Cappers Buzz

Louisville- Sometimes you can take coach’s interviews as mere coachspeak and other times there’s something to be learned. All you had to do is watch Rick Pitino after his last couple of TV wins, and you can tell that the veteran coach can barely contain his excitement over these Cardinals. Not only are his red Birds “red hot” right now, but they still remain under the radar! No one is really talking about them and that is rare for a Pitino team. His team can keep their nasty edge as they are only 18^th in one poll and 23^rd in the despite winning 8 out of 9 in the Big East with the only loss coming by 2 at UConn. Pitino did a good job of experimenting with different lineups early on as this team battled through injuries in November and December. He’s getting tremendous play on both sides of the court from previously enigmatic Terrence Williams who is averaging 12 points, 8 boards, and nearly 5 assists per game from his small forward position. The Cardinals press as well as any team in the country, and are third in the nation in defensive FG% (37), and 1^st in the Big East in defensive efficiency (by a wide margin as opponents average an estimated 89 ppg on 100 possessions).

Outlook: Legitimate Final Four Threat. Receiving a lot less hype than other Top 10 caliber teams, which means there may be some value come tourney time.