Brandishing, another altogether.

Rick Pitino has used the former, advertising terminology, regarding his mission at U of L. As in “rebranding the program.” I hate such talk, but know what he means.

Brandishing is what former Cardinal baller Terrence Williams has been charged with. As in waving a gun about in a threatening manner toward the mother of his child.

The former might be a reprehensible concept as far as college athletics are concerned, but it’s accepted behavior, even the norm these days.

The latter is a crime.

T-Will’s pro career has been spotty at best. This development certainly can’t help his standing with the Celtics, who apparently can opt out of their contract with Williams anytime before Halloween.

The occurence, sadly, is not surprising. It was well known in and around the U of L community that Williams had a predilection for packing heat.

While he was one of the more popular U of L players of the Pitino Era, I found him to be a most disagreeable sort. Frankly, he’s my least favorite Cardinal of the Pitino Era, but that’s neither here nor there. I certainly don’t wish him ill. But do hope that justice is served. The charge against him is serious.

* * * * *

At the other end of the spectrum is Teddy Bridgewater.

Who, it is reported, has asked Charlie Strong and the U of L starmaker machinery to forgo any Heisman Trophy PR campaign.

* * * * *

An eagle-eyed reader sent me the latest Capital One Cup Standings.

Even that program’s web site doesn’t fully explain how the points are calculated. But the purpose is to measure the strength of the entire athletic programs of the nations’s colleges. Louisville’s male athletes rank 3d behind Michigan and Indiana, which are knotted at the top of the standings.

U of L’s female athletes rank 16th.

I know that national championships get you points. I’m not sure if how far a school advances in the post season is a factor? Or, if league titles count?

Whatever. Those lofty perches confirm what Louisville Cardinal fans have been saying to each other this entire school year: “It’s a great time to be a Cardinal fan.”

* * * * *

By the by, the U of L nine won the Big East regular season pennant with a sweep of Pitt last weekend.

* * * * *

Coming soon are some of the biggest events internationally in car racing.

Indy 500.

Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Coca Cola 600.

And the grandest event of them all, coming up on the 25th of the month right across the river on the hallowed asphalt of the Jeffersonville Sportsdrome.

School Bus Figure 8s.

To paraphrase someone more eloquent than myself, about a far lesser event, “You ain’t been nowhere, or ever done nothin’ til you been to the School Bus Figure 8s.”

There is no exhilaration in the world of sport quite like seeing a couple of big yellows t-boning at the crossroads.

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my Detroit Red Wings are up 2-1 on Chitown in the Western Division semis of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Black Hawks have been on cruise control all season after starting out unbeaten in something like their first 25 games. The boys from Hockeytown seem to have caught the Second City gang looking ahead.

* * * * *

While I’m on the subject of sports you could care less about, and to clear off the desk, did you notice what’s happened recently in the world of European soccer?

Of course not. Briefly . . .

Lowly Wigan upset Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

Athletico Madrid beat crosstown rival Real Madrid for the first time in like a quarter century to capture the Copa del Rey.

And Dortmund Borussia will face Bayern Munchen in all-German Champions League Final on the 25th. (Don’t worry the game at Wembley will be over in time for you to make it across the river to the Sportsdrome.)

As I’m sure you’re aware, this matchup is also totally unexpected. An all-Spanish final would have been chalk. Dortmund bested Real Madrid by aggregate score in the semis, while Bayern bashed Messi-less Barcelona, 4-0 and 3-0. (Each match has two games, one on each team’s pitch. Total score advances. Away goals trump home goals.)

* * * * *

Brett Favre is still retired.

Later.

– Seedy K

I’m drinking a Tuesday morning cup o’ joe, in a city that took its coffee seriously way before Seattle told us we must. Along with it, I’m enjoying a cinnamon scone, which contains significantly less than an ounce of cinnamon, much to my relief.

I would love to be reading the Times-Picayune to enhance the experience, and learn which local pol shook down which local contractor and in whose home was found stashed enough cash to save the economy of Greece.

But, no, it’s Tuesday. Apparently this is not one of the three days each week that absentee owner Advance Publications now allows the 175 year old newspaper to hit the stands. One would hope that the spirit of longtime T-P columnist Edgar Allen Poe would infest the Advance offices with some sort of pox or another.

So, I’ve decided to do what I do pretty well. Which is comment on affairs of sport without really knowing what’s going on.

* * * * *

As usual I have no tips on that little horse race coming up this weekend.

I refer you to my pals Bill Doolittle, Rick Cushing and Billy Reed for that.

My one observation of Derby is that, from the photos, there has been a maximization of millinery. The hats which ladies are sporting around the Downs now seem as large as beach umbrellas.

I doubt it will affect the performance of any of the contestants. Unless one blows off and tumbles across the track like sagebrush as the horses thunder down the stretch, thereby spooking a potential winner.

* * * * *

Just want to give a shout out to the two most beleaguered pro jocks of the moment.

Jason Collins. Good for you, dude. Long may you run. (Chris Broussard, find a deep hole, crawl down, cover yourself with dirt.)

