Pat Kelsey's bold promise to Louisville basketball is aging beautifully

Louisville basketball is having one of the best stories in all of college basketball this season.

The Cardinals had won just 12 games in the previous two seasons and were last in the ACC for two consecutive years. Louisville had no life in its program, and when the Cardinals needed the spark, and they called on Pat Kelsey.

Kelsey was known as one of the best program builders in the country. He rejuvenated Winthrop and Charleston before his time at Louisville. He would secure 11 conference titles in his time with those two programs, including four conference tournament titles.

Well, before Kelsey took the court to coach at Lousiville, he had his opening press conference, and in those first hours of having this Cardinals job, he made some bold promises that ended up aging like fine wine.

Pat Kelsey's bold promise to Louisville basketball is aging beautifully

Louisville basketball is having a historic season, and the Cardinals continue to break program records this season.

This time last season, Louisville was in a completely different position and was searching for a new head coach. The Cardinals won 12 games in the last two seasons combined and 25 games in the previous three seasons combined.

Louisville basketball was as close to rock bottom as it could get. The Cardinals were desperate, and when they were searching for their new coach, they had one name in mind: Pat Kelsey. Almost a year ago today, the Cardinals held their opening press conference with Pat Kelsey, and he delivered some great lines. Some lines raised eyebrows and caught the fans' attention.

"We are going to win. We are going to win." Kelsey stated nearly 12 months ago when he was hired.

Well, it is clear as day that all of Kelsey's promises came true and that he is a certified winner, and he made that promise to the Cardinals nation nearly 12 months ago when he took this position that the Cardinals will win.

It is no secret that is exactly what he has done in his first year at Louisville. Pat Kelsey won the ACC Coach of the Year award, is a semifinalist for the Naismith Naismith Coach of the Year award, and has broken multiple records in his first year.

The Cardinals have won 26 games, which is tied for the most wins in the first season as Louisville basketball's head coach. The 26 wins also more wins than the previous three seasons combined and helped the Cardinals secure a program-best 18 regular season conference wins.

Louisville has secured two 10-game winning streaks this season, which is just the fourth time in program history. Kelsey made a promise to the Louisville fan base a year ago that the team is going to win, and they are going to give their 110% every game.

"If you don't plan on winning, then don't put your shoes on," Kelsey stated a year ago when the Cardinals faithful should expect Louisville to start winning again. "No offence, I am just being honest, and that is how I am wired."

Kelsey has secured Louisville basketball's first berth in the ACC semifinals in his first season. The Cardinals were 0-4 in the quarterfinals and were 3-8 overall in the ACC Tournament before last night's win.

Pat Kelsey has overachieved this year and has kept his promise to Louisville basketball. The Cardinals now are just two wins away from Louisville basketball's first ACC Tournament title.