In Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology, Louisville basketball sets sail towards the SEC’s Goliath

Louisville basketball finished the season on a nine-game winning run and had 19 victories in their final 20 games, but Joe Lunardi isn’t satisfied.

Louisville basketball concluded the season with a nine-game winning run and 19 wins in their final 20 games, but Joe Lunardi is not thrilled.

The Cardinals were placed as a No. 6 seed before into their last game, but ESPN’s top March Madness writer forecasts they will now fall to No. 7.

Louisville is expected to face Drake University in the first round. The Bulldogs average more than 70 points per game and just won the MVC regular-season championship. Drake finished 30-3 during the regular season and 17-3 in conference play.

The Cardinals face Drake in the first round, but if they advance to the second round, they will face an SEC powerhouse in the round of 32. No games are scheduled in March.

In Joe Lunardi’s newest Bracketology, Louisville basketball is eyeing the SEC powerhouse.

Louisville basketball, ranked No. 7 in our prediction, will most likely meet a No. 2 seed in the round of 32.

Joe Lunardi predicts the Cardinals will face Alabama’s Crimson Tide. The Tide finished third in the SEC regular season standings, with a 24-7 record and a 13-5 conference record. The Cardinals are known for their dynamic offensive approach, but Alabama boasts the top offence in the nation.

The Crimson Tide leads the country in points per game (91.2) in shooting percentage (48.4%), ranking 26th overall. Their offence is led by great guard Mark Sean. Sean averages 19.2 points and 5.0 assists, shooting 41.0% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc.

Alabama is presently ranked #2 in ESPN’s BPI rankings. The Tide boasts a remarkable 14-7 record in the Quality Wins category, the No. 1 strength of schedule, and a top-five position in every other area.

Alabama has ten wins against ranked opponents and faces a few opponents similar to Louisville. The Cardinals lost to Kentucky and Oklahoma earlier in the regular season, while Alabama defeated Oklahoma and Kentucky twice. However, the Cardinals and Alabama faced identical opponents in North Carolina, and both teams were able to defeat the Tar Heels.

In the second round, Pat Kelsey and his undermanned Cardinals face a daunting assignment. Lousiville’s standout guards Chucky Hepburn and Terrence Edwards Jr., who excel at shooting and catching fire, enable them to compete with any team.

A lot more has to happen, as many pundits have lately relocated the Cardinals to the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. If the Cardinals can make a deep run in the ACC Tournament, they will have a clear road to a No. 6 seed, maybe a No. 5.

‘Pat Kelsey Could Cut a Mean WWE Promo’ — Thousands of Fans React to Pat Kelsey’s Entertaining Hype Video

Pat Kelsey, head coach of the Louisville men’s basketball team, performed a WWE-style promo prior of the Cardinals’ home game versus Pittsburgh.

Kelsey released a humorous video on X (previously Twitter) encouraging followers to get tickets and wear red or black shirts to the game’s stripe-out clash.

College Sports Network’s CBB Power Rankings analyze every team’s strength in a proprietary ranking system, from No. 1 to No. 364. Who are the real contenders?

Pat Kelsey Adds Energy to Louisville’s Stripe-Out Game Promotion

“Today’s episode of ‘PK’s How to Embarrass My Daughters’ via social media post. Yo, STRIPE OUT tomorrow. Check your ticket to see if you are in the red or black section, then wear the appropriate colour for the game. See you at the Yum. The post’s caption said, “ReviVILLE.”

Today’s edition of ‘PK’s How to Embarrass My Daughters’ via social media post. 🚨
Yo, STRIPE OUT tomorrow. Check your ticket for whether you are in a red or black section then rock the correct color for the game. 🔴 ⚫️. See y’all at the Yum. ReviVILLE. pic.twitter.com/GMuPJF5cFh

— Pat Kelsey (@patkelsey) February 28, 2025

College basketball enthusiasts flocked to the comments section to praise coach Kelsey for his “badass” promotion.

“PK could cut a mean WWE promo,” one fan said.

“My Coach is a badass,” another admirer said.

“Very nice. Not just the concept, but also this promotional/instructional video!” A fan remarked.

Here are some more remarks from other college basketball enthusiasts.

“Just love the L out of our coach!” A fan remarked.

