As disconsolate as I may feel in the immediate aftermath of Louisville’s season ending 69-77 loss to Michigan State, I am consoled by contextualizing a sad moment with this heartening reality.
It came on March 21.
It came in the second round of the NCAA tournament, a place the Cardinals had not resided in for nine years.
It came against a Michigan State Spartan program which always always peaks come Dance time. And were objectively, simply better than Louisville in 2026.
Against a mentor, Tom Izzo, who was coaching in his 35th Round of 32 game. In which he now stands 26-9. With 7 of those Ls coming as an #8 or #9 seed to a #1 seed.
Pat Kelsey, whose learning curve continues, won his first ever game in the tournament.
It was his 24th W of his second season on Floyd Street.
The 51st of his growing time as U of L coach.
You know what former coaches didn’t win that many in their first two seasons?
Denny Crum, for one.
Rick Pitino, for another.*
*Before you start shouting about how schools play more games now. Which is true, more opportunities for Ws. Then again, neither DC or RP, Hall of Famers both, took over the reins of a program in such a depleted, destitute state. Both had something to work with. PK had to start from scratch.
* * * * *
As for Saturday’s action on the hardwood, Sparty kept Louisville at arm’s length the whole way.
Yet Louisville, who never held an advantage after 7-5, kept grinding.
The Cardinals were down only a 5 spot at halftime.
After hitting but 4 of their 18 three point attempts.
Because they were playing solid defense.
Because they were +4 on points off turnovers.
Because they were +6 points in the paint.
Because they had two more offensive boards than the Spartans, who feature skywalking Coen Carr.
Because they held State scoreless for 2:17 before intermission.
Because Adrian Wooley went to work late before intermission, tallying six straight for U of L.
* * * * *
The second half was a grind, laborious.
The Cards could never get enough stops and scores fashioned to knot it up or take the lead.
Yet never let Michigan State out its sight.
An Aly Khalifa trey cut the margin to 47-50 at 12:04.
But State as it did all afternoon immediately responded with one of their own.
* * * * *
The outcome became a fait accompli during a minute eighteen segment following the media stoppage at 7:59.
Up 55-50 during the timeout, State scored 8 consecutive after it for their biggest advantage of the day at 63-50.
Despite hitting 9 triples in the 2d, Louisville never was able to appreciably close the gap.
* * * * *
It hurts now.
Major Saturday night ice cream binge necessary to ease the pain.
But the University of Louisville is relevant again.
That’s all this old man can ask for.
— c d kaplan
I also am more than a bit unstpkztzf
‘Zactly.
I’ve seen that movie before. Yes, it’s PK’s second year, the refs let the other team put two hands on, shove and hold all game, we didn’t give up, the flagrant foul on Zou was awful, yada yada yada. Same movie, different opponent. I hope PK has learned what we need, in the front court especially, to compete with teams like Michigan State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Duke, et al. We had some bad luck with Pryor not being a factor this season (why did he play for 30 seconds?) and Brown’s malady, but every team has the same issue to a degree. All in all, a disappointing year. Last one out, turn off the lights.
Season was effectively over when Brown Junior got hurt
Team was constructed with three bigs, none of whom did much of anything and an elite point guard who couldn’t play
Disappointing year? Really. Hmmmmm. Not for me.
Really? Considering the early expectations that were sold to us?
I’m not saying it’s a total failure, but it’s certainly failed to meet expectations given the hype we were fed.
Expectations lead to resentments.
Are you saying you had no expectations? That’s not plausible. Seems I recall an article or two of resignation that this team wasn’t as good as we thought it would/could be in the preseason. Not that you expressed extreme despair about it, but I’m not buying that a die hard like you wasn’t at least a little disappointed when it became apparent we were not going to be a contender. I know I was.
I did lower my expectations after the first exhibition game vs Kansas, so I didn’t spend any of the season expecting more than what we saw. It was apparent to me out of the gate that we had several key players who were not physically elite. I posted my disappointment in the comments of the writeup of that game. I got it out of the way early.
Of course, I had expectations. But adjusted them as the season progressed. I am prone to be positive, so hope for the best. As the year wound down, as our flaws were exposed time and again, what I wanted and believed our ceiling was, to win a tourney game. Which is why I was so nervous on Thursday, and frankly not at all today because I had no belief the Cards could beat Michigan State.
