If there was any doubt that Pat Kelsey (with Josh Heird holding the ladder) gets it — and frankly there should not have been any whatsoever were you paying attention — fuhgeddatboutit now.

The notion that PK might not fully understand Louisville Cardinal Basketball can be tossed in the trash with that old rotary phone, that Flowbee haircutter you bought one night when stoned watching horror flicks, buggy whips, three on the tree gear shifters, slide rules, that basement full of nutritional powder you bought when taking a flyer on multi level marketing, and your Bed Bath & Beyond discount postcards.

Rivalries ‘r’ Us.

Back to where we once belonged.

Before UK was forced into an annual series with U of L, thanks to a gubernatorial edict and that OT setback in Stokely, the Cards had two main rivals.

Fierce antagonists.

Memphis State.

Cincinnati.

And, in a whirlwind of announcements, we’ve learned that both are back on the schedule.

The Tigers for six future games, starting this coming December 13 in the Yum!.

Hoping Penny Hardaway is as indiscriminate using timeouts as Dana Kirk.

The Bearcats for two game, both on alleged neutral courts for some fuhrkakta reason. Next campaign in Cincy. The following season at Freedom Hall. Which is odd but kinda cool.

How appropriate would it be for Sananu Fru to outboard Cincy, like Wes Unseld did one night in the second half. While saddled with foul trouble against the duo of Jim Ard and Rick Roberson.

Now as a long in tooth real old old old timer, I’d love a series with Dayton? The Flyers were the Cards biggest rival in the 50s.

Bill “Vertical Hyphen” Horan! Look ’em up.

Throw in IU in Indy early next December.

Cliché Alert: This is what college hoops is all about.

Whammer Jammer.

 * * * * *

Speaking of “rivals,” Louisville has a designated one in the new ACC 18 game setup.

With no natural league arch enemy, the Cards have been paired schedule-wise with Southern Methodist. Whom they played all of ten times in history before the Dallas school bought their way into the conference last year.

Two less league games is a way, it is believed, for the once Best League In The Land to regain its stature. More chances to beat outside foes.

Here’s what will do it. Win the damn games.

Coaching shifts have decimated the league. Four Hall of Famers retiring hurt. New hires look promising. Fingers crossed.

Once again I’ll advise a sure fire way to immediately upgrade the ACC: Make UConn an offer they can’t refuse.

 * * * * *

What is it about Oxford Town that is such the attraction for former Cardinals?

(NIL of course, but I’m rockin’ here.)

First Dre Davis. Then Koren Johnson. The latest, James Scott.

Gotta believe a visit to Rowan Oak sealed the deal, right? Faulkner’s home. The ballers must have been dazzled when they saw the author scribbled outlines for his work on the walls.

Who said there are aren’t any student-athletes anymore?

 * * * * *

Still awaiting some roster additions.

Ten ain’t enough.

— c d kaplan