While on the elliptical Saturday morning, savoring the b-ball buffet that was France vs. Brasil — I’d like another helping of Wemby s’il vous plait — I couldn’t stop thinking about the gluttony of hoops riches this week.

Also, a cinephile of sorts — so I’d like to believe — I couldn’t help think of the 70s flick I saw at Crescent Theater (before it was a porn house, hip restaurant, and bank).

“La Grande Bouffe.” (The Great Feast).

An odd film about four male members of the well to do bourgeoise who make a pact to steal away to some fancy villa and eat themselves to death. Which they do, as well as inviting several ladies of the night to indulge other pleasures.

That certainly is not my intention with the gift of hoops we get right now, but I was concerned, hoopaholic that I am, about an overdose.

Then I ran into Doc, who was also working out.

Not only is he a major hoopaholic of the Cardinal persuasion, he’s also, like, a real M.D..

Get out your pad, says I, “I need a script.”

Then advising — HIPA be damned — that I needed an antidote.

“It’s the last week in July, and we got three Cardinal games next week. Plus the Olympics. Wemby today. USA vs. Team Jokic Sunday.

“A prudent man, Doc, I fear too much might be too much, since my tolerance for such this time of year is weak.”

After which I advised how I usually build up my ability to combat overindulgence of basketball slowly as the season draws closer. But this year, this week — POP! BAM! WOW! — the totally madeover Cards are traveling to the Bahamas for a couple games. Thanks to Floyd Street Media, they’ll be streamed.

Then there’s The Ville. On a Monday night. In Freedom Hall.

Against a squad comprised of UK alums.

Plus that competition across the pond. (Ya know, you’re in good stead when ya got Kevin Durant coming off an injury and coming off the bench, and netting 8/8 in the 1st including a very difficult fallaway J at the halftime horn.)

*A snarky aside. I’d note that Olympian Devin Booker was on the pine, when the Cats were losing their undefated status to Wisconsin, while the Twins Harrison saw the PT. They’ll be ballin’ for their alma mammy tomorrow night, Coach Cal.

Anyhow, all this hoops and I’m more than a little shook up. Got shivers down my back bone. I got the hippy hippy shakes.

I’m also thinkin’ about long time pal Bruce, now gone. His go to greeting when we’d sit down for lunch during the normally fallow days of summer would be, “Is it too early to talk it?”

I’d admonish him about not peaking too early. Then we’d spend an hour and a half deep diving into the Cardinals we loved.

Doc just smiled. Advised he was going to The Ville’s practice that afternoon, and the next. He patronizingly patted me on the back, and shuffled on to finish his sets.

Thanks, pal.

 * * * * *

There was a media opportunity to attend U of L’s practice Friday before the Cards headed off for a couple of exhis in paradise.

But I cannot report on it. Mea culpa, because the email advising of same got lost in a barrage of other messages Friday morning.

I shall refrain from sharing the dynamics of my advising Glorious Editor of my inattendance. It remains confidential between my boss and me. What I can say is I’m not on double secret probation. But there is a workup in my personnel file. As if it wasn’t crammed already with reports on pink paper.

As for the details of Louisville’s upcoming sojourn to the Bahamas: Uh, not much.

I can report the name of the Cardinals’ foes. Tuesday at 7:00 is Bahamas Select. Thursday at noon is the University of Calgary Dinos.

Other than that, nuttin’ honey.

Tried to track down rosters, coaches, etc, etc, etc.

To the proverbial no avail.

I shall be tuning in, as if you didn’t already know that. After which I will dutifully file reports.

It remains as mysterious as it is exciting.

 * * * * *

Here’s what I can tell you about Monday when The Ville meets La Familia.

It’s a sweet sweet summer treat like no other. Better than the best seetest most juicy slice of watermelon ever.

TBT has had so many media requests, those of us who already were credentialed had to advise whether we’d be there or not, so they could make sure they have enough room.

It’s reported that 11,000+ tickets have been sold.

I know any number of Cardinal faithful who are pissed they didn’t go to the Ticketmaster site in the immediate aftermath of the team’s W in the Quarters.

The house should be rockin’.

It’s time for the Harrison Payback.

— c d kaplan