Tim Tebow. Not sure what you’ve done to piss off so many people.

Sure, the guy’s a little too religious, wears it sometimes like a badge. But he’s never been anything but decent. And a winner. Denver couldn’t wait to get rid of him. The Jets just threw him under the bus.

Maybe he’s simply a tweener, with no defined spot to play in the NFL. He wouldn’t be the first.

But why all the hatin’?

* * * * *

I see where my Detroit Red Wings slipped into the Stanley Cup playoffs as a #7 seed.

Cool as Hockeytown ice. It’ll give me something to watch with a rooting interest when I get home from JazzFest.

* * * * *

If you haven’t been reading Eric Crawford’s most excellent profiles of each of the national champion Louisville Cardinals, shame on ya.

Here’s a link. Check them out.

* * * * *

Like most other Cardinal fans, I’m still glorying in the school’s third NCAA crown. I’ve been wearing colors around New Orleans, and receiving periodic “Go Cards” acknowledgments.

Yesterday, while listening to Los Po-Boy Citos at the Louisiana Music Factory, a guy was hanging next to me, wearing a Michigan cap.

“You go to school at Ann Arbor?”

“Hopefully, I’ve applied.”

Pointing to my cap, I said, “The Wolverines just played a game against my team.”

“How’d we do,” he asked?

“Not bad. Maybe next year.”

There seems to be a buzz building about what mayy happen next campaign. I refuse to make conjecture about next season’s possibilities. It’ll play out one way or another.

This one just past is too sublime to let go of.

* * * * *

If you’re looking for some interesting reading, peripheral to the world of sports, I’ve got a recommendation.

“Over Time: My Life as a Sportswriter” by Frank Deford.

The guy can write. (One of his quirks is that he likes to end sentences with prepositions. Miss Walston would be aghast.)

And has a penchant for relaying the most fascinating of conversations from the past with athletes and cohorts.

* * * * *

For those who have inquired: No, I have not and do not intend to get a Louisville Cardinal tattoo.

– Seedy K

“If you want to be a good basketball team, you have to go inside out.”

The gotcha is that the coach is Jeff Walz, mentor of the U of L women’s team which beat Seton Hall 72-62. Not Rick Pitino, whose men’s squad battered its third cellar-dwelling rummy in a row.

At one point during the Cardinals’ decisive but inelegant victory, I jotted this down: “Passing O – Rarely open shot without dribble.”

There has been significantly less PG dribbling in the half court offense in the last couple weeks. It’s a heartening trend.

But, to what end? So that Behanan or Dieng gets the ball with his back to the hoop too far out for a flip hook? And, neither never — okay, maybe not never, but pretty close to never — throws that quick inside out pass and gets it back for an easier shot closer to the hoop. Or, for the reverse skip pass for an open trey.

Which is my passive aggressive way of noting that this Cardinal team still has a long way to go, half court offensively speaking. More than before, the team will pass the ball five, six times or more without overdribbling by whomever is at point, but the end still doesn’t seem to ratify the means. At the end of the sequence, Peyton or Russ or Kevin usually wind up having to dribble to a spot for a shot.

Shouldn’t there be plays where Chane or Wayne or Luke or Kevin get the ball in a comfort zone where they can just set and fire without putting the ball on the floor?

* * * * *

But, I’m not here just to complain.

Here’s a stat and explanation therefor that should bring joy to the Red & Black faithful.

Silent L was 5/7 from the field.

Because Siva and Smith were able to penetrate the Blue Demons D, draw attention and slip the ball deftly to Harrell for easy slams. Because Siva and Smith actually completed those passes.

Russ, when attempting assists which are beyond his default predilection, still throws it away more often than one would like in such instances. But less than he used to. That those passes are coming is positive trend.

What strikes me about Montrezl is that, despite his appearance of being ripped, he still needs to get stronger, so he can take the ball and defender into the hoop instead of getting blocked, as he does more than it seems he should.

* * * * *

It seems fair to blame Louisville’s day-of-game travel weariness for its annoying, sloppy performance.

Louisville played its usual pesky D. The Cards blocked 7 shots and stole the ball 12 times, forcing 19 Blue Demon turnovers.

The yin and yang is that U of L committed 18 turnovers and had 5 shots blocked.

Against a woeful team like DePaul, they can get away with that. Against NCAA-caliber squads, they cannot.

The Cardinals went 25/31 at the line. Remember what I said previously, kids, the NCAA champion shall be determined by free throws.

Louisville won the rebound battle, 46-33, but gave up as many offensive boards, 17, as it grabbed.

* * * * *

While it was the correct call when the zebras reversed the charge on Chane’s monster slam for a converted +1, I’m just not sure I’ve ever seen it done before.

* * * * *

Peyton Siva has to be on the floor when it matters. (You heard that before?)

His silly fouls could become the Cards’ Achilles heel.

DePaul made a late run, cutting their deficit to 8.

With four fouls, Peyton returned to the floor. Hit two FTs. Assisted on a Dieng jumper. Stole the ball after a Silent L follow slam, then fed Russ for a bunny. Followed by scoring a layup.