“Pat Kelsey is the man,” another fan said.

“I can’t not like that man. “Even for a cat fan,” one enthusiast commented.

Pat Kelsey predicts a ‘dangerous team’ in the Louisville vs. Pittsburgh game

The Louisville men’s basketball program will begin a three-game homestand to conclude the regular season. The first game is against Pittsburg on Saturday evening, and first-year head coach Pat Kelsey anticipates a challenging opponent.

“I see a very, very, very dangerous team,” Kelsey stated of Pitt. “I see a squad that scares the heck out of me. I envision a team that needs to be there in every aspect of our defensive strategy. I envision a squad that can execute our strategies because they are athletic, well-coached, and tough. I don’t care what anybody’s record is.

🎥: Head Coach @patkelsey Press Conference presented by @NeilHuffman https://t.co/O5oD3QE6ep

— Louisville Men’s Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) February 28, 2025

Kelsey has guided the Cardinals to their greatest season in years, with only two losses and six straight wins. Their most recent victory was a 71-66 triumph against Virginia Tech in their last away game of the season. Louisville is currently 22-6 overall and 15-2 in the ACC.

On the other side, the Panthers come into Saturday’s game with a 16-12 overall record and a 7-10 ACC record.

College Sports Network provides up-to-date news, analysis, insights, and current topics in several sports, including football and basketball.

Article written by Nonyelum Ossai.

Pat Kelsey explains how Chucky Hepburn draws so many fouls

Chucky Hepburn, a seasoned point guard for the Louisville Cardinals, has proven invaluable to head coach Pat Kelsey in his first season. This season, it has shown itself significantly in the form of fouls.

Hepburn had a terrific game, getting fouls against the Florida State Seminoles. throughout total, he drew 11 fouls from the Seminoles and shot 17 free throws throughout the contest, setting a club record. Kelsey congratulated him after the game, explaining how he was able to get so many fouls.

“That’s very, very efficient basketball,” Pat Kelsey stated. “As we previously stated, the greatest percentage shot in the game is the free throw. So, when we speak about the shots we want to produce, you clearly want to start with the highest percentage shot in the game, which is free throws.”

Kelsey has focused on getting the Louisville squad to attack downhill on offence. He wants them to maintain control and take effective shots. That should lead to good offence, and Hepburn excels at it.

“So, that’s just playing off the attack and downhill, but you also need to be composed. I felt like there were occasions in the first half when numerous players were taking what we call Simone Biles jumpers around the rim,” Kelsey explained. “And if you shoot Simone Biles shots, they are quite difficult. She does 8 million twists and other manoeuvres and receives a higher score as a result. In basketball, if you double clutch, go up, and accomplish everything of this, you still earn two points. So, shooting odd shots against these men is equivalent to committing a turnover. Turnovers against these men result in scores on the opposite end.

Never Postpone Gratitude: How Pat Kelsey strengthened and revolutionised Louisville basketball

One of Louisville basketball’s best players was absent when the squad arrived at South Bend, Indiana on February 15.

On the eve of Louisville’s game against Notre Dame, head coach Pat Kelsey and his players hiked over a snow-covered runway to the team bus, took a quick journey to Purcell Pavilion, and started walk-through preparations.

Terrence Edwards Jr., a fifth-year senior, had rather different aspirations back in Louisville, Kentucky.

Edwards was present when his son, Terrence Edwards III, or Tre, was born that evening.

Edwards’ commercial trip to Northern Indiana was delayed the next morning due to weather conditions in South Bend and Louisville. In an emergency, the coaching staff was ready to send Edwards in a car, offering whatever resources were required to quickly bring Louisville’s newest parent to his game.

However, Edwards arrived on schedule and started for the 23rd match this season. He recorded 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in his 34 minutes of play. Naturally, this occurred just a few hours after he and his fiancée had a restless night had gone through all the firsts for a first-time father.

His teammates decided to throw Terrence Edwards a baby shower in the days before the newest Terrence Edwards was born. And teammates showered him with love and support when he arrived, only hours before the game.

The squad was flying home that night with Edwards, who had just finished thrashing an ACC opponent from beginning to end. That outcome has become standard for Pat Kelsey’s team, which also achieved its 20th victory over the Irish.

