Cinco de Starters-o: Louisville Cardinals

Though cheap, I'd like to direct you here for any pregame chatter, as that post still ranks---to me, at least---as one of the finest pieces of blog-writing that you will find anywhere. Though it was written a year and a half ago, and it's message remains perfectly intact today: "...Too busy playing soccer or Doom to care..." man, that's good stuff. Louisville, of course, is coming off their customary loss to some random team out west. UNLV, coached by the Dan Cross-bred Lon Kruger, is still waiting at center court for their post game congratulations from the hall of fame coach they just defeated. Nevertheless, our thrice-defeated Wildcats roar into Freedom Hall to face the toothed-birds this afternoon, in a huge game for both teams. Louisville looks to rinse the disgusting flavor of clanged threes from their palate, as the 'Cats hope to continue their inspired defensive play, while simultaneously hoping that Patterson and Meeks can combine for 70. Dynasty defenders, your Cards: #1 Terrence Williams, 6'6'', F, Senior 2008-09 Stats: 11.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5 apg Williams has been a solid all-around player since arriving on campus 31 years ago. His ability to jump really high, throw passes really hard, and take a ton of ill-advised shots has landed him on preseason all-conference lists since early in his career. Seriously, if you turn a UL game on midway through and see a Williams shot, you'd think he'd made his first ten. Every single shot by him is a "heat check." Regardless, he'll be the most athletic player on the floor, so if he plays under control, as he did last year against us, he'll cause major problems. Take some threes, Terrence. You're feelin' it. #5 Earl Clark, 6'9'', G/F, Junior 2008-09 Stats: 13.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg Clark, who decided to return to Louisville after realizing turning pro early is super hard work, has been an anomaly this season. Sometimes too reluctant to assert himself down low, Clark can pull off an amazing disappearing act, typically when his team needs him the most. He can score in the post at will due to his size, quickness, and athleticism. Unfortunately, for L yessirs, he sometimes refuses to get the ball, or his dim-witted teammates fail to pass him the rock. Probably a combination of the two. #24 Samardo Samuels, 6'9'', F, Freshman 2008-09 Stats: 14.7 ppg, 7 rpg The greatest basketball player to grace this earth both in high school and the preseason, Samuels has failed to live up to the lofty billing bestowed upon him by grown men with over 25,000 posts to a message board and a picture of a college kid shirtless as their avatar. I speak of no one in particular. Regardless, the Pattersone/Samuels dynamic in the post will be most important, as both men have the propensity to foul. I go advantage Patterson here, so we may see a healthy dose of George Goode/Terrence Jennings. #2 Preston Knowles, 6'1'', G, Sophomore 2008-09 Stats: 7.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg As you may have noticed, this particular Cinco de Starters-o has been a most difficult task to uphold. I really don't like these guys. However, Knowles serves as the exception. A good shooter with a lot of energy and a knack for, you know, actually playing defense, Knowles has forced his way into the starting line up. A friend and I had this maddening discussion, see if you agree: Pitino is widely known as one of the finest recruiters in college basketball, and a guy like Knowles just falls in his lap. 'Tis frustrating. As of today, the Kentucky-bred guard is shooting 47% from three. #34 Jerry Smith, 6'2'', G, Junior 2008-09 Stats: 7.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg Smith, who is still bouncing up and down in celebration from a perfectly executed cereal milk-pour this morning, has been a bit of a disappointment this year. However, I must say, I don't think I've ever seen him miss a three. He was scoreless against WKU and he has had only seven combined points in his last two, so I guess I have. Key Reserves: Andre McGee, 5'10'', G: Everyone's favorite duck-butted guard has won some favor with coach Pitino for his aggressive defense. For everyone who's not a UL fan, it's frustrating to watch him play, as he fouls more frequently than Alhaji Mohammed. Edgar Sosa, 6'2'', G: Edgar has yet to figure "it" out, which is amazing, because he's been actively trying for three years to do so. Both teams have three losses entering today's game...UL has long-employed the "they can't call it every time" approach to both traveling violations and fouls...yes, I'm already complaining about the officiating...because I'm a loser...'Cats are 8 point 'dogs...And, since it worked for football: