Louisville Basketball: Top 15 Players of the 2000’s: 3-1
By Jacob Lane
#3 – Francisco Garcia
Career Stats: 14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.4 bpg
Francisco Gaaaarrrccciiaaa was not only one of the easiest players to cheer for in the last two decades, but also one of the best players. Garcia would have had a real chance at that number one spot had he stayed in school for his final season. However, you can’t fault a guy for going to the league, getting paid, and taking care of his family!
Garcia was an extremely likeable guy, who came from lesser means in the Bronx, and brought a brash style of play to a Louisville program that desperately needed a big name, and a leader. He was the first truly great player to commit and stick with Rick Pitino, and he became a special guy for the Cards for three years, capping his final season with a run to the 2005 Final Four.
Garcia had the ability to get to the basket at will, and create significant mis-matches, given his size. At 6’7,” he was able to see over smaller defenders, or dribble past a traditional three or four. He was a sharp-shooter, with the ability to get hot and single-handily put away games.
Garcia was complete savage. He had ice in his veins, and was the definition of a leader. He never panicked, and instilled confidence in his teammates. Being the best player on the team didn’t mean that he wasn’t going to make the hustle plays either. He constantly was on the floor, chasing down players off the ball for blocks, and doing the little things that make a huge difference.
Garcia was an incredible player, and an all-around great guy, who was successful at Louisville, but also went on to have an outstanding career in the NBA and beyond.