I forget a lot of things as I too rapidly approach the onus of octogenariasm.

Like what I had for breakfast just a few hours ago.

OK, not that really, as a man of habitual rhythm, that meal has been the same since whenever.

But, as much as I do recall about Louisville Cardinal basketball, there’s more I’ve forgotten. And, mea culpa, stuff I didn’t realize.

So, credit to Eric Crawford whom I hereby plagiarize after reading his game story, there’s an astounding perspective of this joyful ever surprising bunch of Cards.

In a hallowed history that includes three nattys, an NIT, an NAIA, ten FFs (Think that’s right, counted on my fingers?),  status as the Team of the 70s, home to two HoF coaches with a third in place, this revivalist put together gang has done something hard to comprehend that no U of L contingent ever did before.

Five 20+ point victories on foe’s home courts.

My mouth’s agape.

The gifts keep on a comin’.

 * * * * *

James Scott is a gamer.

Facial fractures plus the tooth thing.

His Hannibal Lector gear was crafted by some folks at the Speed School.

All hands on deck.

 * * * * *

Numbers time.

Even though we think we are pretty sure of what we want to be sure about, we, OK me, are afraid to say it out loud. Or write it.

So, an encouraging day after ranking update:

Ken Pomeroy: 25. ⬆️

Bart Torvik: 20 ⬆️

Evan Miyakawa: 19 ⬆️

NCAA Net: 27 ⬆️

Bracket Matrix is a day old, still a 7.

But here’s the big turn of events. That ESPN analytical model that was a serious outlier, suggesting the Cards only a 50% or so chance to make the tourney, it’s algorithm model was adjusted.

In the middle of February?

Yeah, in the middle of February.

They now the Cardinals are listed as a L . . . L . . . Lo . . .”

Sorry, my random superstitiousness has kicked in. I shall not write the word.

Just to let you know it’s like Purnell Sausages. Gooooooooooood.

 * * * * *

While U of L’s ACC schedule has not been difficult given this season’s epidemic of ACC mediocrity, it has featured one blessing for the Cards.

No West Coast trip.

Plus, the Cardinals non-league SoS has inured to its benefit. For example, they’ve gotten a +6.86 rating adjustment for all those difficult November and December games.

Also helpful. Hammering those teams by way more than Johnny Data predicts.

 * * * * *

It happens from time to time.

I get a mandate from the dictator of the National Hoops Pundit Association.

The current one notes I haven’t followed direction to write about Cooper Flagg as often as I should. Either he gets a mention in my next column, or I get sent to the Anne Boleyn Suite in the Tower of London, with all the side benefits she enjoyed.

So, my neck twitching, I advise this about Dickie V’s (and most everybody else’s) favorite new kid on the block.

His course schedule: A Writing class, Health & Nutrition, Sports Business, and Origins of Hip Hop.

 * * * * *

I had another back and forth with GreenThumb who was in my GameCap lede.

He’s a Cat fan. But most respectful of the Cards. After I kept waxing on about U of L, he shared that similar joy is being experienced by the BBN

He then talked about what a great time it is to live in Hoopsylvania.

Be still my beating heart. I tried to insinuate that title for this hoops obsessed neck of the woods into the vernacular. Honestly it never took. He’s the first person other than me I’ve ever heard use it.

But, yeah, Hoopsylvania be jumpin’.

At least South Hoopsylvania. North of the River fans await an announcement of the next Crimson & Cream savior.

 * * * * *

One last very cool moment.

At the gym today, a fellow whom I didn’t immediately recognize, waved at me and threw an Ls Up my way.

Realizing I was having trouble placing him, he mouthed his name.

The Unknown Musician.

— c d kaplan