I not saying I never expressed “extreme despair,” honestly don’t remember. But certainly not in recent weeks, and not at how the season ended.
I think maybe you got kind of down in one article if I remember correctly. People were commenting on it as I recall. But no I never saw much despair. I would call it resignation. Accepting reality.
Your take and ride was much like mine. When I saw we couldn’t match up physically with Kansas I knew that was not going to change with the other more highly talented teams. That game was my big moment of disappointment.
Also, trying to run the NBA Five Out offense without NBA caliber shooters, and no talented big men, was disappointing to see. I hope they scrap that crap unless he can recruit the talent to impose that on elite college teams. I seriously doubt he can. It’s a bit worrisome.
Like you I was extremely nervous about Thursday. You may recall I texted you on Monday or Tuesday. I was totally relaxed today. Today played out exactly as expected.
I agree with seedy, not a disappointment of a year, just an unlucky one
The kids played hard, just didn’t have the one piece to compete with the best teams
From Jody Demling on 24/7
Been in a lot of losing locker rooms at the end of seasons in my time.
But have to say that maybe the most emotional one that I have seen. I think it was a combination of things, including the expectation that was there and they never met it; they have been through a lot with injuries and such, but also, I do think it’s just the culture they have.
“I just don’t want to see it end,” Isaac McKneely said. “These guys are great to be on the court with and this is a great place to play. I loved my year.”
A couple of other things:
J’Vonne Hadley: “I blame myself for this loss. I pride myself on being consistent and didn’t come through for my team.”
Ryan Conwell: “I am always hard on myself. I think I could have done better, no matter how I was feeling.”
Mikel Brown Jr.: “This is not how I wanted this to end. I came here to hang a banner, and we didn’t do that, and I hate it.”
Hadley looked and played like he was worn down.
Isn’t Houston a #2 seed?
Last time I checked – funny you would pick up on that – I’m
Pretty sure I haven’t seen a lot of natty pucks gets – of course they are a 2 & they were in the finals last year losing 65-63 to the Gators – but the shocking thing is how so many people diss them & Sampson – you don’t have to be 10 seed to shock – there are 3 teams that imo can win this thing – Houston – Arizona & Michigan.
Just look how formful the tournament has been the last few years and more so in NIL
But you don’t go 33/36! Just picking – 2 seeds –
I am sure it must have been an oversight – not one mention of how McFeely NEVER shows up for the big time teams – or Thursdays hero Rodgers – and poor Hadley picked a bad time to disappear – the song remains the same – everything Scorpio & I’ve been saying for several months just came to a fitting and merciful end today – of course this season was a disappointment given the bill of NIL goods we were sold – I was grateful and
Fortunate being able to attend our best home win – over the still ballin Kentucky Wildcats – kudos to Kelsey for bringing us out of the wilderness & I am sure brighter days ahead – but in what universe are we ready to play with at least a dozen teams left dancing ?
Houston is gonna shock the world – thanks for keeping us in Ice cream 😎 Oh and 2 of my ESPN brackets are 33/36 & at 99,9 % – Ahead of the entire College Gameday crew – but what do I know – just lucky 🍀
I am really sorry that the Cards didn’t meet your expectations. I am sure they will soon enough get in touch to personally apologize. Then you can explain to them how getting to the Final Four and winning a couple more titles is a birthright. If they would only play the way you and many other fans want and expect them to.
By the by, in what was for many reasons the singular most important game of the year, Isaac McKneely scored 23 Thursday in U of L’s first NCAA win in nine years. 8/11. 7/10. Should I write that in ALL CAPS for emphasis.
At what point in time did your Cardinal fandom attitude turn so negative? You’ve been ready to pounce all year.
I can’t answer for Bunny, but what we were told we got with our NIL money and what we actually got were quite a ways apart. That’s a normal and natural set up for disappointment. There is nothing wrong about feeling disappointed at all.
Since when are fans not allowed to be disappointed? Is this Seedy’s new rule? Maybe you should call or email the players and tell them they shouldn’t be disappointed either. Wtf? lol
Not speaking for Bunny, but if you define “big” as top competition then his comment about is McKneely is 100% accurate. Of course the first NCAA tournament win in 9 years was an important game, but the level of competition was a notch down. USF was a net #45. Played in only five Q1 games, and won only two. McKneely consistently found and made shots vs lesser competition, but not higher level teams. That I believe was the point.
