for the upcoming tests, mostly due to its chemistry.
“The players are having a lot of fun right now,” said Pitino. “They’re in a good place. There’s a long way to go, but we’re making strides.”
Siva feels the team has moved past the troubles and looked past the players they lost, in favor of excitement for who will be joining the battle this season.
“It’s going to be a great feeling, to get out there and actually play a real game,” said Siva. “I’ve had that game circled on my calendar since they scheduled it. Everybody here has improved since the last time we played a real game. Our team is fun to watch, fun to cheer for and we’re really comfortable with where we’re at.”