This was simply another night at work for Kelsey’s crew, in the big picture. Another challenge overcome with constant concentration and devotion to a careful plan.

Adversity right away

The Cardinals, who were vying for the ACC championship, shouldn’t even be considered as an NCAA Tournament contender, according to the odds.

Not after a prior stint that ended with an incredible 12-52 record over two whole seasons. Not until the coaching staff, roster, team management, physicians, and other personnel have all been completely reorganised.

Definitely not in light of the challenges the squad has faced.

The unfortunate loss to the Louisville roster is more reminiscent of the Toon Squad’s injury report at halftime versus the Monstars than it is of a program hoping to make a strong run in March.

Following surgery to address a persistent knee problem, BYU transfer Aly Khalifa chose to be a medical redshirt. After tearing his ACL in the first round of the NCAA Tournament the previous year, former Charleston guard Kobe Rodgers was placed on the redshirt list alongside Khalifa.

Then, after the season’s second game, 2024 Pac-12 6th-man of the year Koren Johnson had a shoulder injury and decided to have surgery to stop his season. If you are keeping score, it was just 80 minutes deep, meaning that three of Louisville’s 13 scholarship players were out for the season.

Kasean Pryor, Louisville’s standout forward, tore his ACL in the team’s seventh game of the season, necessitating season-ending surgery and a protracted recuperation.

Then, a key bench player, forward Kader Traore, missed ten games in November and December after breaking his left wrist during practice.

Big guy Noah Waterman shattered his thumb shortly after, necessitating the surgical insertion of four pins. Waterman shut it down for four games in the middle of the season after weeks of playing with an injury.

Chucky Hepburn, the team’s star point guard, has had several injuries and has missed a game because of a strained groin.

In a horrific incident versus Miami, centre James Scott broke two teeth and damaged his jaw.

However, this attrition hasn’t stopped Louisville from pursuing its ultimate goal: a place in the ACC’s top division.

Despite hit after hit and what seemed like terrible break after poor break, Kelsey’s team has managed to win and do it with conviction.

Louisville won ten games in a row at one time. Since December 21st, the Cards have won 15 of 16 games. They are ranked second in the ACC Standings and within the Coaches Poll and AP Top 25.

Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey and offensive coordinator Mike Cassidy watch from the sidelines. Photo by Jared Anderson

Together with Duke, Louisville is on course to become the only ACC teams in history to record 18 or more conference victories.

One of the top collegiate basketball teams is made up of a collection of underappreciated players, the majority of whom have little to no prior playing experience together.

In terms of continuity, Louisville ranks dead worst in the country. Thirteen scholarship athletes who weren’t on the roster the previous season make up this Cardinals roster.

Teams who are thought to have greater overall skill and far more continuity are, however, struggling to prepare for Kelsey’s team in the weeks leading up to Selection Sunday.

Nine players on this Louisville basketball squad were not even ranked by the 247Sports player composite rankings when they graduated from high school.

The contributors who did make it into their respective class rankings were lesser-known commodities going into college: Khani Rooths (34th in 2024), Koren Johnson (132nd in 2023), and Chucky Hepburn (114th in 2021).

With his other best offer from Eastern Kentucky, Scott was unrated. When Edwards chose James Madison over Arkansas Little Rock, he was unrated and unranked.

Prior to committing to Long Beach State, Kader Traore was an unrated player without any offers.

During their trip, unrated athletes Pryor and J’Vonne Haley ended up in junior college.

The same is true for Waterman, who rose to prominence at BYU in 2024 after four years at the mid-major level.

They didn’t rate Reyne Smith. Rodgers, Kobe? Not rated. Khalifa Aly? You guessed it: Scouting services did not yield any ratings.

The only other squad member to obtain a recruitment ranking at 199th place was Frank Anselem (now Anselem-Ibe), a supporting cast member who plays seldom.

Ratings and rankings be damned, this club plays with passion, grit, drive, and an unshakeable devotion to the goal and to each other.

Don’t put off being grateful.

Khani Rooths and James Scott celebrate after a win; Louisville basketball. Photo by Jared Anderson

La Grange, Kentucky, is experiencing a single-digit January morning. In my backyard, the light hasn’t yet broken through the snow-covered tree line. As I stand behind my Keurig, I listen to its morning moans while glancing at a pile of dishes in a washbasin that I swear was empty and clean seven hours prior.