Thank you Scorpio in both “your not speaking for Bunny comments” – I find myself incredulous that anyone can’t see the difference –
first off I clearly said the Kentucky win was the most important HOME WIN of the season” – it was a joyous moment that was celebratory and with Mikel & Cornwell a true moment of optimism and hope. I got a lovely text from Seedy saying “glad you were there” & so was I-
Now for the reality check – the game was 11/11 -let that sink in – Scorpio who I admit freely was swayed earlier by the Kansas (who has their own deficiencies) game -kudos to him not for being “ready to pounce” but for his clear eyed realism. For me as I began to understand what Scorpio and eventually Dough Boy saw as well as away losses @ Arkansas & Tennessee showed – this team was oversold to us and “not ready for prime time” – the losses in ACC play while mostly predictable made that clear .
Next came the Mikel saga – Samuel Beckett notwithstanding there seemed to develop a “Waiting for Mikel” mindset that bordered on “if only” & “ wait till Mikel comes back” – partially fed by Kelsey’s teases in his prognosis. When Mikel scored 45 of course it’s natural to think about what might have been – instead of living in the reality of WHAT IS – like Mikel was the only player injured and out for any team- how would that have changed our lack of a frontcourt ? Please don’t answer that –
Of course the UCF win was good – I remind you that Texas A & M won their first game too – then was obliterated by a Houston team that has blown out 2 teams now by over 35 in historic fashion and has all the parts –
Finally it appears that all season long Seedy and I have had a different view of the 12th year Senior McNeeley- I’m sure he may be a nice kid but I will let Scorpio’s prescient words close my rebuttal …
“ Not speaking for Bunny, but if you define “big” as top competition then his comment about is McKneely is 100% accurate. McKneely consistently found and made shots vs lesser competition, but not higher level teams. That I believe was the point.”
That’s reality not emotion – thank you for listening .
A marvelous mid-major performance and another Quad1 quacker. And by the way, thank you so much “Freddy Fraud”. You have endeared yourself to Cardinal Nation forever. The decent thing to do would be to refund the Athletic Department an amount equal to the pay you recieved for each game not played in which you could have played but for 0 concern for team and community.
I apologize in advance to almost anyone I may offend.
Using denigrating nicknames for a player or a school is so juvenile.
Thank you.
Loves ya Dough Boy – again to quote Scorpio “ I can’t answer for Bunny, but what we were told we got with our NIL money and what we actually got were quite a ways apart. That’s a normal and natural set up for disappointment. There is nothing wrong about feeling disappointed at all.
Since when are fans not allowed to be disappointed? Is this Seedy’s new rule? “
Who’s the Disappointment Czar?
Disappointment is one thing. I’m really disappointed. Every fan has the right to react as they please. There is no czar.
What gets me is how viciously negative fans have gotten in the internet/ social media era.
It just seems to me that, after the Pitino imbroglios, Chris Mack literally quitting on the school and team in the middle of a season, the lamentable two seasons before Kelsey, that there’d be somewhat more acceptance that the road back to the top is circuitous.
We’ve won 51 games in two seasons, our first NCAA W in nine years, and fans are hurling nasty barbs because their personal expectations weren’t met.
It’s, to be honest, worn me down.
This team played its heart out, never quit. What more is it fair to ask? Injuries happen. Roster construction mistakes happen. In game meltdowns occur. Only one team wins the last game of the season. And I feel more than blessed to have experienced that three times. As have all the rest of you here.
“ kudos to Kelsey for bringing us out of the wilderness & I am sure brighter days ahead – but in what universe are we ready to play with at least a dozen teams left dancing ?”
I said that – kudos is positive- and the last part is true ..
Again it seems that you don’t wish to respond to not only the entirely valid points Scorpio & I raised in my rebuttal – let’s try again‼️
1) was Kentucky on 11/11 our most significant home win for the reasons mentioned but as long as you wish to invoke history for Kelsey’s first win in the series and a huge rivalry?
