Louisville basketball: The 10 most hated opposing players

Elliot Perry – Memphis State

1988 – 1991

Okay, here it is (takes massive gulp of Haterade). The most annoying, peskiest, most-hated player goes to Elliot Perry. The speedy guard played with a high level of intensity and physicality that moved us to groans as onlookers. Also, those goggles didn’t help his case for likeability.

Perry had that “you gotta be kidding me” aspect to his game. Not meaning he was insanely talented (though he was good), he just seemed to get the ducks in a row wherever he needed them, whenever he needed them. He was lightning fast and his left-handed shot and drive were tough to stop.

In one game at Louisville, Memphis jumped out to a 24-0 lead with Perry doing the majority of the scoring in that opening run, and wouldn’t you know he closed the game with six consecutive made free-throws to thwart any late-game heroics the Cards had in store. He finished the game with 25 points. It was embarrassing. We all blamed Elliot Perry.

Perry’s intense emotions bled out into his on-court antics throughout his battles with Louisville. Though the rivalry with the Cards extends well beyond his college career, it is safe to say that when Memphis State and Louisville each other while he was on the roster, the pure hatred that each school had for one another seemed the most evident.

Perry’s collegiate playing days saw perhaps the ugliest era of the rivalry to date. From objects being launched at Louisville players and coaches to Memphis fans verbally harassing visiting Cards fans in attendance at road games or even conference tournaments held at Freedom Hall, and he seemed to be the center of it all…the spark behind the fire and smoke.

Elliot Perry wasn’t just a player. He was a thorn in our side. (slams empty glass of Haterade down on the table)