Siva’s return resulted in that 10-0 run for an insurmountable 18 point advantage.

* * * * *

All in all, it was a more than acceptable, workmanlike effort in front of a sparse Chitown crowd. The team survived travel woes — the players had hollow eyes during several of the timeouts — and Jim Burr.

The Cards were behind the 8 ball early, 0-8. But then ran off 10 straight points in a minute and ten seconds, and never looked back.

On a night when Michigan showed what happens to teams not stalwart enough on the road in late February, and Georgetown, displaying true grit, survived under similar tough circumstance, Louisville did what needed to be done against a lesser foe away from home.

* * * * *

Of ESPN’s second-tier announcing teams, Adam Amin and Tim Welsh, are top shelf. They deserve elevation.

* * * * *

Louisville has jumped to 2d in Jeff Sagarin’s computer rankings, and remains at #3 in Ken Pomeroy’s. The Cards have jumped a spot to #7 in the realtime rpi ranks, and have moved to the top of the third line in a consensus compilation of bracketologists.

U of L is 3-4 against teams currently in the AP top 25, and is one of less than handful of schools without a double digit loss.

Saturday’s game in the Carrier Dome is a litmus test.

– Seedy K

While statistics never tell the entire tale, they help illuminate a team’s strengths and weaknesses.

On occasion, they also lie. Which happened yesterday.

I also believe in the eye test.

Watching how a game, or the games within a game, unfold, provides significant perspective.

On occasion, the eye test also lies. Which happened yesterday.

The official stat sheet marks Russ Smith with two turnovers in the last minute of the first half. Twice my eyes watched him throw the ball away. First on a breakout after he’d snared a rebound on a missed Bull trey. Again, after he grabbed another board when Harrell blocked a SoFla attempted dunk.

On both occasions, the Cards had numbers and Smith simply wasn’t able to successfully deliver the rock to a teammate for layup.

Anyone who remembers what Smith did at the end of the 4th OT in South Bend, as well as those who have watched him keep the ball all the way to the hoop throughout the season while ignoring open teammates, understands why those gaffes yesterday are a reason for hope.

Smith kept his head up, his eyes open and tried to make the correct play, instead of going for the streetball score as is his wont.

Despite the lack of execution yesterday — it will come — those two “turnovers” were indeed a positive sign for the Cardinals. Smith was trying to feed his mates. It’s a good thing.

* * * * *

After the game, Rick Pitino praised U of L’s ball movement. He liked how the Cards passed the ball.

I’m inclined to praise the coach also. It was apparent that Louisville was running sets designed for more passing, less dribbling. Early on, the Cards were also adamant about getting the ball inside, though that waned somewhat once the game was in hand.

* * * * *

Those of you who read me here know I love Wayne Blackshear and want to see him on the floor more.

I also think Kevin Ware can contribute a lot to U of L’s success. (Especially next season and beyond after he’s spent the summer working on his ball handling skills.)

So I was pleased as punch with the sequence yesterday when U of L took charge after falling behind 8-11. Kevin Ware threeball. Wayne Blackshear pull up J. Blackshear board. Ware jumper. Another Ware J. Blackshear offensive board and follow slam. Another Blackshear dunk, this time at the end of a fast break which commenced with a Smith steal, pass to Siva, assist to Siva. Blackshear cans 2 FTs. Blackshear steal, resulting in a Smith follow deuce.

After which 17-3 run, totally dominated by Ware and Blackshear, the Cardinals had the game in hand, 25-14.

Blackshear also closed the door once and for all in the 2d half. The Bulls crept within 6 at 36-30. The Rick reinserted Wayne in the lineup for Luke Hancock (rarely a bad move). After Smith hit two charity tosses, and a flurry of activity, Blackshear stole a pass and took it the length of the floor. Slam. 40-31. Any thoughts the home team had of coming back were extinguished.

* * * * *

Louisville had significant advantages in almost all sub categories. Points in the paint (32-14), points off the bench (21-11. Ware and Blackshear didn’t start, even though ESPN showed Wayne’s face over Hancock’s name.) , fast break points (12-2), and points off turnovers (23-12).

The one aspect where Louisville didn’t play up to par was 2d chance points. They led that category 10-8, but allowed the Bulls 16 offensive boards.

Once again I’d call for the Cards to block out better. But since I’ve gotten on my high horse about that fundamental, I’ve noticed nationwide that the zebras often call fouls on guys simply for putting their butt in a foe’s belly to keep him off the boards.

Behanan missed two FTs early, Silent L, a couple late. The team canned the rest of them to go 13/17 at the line.

Louisville was only 2/13 from long range, proving you can control a game even if the treys aren’t dropping.

* * * * *

Much has been made, justifiably so, of Chane Behanan’s marvelous hustle save of a ball going out of bounds and subsequent 25 foot behind the back assist to Russ under the hoop. It was indeed sweet. Not to mention it gave the Cards an 18 point cushion with 7:51 to play.

But there was a tit for tat. Russ returned the favor, going behind his back to Chane for a layup a few moments later for a 57-35 Louisville lead.