Ellie, who is seven years old, emerges from the shadows. She is wearing a Buckner Bears t-shirt, crocs, and thin, pink tights. Before my wife has had her coffee, I instantly into stepdad mode and consider if it’s worth making a remark about her lack of clothes and risking a full-blown breakdown.

That’s what you have on? From the top of the steps, I hear. As he stumbles down the stairs, falls onto the sofa, and jams his knees into the same Champion hoodie he’s been wearing since Christmas, our 10-year-old River has made his presence known.

As my wife arrives, still half sleepy, Ellie is now on her hands and knees, packing her lunchbox into a rucksack twice her size. My dad’s tasks are temporarily finished when she gets her coffee.

“I cherish you! As I return to the bedroom, I yell, Ted Lasso’s “Believe” coffee cup in hand. As my wife nudges them out the door, Ellie yells back, “I haaaate you.”

Four years ago, when I was just getting divorced, I wouldn’t have believed you when you told me that this was my new life. It’s as chaotic as it sounds to uproot one’s life to marry a friend, become a stepfather, construct a house across the country, and change occupations in order to spend more time with one’s family.

However, now that we’re here, I’m kind of crushing it, except from my reluctance to embrace the general lack of personal space I’ve given up for the next ten to fifteen years.

My wife and I bonded over our mutual passion for Louisville sports.

We bonded during football-related road trips to Miami, Raleigh, Indianapolis, and other places over the majority of the “dating phase.” During the Kenny Payne period, we went to 27 (TWENTY SEVEN) home basketball games for Louisville.

Louisville sports are by far the most time-consuming aspect of our lives when we do have leisure time.

Patrick Kelsey has thus grown to be a really significant figure in our home.

Additionally, the lessons we’ve learnt since his hiring have shaped the way we approach life.

Kelsey and I share a similar perspective on the world. It is a lens of compassion, fortitude, and thankfulness rather than one that is secured in place by heavy black frames.

Kelsey is renowned for praising the values of his late mentor, Skip Prosser. And one of the maxims Kelsey most often cites is the following:

“Gratefulness should never be postponed.”

In theory, it’s a straightforward idea that has the power to drastically alter one’s perspective.

I’m a big believer in positive affirmations. I genuinely believe that the most honest method to communicate is to give good feedback in real time, without getting too deep into the psychology of why that is the case.

A struggling friend or coworker might be empowered by something as basic as a “good job.” Random, little deeds of kindness have the power to spread. Above all, though, returning the positive energy to the world as soon as possible after receiving it is not only a fulfilling endeavour but also an implicit duty that all people should feel as part of our shared humanity.

On his first day of work at UofL, Kelsey asked for the phone numbers of some of Louisville’s most well-known people, including boosters, contributors, and program supporters. Josh Heird, the athletic director, gave him eight numbers.

Kelsey had called on the eight Louisville fans and asked for twenty more before his first news conference.

It sounds easy. And, basically, it is. However, a fundamental aspect of our humanity that is sometimes overlooked is a sincere gratitude for the chances that are presented to us.

Louisville basketball head coach Pat Kelsey chats with an official. Photo by Jared Anderson

Under the former Louisville basketball administration, finger-pointing, shifting of blame, and general lack of responsibility were the norm.

The forty minutes of basketball that preceded former head coach Kenny Payne’s post-game press conferences became more of a must-watch than the actual game.

The more Louisville lost games, the more the blame was placed on others outside of the leadership, since accountability begins at the top. Purgatory was where the program was. Neither on nor off the court was there any clear vision or direction.

Picking at past wounds never works, but it’s crucial to remember that previous leadership anticipated their positions. Payne’s hiring was delayed, which infuriated former players and other powerful people who supported him. They never showed gratitude. From the beginning, there was a disconnect.

With a city and fan base in ruins and two dead last finishes in ACC play, Payne blamed everyone but himself, including the players and supporters, for his departure. He has never publicly shown thanks or appreciation for the position that was given to him, nor has he ever accepted responsibility.

Kelsey comes in.

When Louisville’s new head coach was given the program’s keys, he was shocked, as seen in a series of videos that went viral.

