Big Red Louie
Fansided

Louisville Basketball: 5 things we love about this Cardinals team

By Derek Snyder

Nov 25, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Louisville Cardinals bench reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis championship game in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Louisville Cardinals bench reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis championship game in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Nov 30, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) battles for the ball with Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) battles for the ball with Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Effort & Hustle They Bring Every Single Game

Other than being unselfish, this is the other thing that every Louisville basketball team brings.

The pressure that the Cardinals can put on opposing shooters is just crazy. Frankly, I’m not sure Purdue could even think straight with the type of defense Louisville was playing in the first half on Wednesday night.

I remember a few weeks ago, Rick Pitino challenged Anas Mahmoud to give better effort and focus on getting more defensive rebounds. The next game, Mahmoud about ran over his own teammates, trying to go and grab a rebound. I love that effort and dedication from a guy looking to please his coach.

Whether it’s guys diving on the floor for loose balls or chasing down a fast-break, I am very comfortable and appreciative of the effort this team brings every game.

Next: 25 greatest Louisville Football players from the past decade

Home/Louisville Basketball