Kenny Payne addresses Koron Davis dismissal after Arkansas State loss

Louisville Cardinals head basketball coach Kenny Payne addressed the recent dismissal of Koron Davis from the team after Louisville’s recent loss to Arkansas State.

This came when Payne was asked about the decision following the game. In particular, he was asked about the consistent emphasis that Davis wasn’t in any trouble with the program, despite him not playing and seemingly being apart from the team.

“I think we, in reference to Koron, we put out a statement correct,” Kenny Payne said. “You know the statement is pretty plain. I don’t want to really dwell in it. I care about the kid and I wish him the best. I think that’s what we said in the statement.”

Initially, Louisville announced that Koron Davis had told the program that he intends to transfer. However, Davis quickly refuted that announcement, saying that he never told anyone that he wanted to transfer, emphasizing that he likes being a Cardinal. In turn, this prompted a correction by Louisville, announcing he was dismissed from the program.

“Prior to the program issuing a statement this afternoon, Louisville junior guard Koron Davis was informed that he had been dismissed from the men’s basketball team,” the statement read. “Davis has expressed that he intends to continue his college basketball career and would pursue opportunities at another institution. We wish him nothing but the best.”

When he was asked about the contradictory statements about Koron Davis’ dismissal, Kenny Payne declined to make any comment.

“I cannot shed any light on it. I wish I could but I can’t. That’s pretty much it,” Payne said.

Koron Davis is a junior who came to Louisville ahead of this season. He did not play in a game this season and Louisville did not share the reason why he was dismissed.

Kenny Payne shares how he identifies momentum with Louisville

Amid Louisville’s on-court struggles, Kenny Payne shared how he identifies momentum.

“I think the first thing is competing for longer periods of time. Competing together, not just in spurts. Don’t get down 22 and then go on a 10-0 run. Play hard every second that you’re on the floor, play together. Make people walk out of the game and say, ‘Wow! Louisville is connected. They’re not disconnected. They play for each other, they love each other, they fight for each other,’” Payne said.

“For me? Momentum is I know we’re capable of beating anybody we play. But I also know that we’re capable of losing to anybody we play. They have to know that as well. They have to know what makes us good and play that way. We’re one of the best teams in the country when we drive the ball, move it, getting in the lane, draw fouls. Making people foul us, making layups, shooting the ball in rhythm. But we also go through stretches where we settle. When we settle and play for ourselves instead of a team? We don’t look the same. When we defend and one guys not doing what he’s supposed to do? It breaks down on everybody.”