* * * * *

Louisville for the most part played really good defense, generating 16 turnovers, while nabbing 10 steals and blocking 8 shots.

* * * * *

Because we watch so much hoops on the telly, we develop our faves and undesirables when it comes to announcers. At least, I do.

Like Gus Johnson on the plus side, whom I love, even though it was most odd to hear him doing a Champions League fixture last week on Fox Soccer. And Bill Walton, whose over the top exuberance and willingness to say anything about anybody, is so welcome. And Jay Bilas, even though he’s a Dookie, because he’s so insightful and articulate.

Then there’s Bob “The Voice of Big East Basketball” Wenzel, who is as cloying and unprepared as they come. His “facts” are too often wrong, and delivered with volume cranked louder than Pete Townsend’s guitar.

When he called Pitino “a magician” at the top of yesterday’s telecast, I wanted to barf.

Rich Hollenberg wasn’t much better. He dubbed the half full arena, a “near capacity crowd.” And, segueing in after a timeout when South Florida was making its second half run, he said the Cards were “comfortably ahead,” which at that moment, they were not.

* * * * *

Two walkovers coming up — Seton Hall and DePaul — before the regular season closes with three serious tilts in a row.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/18/louisville-card-file-south-florida-8/feed/ 5 http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:05:29 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8258 While you are busy perusing every inch of Kate Upton’s bodypainted “swimsuit” in the the throne-room-only slobberfest known as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, allow me to fill you in with the latest on our other annual winter’s delight. Otherwise known as the World of College Hoops.

* * * * *

ESPN’s Andy Katz turned into Jim Boeheim’s whipping boy last night, after the coach’s Orange spit out the bit at UConn.

Seems Katz chatted up academically reinstated James Southerland during ‘Cuse’s shootaround, learning from the ultimate source that the suspension snafu was over a couple of paragraphs — one would assume plagiarized — in a term paper. Katz dutifully reported it.

When Katz asked Boeheim a question in the post game presser, the coach called the reporter “stupid” and “disloyal” and “other things” and refused to answer his question.

Tough luck, Andy. If you had done the same thing to a Louisville player, you wouldn’t have had to worry about a public dressing down. Many times, Rick Pitino doesn’t even show up to face the press after a bad loss. Like last Saturday night in South Bend. 

Plus there may be stuff simmering unseen underneath the surface with the long time Syracuse coach. On the one hand, he’s receiving kudos over all those career Ws. On the other, there was that Bernie Fine thing. Plus, perhaps, “other things.” I recall a conversation with a member of the national media early in the season, somebody plugged in to the hoops scene, who advised the shit’s gonna hit the fan after the season, which could well be Boeheim’s last.

According to that source, news will leak about failed drug tests through the years, and a systematic sweeping of that problem under the carpet.

Stay tuned. Especially to Katz. If something along those lines does indeed break, I trust Andy shall be the first to report it.

* * * * *

It was with some sadness that I read Russ Smith’s cybergalactic retort to his critics, who have been dissing his performance at crunch time against Notre Dame.

I’m one of the guilty parties.

While I’ve used some harsh words, I’ve tried to make it clear that he isn’t the main culprit.

It was his coach that gave him no in-game direction. Over and over and over and over and over again. It was his coach, who apparently hadn’t properly schooled his ball handlers and others on the floor about late game situations and how to execute. It was his coach who didn’t call any timeouts to set up possible game winning plays.

I trust you know the mentor of which I speak. Hint: He’s the one who didn’t show up to answer questions after the game.

As for Russ, keep on truckin’, dude. Try to learn from your mistakes. Raise up your head when you’re full throttle to the hoop, open your eyes, you may have company wearing the same uni with an easier shot than you.

* * * * *

The Flavor of the Month is Jim Larranaga and his Miami Hurricanes.

Last evening, the U won a tight one in Tallahassee. It may be the most telling W of the year, given it was over a tough league rival on the road, while riding a heretofore unknown wave of national adulation.

Seems Luke Hancock’s former coach is a technocrat. Loves Ken Pomeroy’s statistical analysis of the college hoops scene. Feels it is the only true measure of performance.

Miami ranks 8th at kenpom.com.

* * * * *

Which brings me back, as these discussions always do, to my Louisville Cardinals.

If you’ve clicked that link, you will note our homies, despite five losses, rank 3d.

To paraphrase grannie, “from the computer’s mouth to God’s ear.”

I hope it is a true assessment, but, as I’ve admonished before, computers don’t measure the will to win.

If you think the Cards would get the better right now of Michigan State or Indiana or Florida or Duke, raise your hand. I do not.

That negativitude stated, U of L does have a perfect slate to get well in the coming weeks. The Johnnies and Seton Hall at the Yum!. South Florida and hapless DePaul on the road. Then season-ending tests at Syracuse, and back home for the Bearcats and what history says will be an overtime season capper with those nettlesome Fighting Irish.

Last year, U of L finished the regular season, 2-4. The Cards have lost 4 of their last 7 this campaign. Let’s hope they kick it into gear . . . now.