He couldn’t go ten steps on his first trip to the Louisville campus without saying hello, expressing joy, and thanking someone. Hell, Kelsey mistook his private office for a lobby or meeting space.

For the first time in a long time, the enthusiasm was equal to the moment’s importance.

“I’d crawl there,” was Kelsey’s straightforward response when Heird phoned her about the position.

Kelsey avoids taking responsibility for Louisville’s victories during news conferences after games. He instantly corrects himself and substitutes “we” if he ever answers in the first person. Kelsey is always grateful to his employees. He mentions his strength and conditioning coach Eli Foy, his athletic trainer Katie Creznic, and Dana Brown, Louisville’s sports information director, almost every time he speaks to the public.

Kelsey took over the program at its lowest point and has things on pace far ahead of schedule, all while maintaining one of the top 10 places in the nation and at the height of his career. He is a strong contender for the title of National Coach of the Year. He gives thanks to people around him and avoids taking the credit, though.

“25 strong,” he says. That is, at least 25 players, coaches, support personnel, and other individuals who contribute to the team’s success.

He is never the focus. It all comes down to the wider picture.

I usually settle down with my dog, Jack, solve Wordle in three guesses like a champ, check my emails and enjoy the one and only half hours of real peace I get each day after dropping my family off at school and working on some silly Brady Bunch, Leave it To Beaver vibes.

I began writing about my lover, PK, while I was seated there. And right now, my only emotion is thankfulness.

That is, thankfulness for my place in life. For the chances I am given and those I am not. For the opportunity to share this perplexing yet incredibly fulfilling human experience, to give and receive love and pleasure.

Even if the majority of us don’t often have Kelsey’s impact, we can still learn a lot from his teachings.

Opportunities for expressions of appreciation come in many forms. It truly just needs a mental change.

I hope you understand what I mean when your significant other handles household chores, when someone lets you by in traffic, or when a coworker offers assistance. To varied degrees, we depend on other people to survive in this world.

There are chances to express thankfulness on an as-needed basis. Sometimes you only need to be willing to look.

“He Gives Coffee a Nervous Feel”

Any concept of phoniness or anything falling short of what a true, authentic leader symbolises is blatantly untrue, as anyone who has listened to Pat Kelsey or followed his path carefully enough knows.

“The unit’s power.” “25 strong.” “Gratefulness should never be postponed.” Even to those who are looking in from the outside, his lessons are genuine and impactful since he lives out and demonstrates his message every day.

His activities radiate vitality. He speaks with purpose. Above all, each and every employee, athlete, towel restocker, and Libman’s mop child is fully committed. His staff and team share the same vision. They breathe it, eat it as a midnight snack, sleep it, and live it. Like an elderly guy after a lengthy schvitz, he is soaking up the good stuff and drowning out the noise with his real vitality, enthusiasm for life, and persistent knowledge.

Given that Kelsey is a tall 5’9″ woman who frequently sports thick-rimmed glasses and an upbeat demeanour, it’s understandable why some people don’t instantly fall for her.

“Anyway,” Kelsey adds. If you give him five minutes, he will alter your viewpoint.

Kelsey is really vivacious. He comes off as the kind of man who would keep the door open for one person and refuse to give it to them until half the entire town passes by. It’s easy to see that he has more energy than you have.

Kelsey exudes optimism, and his disposition and attitude hardly ever shift. He even purposefully puts em-phAs-is on his syl-Ables.

According to one Prosser, Kelsey “makes coffee nervous.”

The most crucial play comes next.

The simplest method to maintain constant energy and effort is to concentrate so much on the daily tasks that you are forced to let success find you.

After an eight-point victory against FSU, Kelsey appeared rather irritated when he sat down for his postgame radio appearance. He was disappointed that his squad didn’t play with the proper level of energy the entire time.

He said, “You must make every possession the most significant one you have ever owned.”

For Kelsey and the crew, it’s just another constant priority.

During a preseason media appearance, Kelsey was questioned about his team’s schedule and made it clear that he was just thinking about his team’s exhibition versus Division II opponent Young Harris.

“It’s the most significant game in our program’s history,” Kelsey said. “Because it’s the one after it.”

Kelsey even acknowledges that his intense concentration on the now causes him to forget what he is supposed to be doing tomorrow.

