LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Coach Rick Pitino says coming into the season this Louisville team is as talented and as deep as he’s had in a decade.
Many agree, the Cardinals are ranked ninth in the preseason poll. They are expected not only to contend in the Big East, but also make a run at a ninth Final Four appearance.
Three starters and 11 lettermen return, including point guard Peyton Siva and senior wings Kyle Kuric and Chris Smith. They will likely be joined in the starting lineup by sophomore center Gorgui Dieng and freshman power forward Chane Behanan.
But injuries have derailed the Cardinals’ depth and the frontcourt is especially thin.
Pitino says his starting five is ready to go, but it’s been “very difficult” getting the next five ready.