* * * * *

You gotta feel for Nerlens Noel.

This is an unassuming kid with the classic “upside.” He never woofed. Always played hard. Improved steadily from game to game.

You gotta wish him a speedy and full recovery. And I do.

It will be fascinating to watch what develops for the Cats?

UK is still 18th in the Pomeroy rankings, but will surely drop out of the human polls.

The Cats are now 50-1 in Vegas to win it all. Lunardi has them a #9 seed. Some pundits, like Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy, have them nip and tuck to make the dance. Their RPI is in the mid 40s.

UK travels to Tennessee (in new Nike unis), Arkansas and Georgia. The Cats host Mizzou, Mississippi State and Florida before the SEC tourney.

Can this diminished group get their act together?

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to former Cardinal Jared Swopshire.

He also suffered a season-ending knee injury. In Swop’s case, it is also career-ending. Unless you count a Thursday night beer league at the Y.

* * * * *

The World Wide Leader made an interesting production decision last night.

Jay Bilas joined Dan Shulman and the ever hyperbolic Dickie V in the booth for Carolina at Duke.

It calmed down The Voice . . . somewhat. But . . . not nearly enough.

The Blue Devils came back to win the rivalry tilt. Hate Coach K and his teams all you want, rarely do they not perform to their maximum capacity.

* * * * *

Before I’m outta here, my dark horse report.

Larry Eustachy’s Colorado State Rams are 20-4 in the really tough Mountain West.

Last night, they bested San Diego State, 66-60. The Rams are ranked in a human poll for the first time in 59 years.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/feed/ 4 http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/07/louisville-card-file-rutgers-6/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/07/louisville-card-file-rutgers-6/#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:01:18 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8240 I know this horse has been beaten so to death, it’s been lying on the ground for weeks, waiting to be carted off to a British sausage factory.

I’m still going to beat it a bit more. Because I can. And, because it needs to be done.

Last night in Piscataway, Wayne Blackshear fashioned his career game . . . so far. (If The Rick gives the Windy City kid a chance, he’ll have many more.)

Blackshear was 7/11 from the field, including 3/5 from downtown. 2/2 at the line. He added a block, an assist, a rebound and played tough D.

19 points.

He was especially huge when the Cards were struggling early. Coach’s pet Luke Hancock was doing nothing as a starter. When he committed a turnover, Knee Jerk Rick finally inserted WB in the lineup.

He scored the next seven Cardinal points.

He actually opened the second half on the hardwood, playing a big role in kickstarting U of L’s run with a 3 and a couple FTs.

Sooooooooo, why my concern?

Coach Pitino rewarded Blackshear’s stellar play with . . . 14 minutes of PT. (For comparison purposes only, Luke played 27, tallying 5 points.)

14 minutes. Gimme a friggin’ break.

I know he had four fouls. And I understand that when he came out after that 4th one, the game was well in hand and his stellar balling wasn’t needed. But still . . .

These kids crave being on the court. Blackshear has earned more playing time.

* * * * *

Rutgers, whose coach is as wacky as that Henderson kid down at Ole Miss, scored the first deuce of the second half, to knot the game at 28. That came at the 19:19 mark.

The second media timeout came with 11:46 to play, right after a Russ Smith trey made it 51-30.

Easy math. U of L had outscored the home team 23-2.

I don’t care what schlepper league foe you’re playing. When you win on their court, in February, by 20 points, holding them under the half century mark, it’s a good thing.

Rutgers beat Pitt (#6 in Ken Pomeroy’s ratings) there.

So, I’m only going to carp a bit more. It would be unfair to complain about the Cards play too much. Because, as the UPS commercial goes, I’m happy.

* * * * *

Gorgui Dieng had another dominating defensive game. 6 intimidating blocks. 8 rebounds.

But, am I the only one wondering why there aren’t offensive sets that get him the ball on the block, so he can just turn and shoot? A flip hook. A quick 5 foot bank shot. (I ask the same question about Chane Behanan and Silent L. Though the latter did it get it there once, unfortunately missing the short turnaround J.)

I’d also offer that Dieng handles the ball way too much in the backcourt after inbounds plays. And he handles it way too much far from the hoop above the key.

* * * * *

Now, for your viewing pleasure, one more look at Russ’s thunder slam.

You might want to turn down the sound. Bob Wenzel, he of the consistently inane “insight” and “expert commentary,” laughs in a manner which may induce inadvertent, involuntary projectile vomiting.

Smith had a typical game. 3/11 shooting. But he was 6/6 at the line. 5 rebounds. A steal. And 4 assists.

While remaining irrepressibly implacable.

* * * * *

Keeping the horse metaphor — we are gaining on Derby season — Peyton Siva is the one this team is riding.

He was steady. 9 points. 7 assists. Two steals.

Two more significant team stats. 15 assists vs. 15 turnovers. Not so good. 13/17 at the FT line. Good.

* * * * *

The following warning is provided, so you may get properly immunized in advance.

Next stop: ESPN Game Day in South Bend.

