Louisville Basketball 5-Year Reunion: 3 Reasons to Attend

The University of Louisville basketball team will come together for a 5-year reunion on Friday, put on by the Louisville Sports Commission. We have all the details, and why you should attend.

The Louisville Sports Commission and the Louisville basketball team from 2013 are joining together celebrate the 5-year anniversary of their 3rd NCAA National Championship. This event comes just months after one of the roughest years in program history, in which Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino and Athletic Director Tom Jurich were let go by the school, and the 2013 National Championship Banner was taken down after being vacated by the NCAA.

I couldn’t think of a more perfect time for the members of that team to together to celebrate what was probably one of the top three moments of my life.  It is expected that all team members will return, putting them all together for the first time since that night, including Peyton Siva, Russ Smith, Chane Behanan, Gorgui Dieng, MOP Luke Hancock and Montrezl Harrell. In a statement from Luke Hancock and the rest of the team, they said:

"The event is an opportunity for fans to join with members of UofL’s 2013 men’s basketball team as they relive their experiences from the championship game. Team members will share their memories regarding strategy along with personal reflections and commentary about that unforgettable game. There will be opportunities for autographs and photos during the event."

Hancock has spearheaded the event that is beginning to take shape nicely. It will be at 4th Street Live! on Friday, June 29th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

The entire team is expected to be there, along with an array of performances and speakers.

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the event, visit https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/mobile/index/1702801?utm_medium=bks.

Event For a Great Cause

All of the proceeds from the event go to Aspire Basketball Academy. The up and coming program is a prep school that works with student athletes who want to play basketball at the next level. It is a unique program because Louisville has never had anything like this before. It is something that has been long overdue in the area, given the fact that it is a talent-rich area with a love for the game of basketball.

Aspire gives kids who often don’t have the resources to get a quality education in the classroom, as well as in life, the opportunity to move on to the next level and compete and receive an education at great colleges and universities.

Aspire was co-founded and is now coached by by former Cardinal student-manager Jeremy Kipness.

For more information, please visit aspirebasketballacademy.com.

Opportunity to Meet Championship Team Players

This event gives fans and supports the chance to be up close and personal with one of the greatest teams in school history. You will get the opportunity to hear from the players who will reminisce on their favorite moments, and get to meet the players for autographs and photos.

As I mentioned before, it’s been five years since the entire team has been together, and could possibly be the last for quite some time. Due to punishments handed down by the NCAA, this team is technically no longer recognized as champions, and will be unable to be celebrated as that by the University of Louisville.

This is a once in a lifetime chance for fans of all ages to come together, and relive one of the greatest moments in program history.

Tickets are only $20, and children under 12 years of age are admitted for free.

Give Back to the Team

Most importantly, this is a chance to give back to a team that deserves it. As much as the sanctions and ramifications of scandals around the program sting for fans and alumni, it hurts even worse for the players. The guys who worked and played their hearts out for the city and university are the ones who are hurt the most. The team has handled the situation in a dignified manner, and it would be incredible for them to have the support and get to see and feel the love the city still has for them.

If you have free time on Friday night, and want to have a chance to give back to some great people, get your butt down to Fourth Street. It is going to be an event to remember.

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