The NCAA tournament has many compelling stories, but none is more surprising than the University of Louisville’s. After winning only 12 games in the past two seasons and being picked to finish ninth in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Louisville has made a remarkable return to March Madness for the first time since 2019. The No. 8 seed Louisville (27-7) will face No. 9 Creighton (24-10) Thursday afternoon at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. To understand how first-year coach Pat Kelsey revived the program with help from the transfer portal, we spoke with Bob Valvano, an ESPN analyst and a member of the Cardinal Sports Network, about the Cardinals’ turnaround and their matchup with Creighton.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Awful Announcing: Could even the most optimistic Louisville fan have dreamed of this?
Bob Valvano: “That’s a bad question because fans can be borderline delusional. I don’t mean to be cruel, but some people were saying, ‘I think this team is going to go to the second weekend.’ I was like, ‘That’s asking a lot.’ Most fans are thrilled with how the year’s gone, and not just because of the win totals. It’s one of the most improved teams in college basketball history, and the way they play brings joy to the game.”
How has Pat Kelsey done it?
“Pat Kelsey and his staff have been together a long time, so they are all on the same page. They did an incredible job vetting players, contacting their high school principals, coaches, and professors to understand who these kids were. They found players with the same mindset, and those players bought into their approach. They’re unselfish, supportive of each other, enjoy passing the ball, and are willing defenders. They play hard, which makes them not only successful but also beloved by the fanbase.”
Could anyone have done a better job considering Kelsey was not the first choice?
“They explored options, including Dusty May, who has shown great success at his program. They also considered Josh Schertz, who has done well at Saint Louis. Nobody could have accomplished more than Kelsey—not only in terms of the number of wins but in the type of players he has signed. He needed to win the trust and affection of fans who were disheartened by the recent past. He succeeded because this is a likable group that is very approachable and actively engages with the community.”
How optimistic was Kelsey coming into the season?
“He’s coached many winning teams, so he was confident they would be good. However, he lives in the moment, focused on taking it one game at a time. While he thought they could be a solid team, he didn’t dwell on how good they could become. Their focus was on improving daily and letting the wins come as they may.”
Three-point shooter Reyne Smith (ankle) is returning after missing two weeks. How important is he?
“He was at the ACC tournament, participating in warm-ups, but he opted not to return to the game. Since he was not wearing a boot or displaying a significant limp, it seems they were cautious, considering the NCAA tournament. He’s crucial for the team not just to have an extra body on the roster but also because his shooting range stretches the defense, allowing primary drivers like Terrence Edwards Jr., Chucky Hepburn, and J’Vonne Hadley more opportunities.”
How hurt is this Louisville team?
“They’ve rarely had a fully healthy roster all season. Koren Johnson and Kasean Pryor have injuries, Reyne Smith is recovering, Aboubacar Traore had setbacks, and Noah Waterman even underwent hand surgery. It’s been a season plagued by injuries, making their accomplishments even more impressive.”
James Scott Special: ACC Tournament Edition
How does Louisville match up against Creighton?
“It will be challenging. While I wouldn’t say they can’t win, Creighton is tough. They avoid fouling, and Louisville has relied on free throw scoring, outpacing opponents by about five points per game from the line. Drawing fouls against Creighton might be difficult. I saw them play UConn, which had only five free throw attempts in that game. Plus, Creighton has a stellar shot-blocker in Ryan Kalkbrenner. If they’re not going to foul and players are hesitant about attacking the basket with Kalkbrenner lurking, getting productivity might be tough. It won’t be easy.”
Do you have a prediction?
“I generally avoid making predictions. I suspect it will be a close game. If Louisville plays well and makes their shots, they stand a good chance. However, if they struggle, Creighton can overpower them, as they are strong and capable. They’ve had impressive wins, including against St. John’s and UConn. Despite some questionable losses, they’re a solid team. Nevertheless, Louisville has continuously surprised us this season.”
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman. I had the privilege of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA. But it was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting… pic.twitter.com/i3xa3fgWuu
Any updates on the status of the Jim Valvano movie?
“That’s a good question. I’m not sure what happened. Two people had contacted me about it, and one seemed ready to proceed—Ray Romano was involved. I haven’t heard any updates since then.”
Businessman and former Louisville player Junior Bridgeman died suddenly last week. Could you share your thoughts on him?
“He exemplified everything I admired. A very good NBA player and a standout at Louisville, he built a remarkable life after sports as a successful businessman and was deeply involved in the community. His passing creates an irreplaceable void. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.”
