Dear Team 106: An open letter to Louisville basketball

An open letter to the players of Louisville basketball’s 106th team.

Dear Louisville basketball,

I address you as Cardinals because once you enroll at the university to play for the beloved Louisville basketball program, that’s what you become to us, and that’s what you’ll always be in our hearts.

I know for some of you, the journey to arrive here has been perilous, perhaps even unlikely. Some from out of state, out of region, or an entirely different country. Others were born and raised right here in the 502. But no matter what area code you hail from, you have chosen Louisville to spend the most important years of your life. And because of that life-altering choice, we, in turn, choose you.

Some of you may never see extended minutes on the court here, whether that be a talent disparity or developmental shortcomings. Don’t worry about that. Life is all about experiences. All you can control is who you are and what you do, one day at a time. Maybe the universe has a different plan for you. Enjoy each day riding the pine in the KFC YUM! Center, in the world’s capital of college hoops. What a pine to ride! Millions of kids across the globe would kill for that opportunity. If you’re on the bench at Louisville, you are a proven talent already. Always remember that.

To the high-profile, highly-touted players, just know that we understand that the expectations we have created for you could never match the expectations that you have created for yourself. When I woke up this morning, I fed my dog and drove off to work whistling with my coffee in hand. You guys woke up to reassuring texts from family. You read them therapeutically, as the whirling waters of social media have cast stones at your good name while you slept.

Remember to always accentuate the positive. Churn the negative into determination and steadfastness. The words of drunk and disgruntled men and women don’t negate the years of AAU tournaments, camps, drills, practices, injuries overcome, and lessons learned along the road through adversity.

The average college basketball player right now has played more basketball throughout his or her life than any other college basketball era in history. They don’t know the marathon you’ve run to get where you are today, and they don’t know what it’s like to live in your head and think your thoughts. Just know that if you’re a major contributor on the Louisville basketball team, you are an exemplary athlete and a rare talent of this world. No one can take that away from you. You have earned every stripe.

To all the players on this roster that have had to trudge through the adjustments of playing for multiple coaches here, that is a special type of commitment that we will never forget. Having to learn one coach’s style and ultimately unlearn it, and fall out of those routines, only to muster up a second (or third) wind and absorb an entirely different pace and structure of the game. You could’ve left this place in the dust and none of us would’ve hated you for it. We would’ve understood completely. It takes an incredible set of characters and personalities to be able to band together and put a rocky past like that behind them to achieve a common goal, and I think some folks around the country overlook that, but we appreciate it.

When I was young, my first heroes and role models were Louisville basketball players. I wanted the same jersey number as DeJuan Wheat, the same finesse as LaBradford Smith. I wanted to wear shorts like Nate Johnson and Jason Osborne. I wanted hair like B.J. Flynn. I wanted to be tough like Felton Spencer.

My grandad played high school basketball against Louisville legend Wes Unseld, and he fell in love with the teams from the ’60s. Those were his heroes and role models. And now all of you have become heroes and role models for my children, simply by being Louisville basketball players.

One day, my kids will tell their kids about this season, and though some of your names may be left out of the elaborate story, please always remember how much of the equation you really are. Though the book on this season has yet to be written in its entirety, it already has several spell-binding chapters.

When you move on from here, even years from now, no matter what you’re doing in life, you will always be revered by this fanbase, just by putting on that jersey.

Sincerely,

Cardinal for life