Some quick observations on the Louisville/ Bellarmine match up that was far less scintillating than I thought it would be.
Speaking of quick, can Preston Knowles elevate and launch in a nanosecond? Yes he can. But I digress.
As for the kids who trekked down Eastern Parkway from their Norris Place home, Scotty Davenport’s Bellarmine Knights simply got lost in the moment.
Big Crowd. Big Nerves. Not such a big deal.
After the game, Davenport talked about how his team’s basketball sense got lost early on. The normally fluid motion offense sputtered and misfired. It happens under the bright lights.
I’ve seen Justin Benedetti play just twice, once last season and last night. Both times he shot the lights out. He’s a weapon. Replacing Chartrael Hall, the Knight’s leading scorer and point guard, is the main task ahead. It must be addressed if BU is to meet expectations. It won’t be an easy hole to fill. That could be the Achilles heel of this edition of the Knights.
Louisville looked significantly better than a week ago. And against a significantly better team this time around.
The inevitable happened. Way sooner than later.
It’s been obvious since practice started that if Louisville is going to make any noise on the national scene, in the conference or in the Dance, Peyton Siva must emerge. He’s the guy who will, by force of his considerable game and personality and charisma, lead them there.
With a little over 10 minutes to play Wednesday night, the team became his. First he hustled back on a break to block a Forrest Smallwood layup. Serious elevation there. Moments later he rebounded an errant Jerry Smith attempt, slamming home a reverse follow up flush. Effectiveness: 10. Style Points: 11. Game on.
If Edgar Sosa willingly cedes the leadership role to Siva, this will be one feisty club by the end of the season.
Rakeem Buckles and Jared Swopshire showed signs of life. Mike Marra is still nervous. Reggie Delk appears to be the odd man out. Stephan Van Treese, in limited minutes, gave the first signs he’ll be fine providing stop gap back up in the middle.
Pitino praised Samardo Samuels’ passing out of the post. I know The Rick knows a lot more than I do about the game, and is way more observant. But I didn’t see that passing. Maybe I’ll go back and do a Ron Jaworski on the tapes.
I do agree with the coach that Louisville might be less stellar at the top of its lineup, but quality doesn’t fall off that much at the 9, 10, 11 and 12 spots. Tis a deep bench.
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On a peripheral note, the voice of the lady singing the national anthem reminded me of Lily Von Shtupp, the Teutonic Titwillow of “Blazing Saddles.” She could cut diamonds with that high note she hit at the end.
– Seedy K
3 Comments
Observations from high above press row: Edgar Sosa can’t even give up the BALL on a fast break, let alone leadership of the team. But as the season goes on, it will be tough to keep Siva on the bench. I thought the starting line-up with three guards and two bigs was very effective. I too thought there was significant improvement in just one week. I am not as in love with Samardo as some. Taking it off the glass, coming down, taking a dribble is a big flaw. When a 6′8′ guy does that, he becomes 5′10″. Finally, I really think these guys can be very, very good come Feb-March. I will always hold on to my point of reference: I remember the first two games in late ‘79 watching Griff, Derrick, Eaves, Rodney et al. They were awful.
Coming from a big Bellarmine fan…
I attended the game and, needless to say, was quite disappointed. I can understand a bad shooting night, but the way they played tentatively and folded was like watching one of those dreadful post-Valvano and pre-Davenport teams. I expected much more, particularly given that less-talented BU teams have played U of L very closely.
As you note, not having Chartrael to “quaterback” and create is a big problem. Also the fact that the Knights have a couple of inside players injured and riding pine made things much worse.
I do think people get too caught up in the whole “they’re just Division II” thing. BU basically has a low D-I program, and hats off to the ‘Ville for a good win. I think your Cards are going to be better than a lot of the pundits expect.
All that said, I’m confident Scotty and the boys will bounce back. They should beat K-State this weekend and hopefully will give Cincinnati a good game next week. Go Knights!
My assistant coach (wife) and I saw several BU games last year. They’ll be fine when they learn to play without Hall. That kid was the motor. He was a playa.
And Seedy, go see them this winter. Good show at a great price.