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Blocking out the noise: Louisville basketball and Pat Kelsey "don't pay attention" to expectations

IMG_6080 3by: William McDermott10/10/25804derm
Oct 8, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey answers questions from the media at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images
Oct 8, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey answers questions from the media at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

Just like that, it’s game month. It feels like not too long ago, Louisville men’s basketball was just coming off a 27-win first year under Pat Kelsey and marched into its first NCAA Tournament since 2019. Still, the Cards have been unable to advance in the Big Dance since 2017, Rick Pitino’s last season as the head coach. While an eight seed is certainly nothing to hang your head about in year one, that mark would be a disappointment for the 2025-26 roster.  Year two for coaches like Kelsey is the new year four. Wins are expected, and with one of the more talented rosters in the country, the Cardinals are expected to compete.