Which means Richard “Digger” Phelps shall be more insufferable and cloying than ever. He loves the Irish. He hates the Cards.

See your family physician for proper inoculation.

– Seedy K

Guilty.

In my defense, Jury of My Peers, I love the Cards and want them to play perfectly. But I gained some perspective yesterday before the game.

Sitting in the Press Room before tipoff, several of us were talking about IU’s W over Michigan. I lamented that my team — the Cardinals — with its flaws being exposed recently, is not quite at top line level, like the Hoosiers, Wolverines, Gators, Jayhawks and Blue Devils.

At which point, Bob Valvano looked at me and said, “Oh you’re one of those fans. A couple losses and you’ve given up on the Cardinals.”

“No,” I retorted. “It’s just that some flaws have become manifest.

“I believe I watch U of L with a discerning eye and try to be honest about their play. I’m not a knee jerk naysayer.”

“But all the contenders have flaws,” said Valvano.

At which juncture, I realized, perhaps for the first time, why it’s impossible for me to assess other teams the same as I do Louisville. I watch every single play of the Cardinals. Sometimes twice, using DVD. I observe them through a microscope.

Thus the flaws are magnified. Whereas, I tend only to “see” the good moments of other teams when I catch them on the tube. (Other than NC State this year. The Wolfpack’s flaws are many.)

Anyway, there ya go.

* * * * *

That caveat stated, let me start the assessment of yesterday’s performance with this. (Remember, I want the Cards to be firing on all cylinders all the time.)

Peyton Siva dribbles too much. Period.

You may try, but it’s going to be hard to convince me otherwise. Especially so in late game situations. Yesterday, even though the Cards had the game in hand, Siva lost the ball twice in the last 2:43 because — all together now — he was dribbling too much.

Peyton, I love ya. But, Peyton, I’ve seen Steve Nash play. And you’re no Steve Nash.

The Cardinal point guard had 7 assists. Several spicy. But those were counterbalanced with 6 turnovers. (As a team, U of L had 17 assists, but also 16 turnovers.)

In assessing the Cardinals as a title contender, one of the national pundits — I think it was one of the cbsportsline.com crew — offered that he’s never really trusted Siva to be a preeminent point guard. The point, alas, is well taken.

The positive though is that he’s capable of raising the level of his game to a lofty level, as he did last post-season. Two years in a row would be nice.

* * * * *

During the moments yesterday when Silent L (and SVT) were lighting a fire under the Cards after a less than stellar opening segment, a couple of fellow on press row were offering that Harrell was more efficient than Chane Behanan, and should be getting more PT.

So I ran the numbers. The old fashioned way. (Not as old school as using a slide rule, but I went to my trusty Casio light-sensitive calculator.)

Extrapolating their stats over 40 minutes, here’s how they shake out. Behanan averages 15.8 pp40 and 10.8 rbp40. Harrell’s comparables are 14.5 and 9.3.

They both hit 54% at the charity stripe. Ouch.

Silent L has an advantage in two categories. His FG % is 61% (60/98) vs CB’s 49% (87/178). Harrell has 17 blocked shots on the campaign, Behanan only 9.

Soooooo, the numbers tell me that Harrell is not really more effective at the offensive end. Other than he plays with more enthusiasm. Behanan remains a better defender.

The bottom line is this. The Cards are well served by the two-headed beast at power forward. 16.9 ppg. 11.3 rbpg.

When Harrell really learns to play the game, watch out. Silent L is going to roar.

* * * * *

The Cardinals were tough on the boards, easily winning that battle.

Much has been said and written about The Rick’s tactics to get them tougher around the glass. Reality is that a lot of teams lack blocking out skills. The art is just one of the fundamentals gone a glimmer in the AAU Era.

Louisville hit 50% from the field in both halves, even though Russ Smith was his normal 6/15 from the field. The visitors had their pockets picked 11 times.

I liked the way Pitino mixed defenses. Some zone. Some man. Some o’ that zone/man mix that I — and most foes — haven’t been able to figure out.

* * * * *

Marquette had won 7 of 8 coming into the game. Four of the Warrior’s next 6 are on the road.

Louisville has won 8 of the last 10 in this heated rivalry.

* * * * *

Love, love, love those simple white unis the team wore yesterday. Classic, less is more stylin’.

Of course, it’s nothing but a ploy by Adidas to sell merch. Those jerseys were there for the buying at the game for only $70. Actually I might have gone for it, but the one numeral available was #3.

Hate, hate, hate white outs. Or red outs. Or black outs. I simply don’t like to be told what to wear. I’m just not sure how this loathsome trend started? Was it the World Wide Leader? Do schools do it on their own to sell more shirts?

* * * * *

It’s nice to learn that even his cohorts think Digger Phelps is an idiot.

Before the game, Jay Bilas regaled several of us with this anecdote. The anniversary of Notre Dame’s famous W in South Bend, ending a record UCLA winning streak, fell recently on an ESPN Game Day. Apparently, Digger spent the morning calling all of his players on that team, just to tell them he was thinking about them and that achievement.

