Louisville does have a brand name. I know we hate them instinctively but they are a top 10 bball program. I don't think the young kids now probably even remember much about the scandal under Pitino that is 10 years old now. Besides, they have an entirely new administration since then.
Houston was in the ******* before Sampson came long. It really depends on the coach and of course money, nowadays. I read that Kelsey is a great salesman, it must be true I guess. I saw him on an interview on one of those talk shows and he said loves talking about money. He's not like the other coaches that hate discussing NIL deals, etc. He said talking money is fun for him.
Yeah i mean I know its not some no-name school.. but its still just another city in KY (not the capital), program has limited history of success. Not a rich area with lots of money or business (for NIL), and a pretty unproven coach (even if i think he's gonna be solid).
Im not one of the types who hates UofL, i dont really have any ill-will towards them. I generally hate the programs that are truly pur competition, which is Duke, Kansas, UNC, etc. So, not trying to dog UofL, but im not even sure what their draw is really, or if they're really a top10 program currently. But I do agree they are near that range.
The other thing worth mentioning with Houston is, that's a top5 metropolis in the nation. It's a state with a lot of athletic talent to pick from, a lot of business. They don't mind spending whatever money it takes (nearly 100m in their basketball facilities and infrastructure), and it's a coach who we KNOW is legit. So i can't really say that UofL is on that level. Louisville might be a lite version of Houston in my eyes.