Louisville Basketball: Top 15 Players of the 2000’s: 7-4
#4- Reece Gaines
Career Stats: 15.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.5 spg
Reece Gaines is a player that is often underappreciated around the Louisville program.
Gaines, however, is one of the best players in Louisville history, not just since 2000. He may be underappreciated because Louisville was in a transition period from the Crum to Pitino era during his career. But, his time in the Ville was full of incredible moments and record-breaking seasons.
Gaines was once tabbed “the best college player (he) ever faced” by Dwayne Wade, and he backed that up on the court. Gaines averaged 21 points per game in his junior year, but proved that he was a do it all kind of player in his senior year, dishing out over 5 assists per game. He left Louisville in the top 10 in three point field goals and free throws made. He demonstrated the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, including nearly 40% from three for his career.
One could argue that Louisville overachieved in Rick Pitino’s first couple of seasons. Much of that is due to Gaines. He lead Louisville to a 25 win season his senior year, and was first team all-conference, and a 3rd team All-American.
Gaines’s legacy, in my opinion, is often understated. He helped build the foundation for Louisville basketball in the post Denny Crum era. Gaines is a vital piece to Louisville’s success.
Next week, we are down to the final three! Let us know what you think about the list so far, and who you think the number 1 Louisville player since 2000 is.