Louisville Basketball: 10 reasons why the Cards can win the National Title

Louisville Basketball: 10 reasons why the Cards can win the National Championship

Nov 26, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino celebrates his 700th win with Athletic Director Tom Jurich following the second half against the Cleveland State Vikings at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Cleveland State 45-33. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Jordan Roper (20) controls the ball defended by Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and forward Anas Mahmoud (14) during the second half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Tigers won 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Improved defensive intensity

One of the biggest strengths of the 2013 National Championship team was their uncanny ability to create turnovers and turn those TO’s in points. Russ Smith and Peyton Siva gave other teams fits as they tried to force the ball up court.

Passes were deflected, balls were stolen, while Peyton Siva did a 360 degree lay-up under the rim, drawing the foul.

If this team could come close to creating that type of chaos on defense, then things could get very interesting in March.

The great thing is that Louisville has the type of players can that can cause teams a lot of problems on defense. Donovan Mitchell, Quentin Snider, Deng Adel, and Tony Hicks have all the ability to force the ball where the offense doesn’t want it to go: Back into the Cards possession.

Next: Number 7

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