Big Red Louie
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Louisville basketball: The 10 most hated opposing players

By Alan Thomas

LOUISVILLE, KY - JANUARY 14: Donvan Mitchell #45 of the Louisville Cardinals and Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils battle for a loose ball during the game at KFC YUM! Center on January 14, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - JANUARY 14: Donvan Mitchell #45 of the Louisville Cardinals and Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils battle for a loose ball during the game at KFC YUM! Center on January 14, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 29: Steve Novak #16 of the New York Knicks reacts after shooting a three pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

Steve Novak – Marquette

2003-2006

Ah yes, the baby-faced, three-point gunslinging giant. The guy couldn’t freaking miss! Well, not vs Louisville anyway.

Steve Novak was the opposing player that just always seemed to be wide open amidst having the game of his life. Many a cuss word did he provoke from my tongue in his time at Marquette.

As we all know, some players don’t really need to be jerks for us to hate them. Novak was no exception. I couldn’t stand the guy, and it had nothing to do with his attitude.

In the early 2000’s, Louisville vs Marquette was must-see tv. For whatever reason, when the lights shined the brightest, Novak was right on the money. It drove us insane.

Prime example: January 31, 2004. Louisville was red hot, cruising on a 16-game winning streak. Rick Pitino had been out a couple games for medical reasons. Though the Cards performed adequately that game, in the end, Steve Novak was just too much. Way too much.

Novak rained on Pitino’s return, draining EIGHT three-pointers en route to a 77-70 Marquette victory. It was his career-high in made threes and in points, as he dropped 30 on the day.

“Except for Novak’s shooting, I feel fine. I don’t feel good for our basketball team. That would make anybody sick.” Pitino reacted.

I’d have to agree. Barf.

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