Louisville basketball has a grueling schedule, as it will face some of the best programs in the nation, including most of the blue-blood programs. Pat Kelsey had a spectacular first season with the Cardinals, and while his schedule is challenging, he is poised to guide Louisville to greatness.
The Cardinals will face Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and even Kansas in an exhibition game. Kelsey's statement scheduling went as far as to pack KFC Yum! Center in the preseason and to battle test his guys in late October.
The matchup between Kansas and the other program will be a fun preseason blockbuster showdown as both programs are expected to be ranked in the top 20. Kansas basketball head coach and Hall of Famer Bill Self was recently on a local ESPN radio show in Louisville and gave Kelsey a massive shoutout.
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Bill Self just gave Pat Kelsey the ultimate praise before next season
Kelsey has completely transformed this program, and he did it at a rapid pace. Many were expecting Kelsey to be able to finally turn Louisville basketball back to the historic program it once was, but no one expected it to be done in the time Kelsey did.
"Pat's done an unbelievable job in a short amount of time. He's got that thing turned, and everybody is so excited. He's got Louisville basketball back where it should be. We will be excited about going in there. They will have a preseason top five or top eight team, I don't know what it will be."
HOF WEEK | “Pat's done an unbelievable job in a short amount of time" - Kansas HC Bill Self joined @espnVshow discussing Pat Kelsey, exhibition series with Louisville + much more.
— ESPN Louisville (@ESPN680) July 17, 2025
Full interview: https://t.co/3rJ0axvYNZ pic.twitter.com/kFFeaLAOFJ
The matchup between Kansas and Louisville is set to be a blockbuster showdown in late October, which will likely set the tone for the season. The Cardinals fans will pack the Center for a preseason game and will show the nation that Louisville basketball is back and here to stay.
Kelsey earned more wins last season than the previous three years combined, and also broke multiple records while doing so. He earned the most conference wins in Louisville basketball history and led the Cardinals to the biggest comeback season in program history, as they improved by 19 wins from the previous year. He also set the tone for the future as he brought Louisville to their first ACC Championship game, and now has the eyes to win their first ACC Title.
Self and Kelsey will go head to head on Oct. 24 at KFC Yum! Center. It is always fun to hear Kelsey getting the praise he deserves, and to hear him now get it from two Hall of Fame basketball coaches in Self and Rick Pitino, it only proves the Cardinals are set up for greatness.
Related: Louisville Basketball Hall of Famer passes the torch to Pat Kelsey with high praise
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.