As Bilas tells it, “None of them took the call.”

Bilas also offered that he was blindsided by the jumbotron interview at a recent Big Monday game at the Yum!. He thought it was an internet only interview, and wasn’t told it was going to be projected live to the fans in the stands.

* * * * *

Next up: Rutgers in Piscataway.

Here’s how I spell it: T R A P  G A M E !!!!!!!

– Seedy K

Dip? ✔

Crudités (Eat at least one little carrot and piece of cauliflower, so you can dupe yourself into thinking  you’re eating healthy.) ✔

Beverages chilled? ✔

Impellizzeri’s on speed dial? ✔

These, my fellow hoopaholics, are not supplies for Super Sunday. The avocados will have to wait another day before they become guacamole.

I’m talking about tomorrow. A Saturday filled from before noon to bedtime with zesty matchups. Barcoloungers beware. Ye shall be occupied.

#1 Cincy @ Seton Hall. In the days of yesteryear, we had to wait until noon on Saturdays for opening tip. No more. The World Wide Leader, a benevolent dictator, has bestowed a favor upon us. Brunch with the Big East. The feisty Bearcats remain under the pundits’ radar. Kevin Willard’s Pirates are fighting for relevancy. A pleasant late morning tilt to enjoy with croissants and Eggs Benedict. Pass the Hollandaise s’il vous plait.

#2 Syracuse @ Pitt. The Orange are two games up in the loss column in league play. (Along with Marquette, which comes a callin’ to the Yum! Sunday, where they’ll be greeted by a hungry Cardinal squad in very stylin’ new white unis.) A loss at 17-5 Pitt would bring Boeheim’s bunch back to the field. The Panthers have a shot.

#3 Duke @ Florida State. The Seminoles always give the Blue Devils a hard time in Tallahassee. It’s a good thing. Always worth tuning in to see if Duke falls three games behind to surging Miami in U of L’s future conference. No better excuse to pop a fresh can open than Coach K walking off the court with an L.

#4 Colorado @ Utah. The Buffaloes have cooled a bit. They’re only 4-4 in league play, but have won their last 3. A W over the Utes will give them momentum to burst their bubble. Plus we’ll probably get Marques Johnson, a PAC homer if ever there was one, doing color. Unless it’s Bill Walton’s effusive exhortations on every play.

#5 Oklahoma State @ Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk doesn’t lose at home much when it comes to conference play. This year, they haven’t lost at either at Allen or on the road. But the Cowboys have lots of potential, spelled Marcus Smart and Bryan Nash. I’m smelling upset here.

#6 Wichita State @ Northern Iowa. No reason to wait for Arch Madness to consider the MoValley. The Shockers lead the league (along with Creighton). The Panthers, standing at 11-11 are a might down this season. But this one has trap game written all over it.

Seedy K’s Dining Tip: Order your pizza during the first half of this one. Remember Bennie Impellizzeri doesn’t deliver. You’ll need to pick up your pie before the Cats tip off.

#7 Kentucky @ Texas A&M. Can you spell payback? They’re liable to be dredging the Rio Grande for blocked Aggie rocks Nerlens Noel has dispatched into the muddy. Maybe Francine will be in the house.

#8 Ole Miss @ Florida. Why aren’t folks talking about the Gators? Bill Donovan’s crew is 7-0 in league play. Average margin of victory: 28 points. That’s not a typo. The Gators have won by 33, 22, 19, 31, 17 (Must have had an off night in Athens.), 35 and 39. If his less than stellar performance against the Cats didn’t chasten Marshall Henderson, this one will shut his trap.

#9 Michigan @ Indiana. This is the big one of the day, the one we’re all waiting to watch, Digger and Dickie V’s presence on the soundtrack notwithstanding. Both legit top liners come tourney time. Both playing well. Be sure to get up and stretch before tip.

Feel free to wash down your day’s repast with some bedtime milk and cookies. Unless, you’re ready for more. And there is more. It’s too late to stop now.

#10 Gonzaga @ San Diego. Okay, I gotta admit. I confused San Diego with San Diego State. My bad. The Toreros are only 11-11, not 16-4 and ranked in the Top 25 like the crosstown Aztecs. But, hey, I’m punch drunk just from contemplating the morrow. One reason to tune in is to see if former future U of L superstar Angel Nunez is sitting on Few’s bench in civvies?

Remember there’s no reason to sit through any commercials. There are more than a score more tilts to check out when play stops in the game you’re watching.

Now, get some rest. The Cards play Sunday. Then there’s that little football game. And all that guac and chips to consume.

– Seedy K

They hit 17 threes against Ole Miss at home.

And lost. On a three at the buzzer.

Sometimes being really hot is . . . not so hot.

* * * * *

NC State was hot.

The Wolfpack beat previously unbeaten Duke over the weekend.

Tonight they lost at Maryland. On a Pervis-Ellison-against-Duke-in-the-national-championship-game put in by Alex Len, off a Jeff-Hall-against-Duke-in-the-national-championship-game missed jumper by teammate Pe-Shon Howard.

