Pat Kelsey has revitalized the Louisville Cardinals, starting fresh with a roster overhaul that emphasizes winning experience. After two challenging seasons, the Cardinals are riding a nine-game winning streak and have returned to the Top 25 for the first time in four years. Kelsey, who prioritized recruiting players with a proven track record of success, noted, “We were intentional about identifying guys that came from programs and have a background of winning. They just have that winning gene about them.”
Currently boasting a record of 15-5 and 8-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Louisville has already surpassed its total wins from the previous two seasons combined. Under former coach Kenny Payne, the team struggled, finishing with a dismal 12-52 record. In their first game as a ranked team since January 2021, the Cardinals showcased their prowess with a commanding 98-73 victory over SMU, where Reyne Smith, a senior guard and transfer from the College of Charleston, set a program record with 10 three-pointers, contributing 30 points to the win.
Kelsey’s roster features a wealth of experience, with 11 active scholarship players who collectively bring nearly 20,000 minutes of Division I basketball experience. This marks the most seasoned group since Denny Crum’s 1981-82 Final Four team. Notably, four newcomers have surpassed 1,000 career points, highlighting the depth of talent Kelsey has assembled. As the Cardinals aim for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, they will face a challenging schedule ahead, including five road games in February, but they remain focused on maintaining their momentum and building on their recent success.
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