By all accounts, Pat Kelsey knew of U of L’s monumental basketball tradition and place in the hierarchy of the sport before being tapped as the Cards’ coach.

That has been underscored by his reception in the community, his schooling how this area is the epicenter of college hoops fanaticism. How intense is the level of hunger for some success among the citizens of the Red & Black Nation.

Yet . . . yet . . . yet . . . he still seemed genuinely taken aback when walking into the media room at the Floyd Street practice facility for a presser on Thursday.

The place was so jammed there weren’t enough chairs for all. So many cables from so many TV cameras, a couple of folks nearly tripped when trying to maneuver about.

His opening comment was an expression of wonder that on a Thursday afternoon in June there would be so much attention being paid.

So it is.

 * * * * *

As is most often the case with such gatherings, there wasn’t that much substantive provided.

Understandable. Given it’s a totally new roster which has only been able go through drills for a few weeks. They’re still learning his terminology.

There were a few things that struck me.

When a question was asked, he responded directly to the person who presented it.

I asked him about defensive philosophy and schemes. He looked at me during the entirety of his answer.

Which was essentially “99% half court man to man.” He likened it to Alabama, which is as long ball offensively oriented as the Cardinals will be.

Several times he mentioned how mature most of the players are, self motivated.

He talked about the universally heralded values of a summer trip. Ten extra full team practices. Team bonding, which is especially important for an entirely new squad. Experiencing another culture.

He praised his assistant Mike Cassidy, whom, if memory serves, he sort of referred to as an offensive coordinator.

Asked about Peyton Siva, Kelsey said, “He makes us better. He’d make any organization better.

“He lights up a room. He’s a world class dude.”

Kelsey uses the word “dude” a lot. I like it.

Straight forward, he said it was too early to tell if the players are going to jell. He referenced a couple of his successful Charleston squads. One got it together early. One evolved during the campaign.

Asked who was the most vocal of the players, the only one mentioned by name was J’Vonne Hadley. Which was confirmed when the latter along with Reyne Smith and Chucky Hepburn took questions. Hadley was most always the first to respond.

Of course, realizing that the Cards need butts in the seats, PK shilled for season tickets. Understanding that it’s now a professional sport, he praised 502Circle and asked for continuing support to the Cards NIL collective.

 * * * * *

Since Reyne Smith balled at Charleston, he was asked about Kelsey’s quirkiness and how it might play out.

He mentioned how when PK is putting in a set, and a player doesn’t start exactly where he should or go where he should, coach will lie down on the hardwood and put his finger on the exact spot.

 * * * * *

As for the fanbase?

Well, as if I need to advise those reading this, We Are Ready!

I chatted up a fellow I see all the time where I work out, but had never spoken to. He was wearing a Cardinal hoops t-shirt. It was all I needed to engage him for the first time.

He moved to town in the early 90s, started to attend U of L games in ’95.

“Ah, the beginning of the Crum decline,” says I.

“Yeah, but I loved it.”

He attended every home game the last couple of seasons.

He is ready.

Had a wisdom tooth extracted last week. Don’t ask.

Turns out my oral surgeon is a big Cardinal fan.

And a big fan of road trips to Indy, packing in as many visits to Shapiro’s as possible. Like somebody else you might know.

He is ready.

There is a regional next year at Lucas Oil.

PK, if you can make it happen, pastrami and latkes for the whole team are on me.

— c d kaplan