At the buzzer. Okay, not really. There was still 9/10ths of a second on the clock.

The Terrapins got the ball with a smidge over 12 seconds to play. NC state had two fouls to give to shorten the game. Mike Gottfried, who has never been accused of basketball genius, only used one of them. Allowing Maryland to execute the game winning play. Not so hot.

Maryland’s students, apparently suffering from cabin fever though winter’s just started, stormed the court. After a narrow W over the #14 ranked school in the land. Not so hot.

I said it the other day. I’ll say it again. NC State doesn’t scare me. Talented, but . . . not well coached. Not very disciplined. Prone to be punks. Not so hot.

* * * * *

Who was it the other day that said Kyle Wiltjer would never be a factor for Kentucky?

Oh yeah, me. Not so hot.

Wiltjer against the Volunteers. Hot.

17 points. 5 rebounds. 2 assists. Assertive at both ends of the court. His best game as a Wildcat.

And, mea culpa, I was also the guy who said Julius Mays was a Cat of little consequence. Until, of course, he hit two key threes in a row against Tennessee. Hot.

* * * * *

Not a basketball note.

Monte Te’0 used to be hot. Really hot.

Not only to the nation’s Golden Dome adoring press. But also to a comely lass named Lennay Kekua, who was his “girlfriend.” Until she was in a car crash. And later died of cancer on the same day as his grandmother.

Except for a minor discrepancy of fact. It seems Lenny Kekua never existed. The Irish LB says he was a victim of a hoax. He used to say she visited him in Hawaii. Notre Dame’s Damage Control Squad is out in full force.

Not so hot.

* * * * *

Rick Pitino gave Denny Crum serious props in his post game presser after the Cards eviscerated UConn. Hot.

* * * * *

Wisconsin. Now 4-0 in “the nation’s toughest basketball conference.” Hot.

Indiana hit 37% against the Badgers. Including 3/12 from beyond the arc. Not so hot.

* * * * *

During the telecast of the Hoosiers’ L at home to the Badgers, The World Wide Leader showed a good bit of what is heralded as “the best timeout in basketball.” They play the William Tell Overture. The cheer squad runs around the court with big crimson and cream banners. Nice. Traditional. But . . . you know, kind of old school cool . . . not really that hot.

How could any timeout be better than a Kroger Krewe T-shirt toss at “The World’s Most Spectacular Arena?” Am I right, Dude, or am I right?

And that first season at “TWMSA” when they parachuted t-shirts from the rafters?

Now that was smokin’ hot.

– Seedy K

Tell me true, you know you really want to know.

Thanks to eagle-eyed reader Doc, I can confirm that the former U of L head coach is now Assistant Head Coach/ Secondary Coach on Willie Taggert’s staff at South Florida.

Most recently, Cooper was on the staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after stints at LSU and South Carolina.

I am sorry to report I have no word on how much of that 50 strong bucket list of his Cooper has completed.

* * * * *

Tapping into his inner Bobby Petrino, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly flirted with the Philly Eagles last week. Confirming that he learned every nuance from the master, this came on the heels of Kelly calling Notre Dame, his “dream job.” He’s also on record as saying, leaving South Bend “wasn’t an option.”

Turns out the echoes aren’t rollin’ down in South Bend over the news. TD Jesus is none too pleased.

According to a story in the Chicago Tribune, one ND colleague of the Kelly asked, “What the hell was he thinking?”

According to the article, the descriptor being used most often when talking about Kelly’s move — at least the one that’s not a four-letter pejorative — is disingenuous.

It’s not like the guy wasn’t globbersmacked by Alabama, or anything like that.

Yo, Brian, two pieces of advice. 1) No motorcycles. 2) Don’t hire Katherine Webb as recruiting assistant.

* * * * *

The first college hoops poll since the undefeated were none is out.

Gary Parrish’s always thoughtful Top 25 (+1).

He still has Duke on top, based on the legit conclusion that the Blue Devils’s  body of work remains the best in the land. Good for you, Gary.

I’m on record as saying I only want my Cardinals #1 after that last Monday night of the season. My guess is the AP and “coach’s” poll will have U of L on top come this afternoon.

* * * * *

Louisville is a 6 1/2 point favorite tonight over UConn. I’d settle for a 68-67 W.

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is going to come clean on Oprah. Or, is that clear?

The question, of course, as any barrister would ask, “Were you lying then? Or, are you lying now?”

* * * * *

Yes, Peyton Manning threw a pick to end Denver’s chances against the Ravens.

But, the real culprit in the loss was safety Rahim Moore, who made a play an alum might expect from my JM Atherton HS Rebels. His sidekick, CB Tony Carter is also culpable. They handed the Ravens the game.

The Atlanta/ Seattle finish was great, right?

Glad the Falcons came back. Don’t know why, but I just don’t like Pete Carroll. Guess it’s the way he jumped ship at Southern Cal.

* * * * *

Speaking of dislike, I gotta smile at the travails of the LA LA Lakers.

If you don’t think their season is toast, think again.

Jack has left the building. (Along with his sidekick.)

– Seedy K