2) were we oversold on NIL & can that not be a perfectly legitimate reason for disappointment- not resentment (except for Dough – lol )
3) what if any flaw in logic & reality is Scorpio & My assessment of Mc3’s performance against the very best squads ?
but you seem to infer that possibly some of us are “viciously negative” – or was that reference a general comment about social media & internet – and god forbid I mention our political climate – in these Trumpian times ?
I don’t read or participate in any social media trash about sports – I am on Instagram cause I like it & it’s by far the best way to stay fresh and keep up with my busy daughters. And other friends – I love the music and cultural exchange I get exposed to there – but why let the haters influence your zen –
Hope this clarifies ..
I can’t recall seeing any viciously negative comments in this space. Seedy you may disagree with that statement. Criticism is fair. Jokes about players’ short comings are a way to deal with disappointment. I don’t consider them vicious as long as they don’t get personal and nasty. Certainly there are, and always will be, fans who behave inappropriately. It just is. There have been some rough comments on the Chron for sure, but thats always true. And thats not this space, thankfully. But even as Kelsey himself has admitted, Louisville is a big time historically elite program, and with that comes some pressure cooker expectations. He says he embraces that. He better, because we are justified in having high expectations with the facilities, tradition, and money this program and head coach have available to them. The resources are top 10.
And yeah at this point since Mikel admitted he could play, but didn’t because he wasn’t 100%, imo one guy deserves that single game scoring record, and the other one does not. Color me unimpressed. I truly do hope his draft stock drops as a result of him choosing not to contribute in ways he could. It’s not like he’s going to go broke, so I have zero hesitation in hoping it costs him. F*** him as far as his commitment to the CARDS.
Seedy taking issue with folks criticizing players. Okaaaay… Somewhere Jordan Nwora is smiling. 😂
Part 2 – I know you’re not a C.L. Brown fan and ditched your Courier subscription with good reason / but I refer you to this excellent analysis by C.L. that I just read / He nails it ..
“Pat Kelsey’s Louisville basketball team was eliminated from the 2026 NCAA Tournament with a second-round loss to Michigan State.
Kelsey has yet to secure a signature win against a top-tier program during his tenure at Louisville.
Kelsey maintains a “chip on his shoulder” mentality to continue driving the program forward.”
“ Whether Kelsey has arrived as a coach can be debated.
What is undeniable is that Kelsey needs a (signature) win to change the perception of what he’s capable of doing at UofL. Because this Michigan State game was the kind of win, with those kind of stakes, against that kind of opponent, that has, for the most part, eluded Kelsey so far in his tenure.
(and as to Doughs “mid-major comment & Quad1 quacker “ – CL says :
“ An early-season win over rival Kentucky was supposed to be one way to solidify him, but when the Wildcats fell from the top 10 to not receiving votes in the polls at all, it took most of the shine off that victory.
A lot of times over the past 25 years, wins over Cincinnati, Memphis and Indiana would also serve to certify a coach, but not this season. None of those teams even made the NCAA Tournament.
UofL’s regular-season schedule was littered with losses in marquee matchups to some of the nation’s best programs and some of the sport’s most venerable coaches. The Cards had yet another year of getting swept by Duke to go with a second straight loss to Tennessee and coach Rick Barnes. A non-competitive game at Arkansas marked another loss to former U.K. coach John Calipari “
All of this sounds pretty accurate and on point –
Mr. Bunny Rabbit you are doing some serious hopping over the hoops analytic landscape. ” Let me say this about that” and I shall silence myself hereafter.
I am true to my school but I am a realist. I always evoke the rath of Seedy et al because, and to quote that great political figure, Sarah Palin, I refuse “to put lipstick on a pig”. I guess I am one in the crowd who acurately observes “the emporer wears no clothes”. And I don’t enjoy having my emotional bank robbed.
Fair. To use another pig metaphor, we were sold a pig (with lipstick?) in a poke preseason. Totally fair.
I can’t stand C L (not personally I don’t know him, I mean his takes), but he did get this right. Like Pope up the road Kelsey deserves and will get at least another year to grow and improve. He seems to have a pretty good upside, but we won’t really know unless he shows he learned from his mistakes this season. Mistake #1 his talent evaluation. Hand in hand mistake #2 that damn 5 Out offense. Looks awesome against low and decent competition, gets shut down against elite competition in ways that a different approach likely would not have.
Is anyone teaching the bigs the fundamentals of playing down low? It doesn’t appear so.