Non-Kentucky News of the Day

Bandaid to a Gunshot Wound: Justin "Don't Call me Gary" Coleman news and a UL 2010-11 Outlook

I'm all Brandon Knighted and Michael Gilchristed out for the day. Well, maybe I'm just coming down off the 48 hour recruiting news high. So I'm putting the UK news to rest as I'm tuckered out and need to conserve the energy for this weekends announcements - it won't be as big but they are just as important.


However, that shouldn't stop me from giving you a bit of Louisville recruiting news and a 2010-2011 outlook now should it?

After two straight trips to the Elite 8, the Cards are coming off a disappointing 2009-2010 season where they failed to make it past the first round in the NCAA tournament. Louisville has lost two starters and has a small recruiting class coming in. To plateau or improve for next season - a stopgap season to the hyped 2011 class - Louisville needs a few things:

1) Samardo Samuels Progresses: From his freshmen to sophomore season, Samuels did improve but he was lacking a killer instinct, drive, and an ability to go toe-to-toe with bigger center. He will need to make bigger strides this offseason, become the leader of the team, show the drive and passion, and be able to bang with the big boys next season as the cornerstone to a small frontcourt if the Cards plan to make waves.

2) Payton Siva Steps Up: Fans called for Siva last year after Edgar Sosa's erratic and inefficient play. Siva showed flashes of the hype that surrounded his arrival when given the chance, but ultimately Rick Pitino decided to take the Aaron Rodgers approach to his basketball quarterback - sit, wait, watch and learn. With a season and full offseason under the former McDonald All-American's belt, Siva will be called upon to make plays and handle the ball for the Cards. If he's successful, the Cards can be.

3) Freshmen Impact: Justin "Don't call me Gary" Coleman, a 6'5" SG from Virginia, has the skills to make that immediate spark to a team hurting at guard. The only issue is that Coleman hasn't qualified yet. The Courier-Journal's Jodie Demling doesn't believe he will either. If the prediction pans out, the Cards may be in a worse spot than last year, when they had Jerry Smith playing the SG spot. Look for a late pickup to fill the scholarship in lieu of Coleman's absence, but it probably won't be a big splash. If Coleman does get to play, look for him to add size, quickness, and a starter at guard. Coleman will need work with his outside jumper, but hopefully he works harder in the classroom as it's more important for Louisville right now.