Following his second victory over FSU this season, Kelsey remarked, “There are times when I’m not even sure who we are playing next.” “I only paid attention to Florida State today.”

Since tomorrow is the next day, I’m not saying that you should go to work and tell your employer that this is the most significant day in the history of the HR department. Or maybe you were so focused on your shift today that you forgot about a deadline.

Hell, though, why not adopt that mindset? If you consider the next day or step as disposable, what good is it to work towards something?

If each day is the most significant, then treating each day with more care becomes the new standard; this affects all area of a person’s life.

The following item is the most crucial one.

Events plus Response equals Outcome, or E+R=O, is how Kelsey sometimes expresses the mathematical basis of his life philosophy.

“I live my life by the formula we have in our program,” Kelsey adds. And those guys heard it from our players earlier. O is equivalent to E plus R.

“E” stands for situations and occurrences over which you have no control.

“The desired result is represented by the letter “O.” There isn’t much you can do about it, but you can take action on the following issue.

That’s what you said (R). How are we going to approach it, you ask? The most significant event in our program’s history will be the next activity we do, whether it is the next recruiting meeting, the next weight room repeat, or the next individual session. And we’re going to excel at it. We’re going to be excellent at the next thing now, and then the next one after that.

In his book Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy did a good job of explaining this idea.

At times, Dungy said, “things will go wrong.” “Your circumstances are not always under your control. You do, however, have control over your response, attitude, and strategy. Complaining or looking ahead and figuring out how to improve the situation are your alternatives.

From a coaching standpoint, Louisville basketball supporters have become used to the unpredictability of player, media, and fan interactions throughout the years.

Now-St. John’s coach Rick Pitino was a titanic figure who governed with an iron grip for almost twenty years.

Fans of the Cards have only ever experienced authoritarian leadership in this millennium. And it’s considered okay when you’re winning. At the same time, nobody likes it when you lose and display your ass. Ask the people in Westwood, California, or Storrs, Connecticut.

As long as the victories continued to come, what some would have called “tough love” was tolerated in previous generations.

But what Louisville basketball really needed was a leader with the compassion and understanding to guide the team the way today’s players want to be guided.

Coddling or being unduly kind to student-athletes is not what it means. Instead, learning to teach and inspire on their level after comprehending the demands and desires of a contemporary young adult.

Legends of coaching left in large numbers as a result of this assignment.

Just in the ACC alone, Mike Kryzewski, Roy Williams, Jim Boeheim, Tony Bennett, and Leonard Hamilton have left or are leaving.

A new generation of coaches is developing as a result of the sport’s constantly shifting regulations and changing duties.

A few of those autocratic leaders are still in power, but they have only achieved true success by adapting to the times and realising that change is sometimes acceptable.

“Locker rooms are like my mother’s bathing suit,” Ted Lasso once said. I simply want to see them intact.

Kelsey and his team have elevated that modernised slant to a new level in a manner reminiscent of Lasso.

Transparency has a very valuable quality. Additionally, Kelsey has discovered a mathematical formula that allows his teams to flourish in a player-led, accepting atmosphere. Every voice is heard, every opinion counts, and every component is a vital gear in the wheel.

Kelsey has a coordinator for both offence and defence. Louisville’s scout squad tries to understand the plays and individual habits of the opposition, and his staff scouts opponents well in advance.

The Louisville bench is quite busy for both coaches and players. Teaching never stops. Information is always shared. Never let one another feel bad about themselves.

In team timeouts, players frequently take the lead in talks. They are relied upon to assume responsibility and adapt as necessary.

Like great quarterbacks audible-ing at the line of scrimmage, Louisville coaches and players scream out assignments from the bench when opposition teams are calling plays. Always one step ahead.

Transparency and trust are easily discernible, and the conversation never ends.

With a significant comeback, Louisville basketball is well-positioned for both short-term and long-term success. This is mostly because the program is a direct mirror of its unyielding boss.

“To thine ownself be true” is a famous quote from Billy Shakespeare.

By being the most genuine version of himself, Pat Kelsey is influencing a program’s present and future.

His presence is transforming lives on campus and throughout Louisville through thankfulness, genuineness, and unwavering desire.

Here’s a sincere thank you to the legend, PK, in keeping with the idea that appreciation should never be postponed.