Talking on the phone the other day with a pal who follows the sport, but not with the obsessiveness of most of you readers or your scribe, he asked how I was faring now that the season is over?

To which I admonished, first the season isn’t over given the little matter of the upcoming Final Four.

Besides said I, the off season is now a season unto its own self.

One that matters. A lot.

Call it the Sea Change Season.

Most all the schools in or aspiring to the upper echelon of hoops will have a transformed roster next campaign, some a total makeover, others coaching staff shifts of significance.

The carousel for coaches has been in full swing for awhile.

The portal doesn’t technically open until next week, but agents and meddling schools have been chatting for a long while, and players throughout the land are starting to announce their intentions to stay — like thankfully the core of Jeff Walz’s women — or leave.

Like a couple of Cardinals on the men’s team.

 * * * * *

I do not like change.

I am a man of many habits. Daily rituals. Don’t like surprises or suspense. Unless I’m streaming such as “Homeland.”

That said, the current NIL/ Transfer Portal Era, as unwieldy and out of control as it is, has not diminished my hoopaholism.

I still love the game. and accept today’s reality.

Seedy K abides.

 * * * * *

Sananda Fru has always fascinated me.

Glorious Editor reported that the German would stay at Louisville for less money and a reserve role. To which the school said, OK, that works.

Until Fru’s representatives said. no, we’re booking. So it is reported that Fru shall enter the portal.

What struck me is Fru’s passiveness, acquiescing to his agent’s wishes, instead of saying, no I want to stay.

It’s how he played mostly. Unfortunately. Without aggressiveness. Soft. No eye of the tiger.

I recall chatting with him at media day before the season.

When I asked how he arrived at Louisville, he said it was where his agent told him to come.

Which gives some pertinent perspective to what’s been reported about his apparent impending departure.

I’d love for him to stick around. Seems to me there’s a lot to work with.

 * * * * *

Khani Rooths is an enigma.

Plagued with illness, his second campaign was not the step up any of us were expecting. One outstanding outing, several just OK, etc, etc.

But the kid’s got a Cardinal tatt. And palpable potential.

Yet, reports are he’s moving on.

Then again, there’s fan fave Chucky Hepburn, who arrived in the Ville with Wisconsin Badger ink of some sort.

Then kissed the floor.

 * * * * * *

Changes also along the sideline and in front office.

One off to IU. Another to Auburn.https://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2026/04/01/rock-roll-rewind-musical-reconsiderations/

Pat Kelsey has a new assistant.

John Andrzejek — no spell check recognition — arrives most recently from Campbell, where he was one and done in first chair.

Was on staff at Florida during their recent title season.

Offense is said to be his bailiwick.*

*OK, I’ve already been “corrected” by a loyal reader — who shall remain anonymous for security reasons — who advises Todd Golden credits Andrzejek for his D acumen. Maybe both, I obviously don’t know.

His reasons for moving on as reported by theathletic.com:

Over the last six months, it has become clear that Campbell has made the decision to shift their commitment from basketball,” he wrote in a statement posted on social media. “Simply put — the institution now has different priorities, and they are not compatible with putting the kind of team on the floor that you deserve. As difficult as this is, I respect the decision and understand it as one that the university feels it must make in what are unprecedented times in higher education.

“Despite months of intense work and collaboration with AD Hannah Bazemore and our terrific athletics administration, and several creative options that were proposed and thoroughly explored, there are no pathways that the institution will support to fund the program appropriately moving forward.”

 * * * * *

Quick Diversion for shameless self promotion.

Just published a new piece about rock & roll at culturemaven.com.

Should you be interested, check it out, here’s the link.

 * * * * *

So, the major considerations since the Cardinals fell to Sparty have been what changes were/ are afoot ahead of Y3 of the PK Era?

We’re are beginning to find out.

More twists and turns ahead.

Keep the Dramamine handy.

It’s Sea Change Season.

— c d kaplan