Nine games in 6 days! It all gets started at 5:30 with a doubleheader and then a second game at 8:00 p.m. The games will be broadcast on GoCards.com/puertorico for a one-time $9.95 fee. This trip has been long-touted as a key piece to the 2015-16 season and already Coach Pitino has praised this group as having one of the ‘best attitudes’ and being some of the best people he’s ever had the pleasure of being around. Here are a few things to watch out for during the next 6 days:
The Graduate Transfers
Damion Lee and Trey Lewis were the big news in the off-season. Damion Lee comes from Drexel and Trey Lewis from Cleveland State and both hit the 3 at a high percentage. Pitino has really propped up Lewis’ leadership and Trey showcased some serious defensive ability in his game at the Yum! Center last December. Lee finished 4th in the nation in scoring in 2014-15 on a bad Drexel team. Neither player has made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, however, Rick Pitino has said that both Lee and Lewis are his only sure-fire starters at the moment.
How are the Freshman?
4 freshman added for the upcoming year and Rick Pitino always mentions Donovan Mitchell first for his attitude and then his athleticism. Cardinal fans are anxious to see Mitchell make an impact on the floor for the Cards. Ray Spalding also constantly gets high praise from his head coach for his ability to run the floor and to get deflection. Pitino also always mentions that Deng Adel is the strongest player on the team and plays great defense. Lastly, likely redshirt Ryan McMahon is a fireball that can shoot the lights out. How do these guys fit in and how ready is this group for major college basketball?
Power Forward?
Jaylen Johnson was the presumptive favorite to win the PF spot after the 2014-15 season. Pitino constantly talked about Jaylen’s attitude and ability. But after Chinanu Onuaku & Mangok Mathiang’s summer, the Cards may see both Mathiang and Onuaku on the floor at the same time. There is no question that Johnson gets a lot of time at Power Forward this year, but how much is he really in the mix to win the starting job OR to get the majority of the minutes? Also in play here is how healthy is Anas Mahmoud after surgery and how does Ray Spalding fit in here? Louisville has a lot of possibilities here.
Quentin’s Role
Quentin Snider really played well down the stretch and in the post-season for Louisville. He was once a defensive liability, but he controlled the offense as a freshman in March to nearly make the Final Four. But what is Q’s role? Does he come off the bench? Or does he start next to Trey Lewis and Donovan Mitchell comes off the bench. Either way there is no question that Snider is going to get a great deal of time this coming season and this week. But it will be interesting to see how much in favor he is.
Misc Questions?
How is Matz Stockman’s development coming? How healthy is Anas? How is Louisville’s pressure with the Grad Transfers? The Defense? Can Louisville rebound at a high rate? Does Louisville hit from outside more effectively? Who gets into the lane the best?
WDRB’s Eric Crawford is in Puerto Rico and got some great anecdotes upon UofL’s arrival.
University of Louisville Exhibition Games Schedule
- Puerto Rico National & Junior Teams
Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico (17,024 seats)
Arena address: 500 Ave Arterial B, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
5:30 p.m. Louisville vs. PR Junior team
8:00 p.m. Louisville vs. PR National team
Tickets available for $30 at www.coliseodepuertorico.com
Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico (17,024 seats)
Arena address: 500 Ave Arterial B, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
5:30 p.m. Louisville vs. PR Junior team
8:00 p.m. Louisville vs. PR National team
Tickets available for $30 at www.coliseodepuertorico.com
Thursday, Aug. 13 at Mario Morales Coliseum (5,500 seats)
Arena address: Ave Santa Rosa, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00969
5:30 p.m. Louisville vs. PR Junior team
8:00 p.m. Louisville vs. PR National team
Tickets available for $8 for adults, $4 children at prticket.com
Friday, Aug. 14 at Municipal Coliseum of Manati (8,000 seats)
Arena address: Coto Sur, Manati, Puerto Rico 00674
8:00 p.m. Louisville vs. PR National team
Tickets available for $12 for adults, $6 children at prticket.com
Saturday, Aug. 15 at Ruben Zayas Montanez Coliseum (2,250 seats)
Arena address: Calle Munoz Rivera, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico 00976
6:00 p.m. Louisville vs. PR Junior team
Tickets available for $8 for adults, $4 children at prticket.com
Sunday, Aug. 16 at Humacao Arena (8,000 seats)
Arena address: Calle Dr. Vidal, Humacao, Puerto Rico 00674
7:00 p.m. Louisville vs. PR National team
Tickets available for $12 for adults, $6 children at prticket.com
Radio coverage: All nine games will be broadcast live through Learfield Sports on WHAS Radio (840 AM) in Louisville.
Television coverage: Barring any local complications, all nine games will be streamed live with a simple production (not HD) through the UofL Athletics web site atwww.GoCards.com/puertorico. A one-time, $9.95 fee will provide access to all nine games and may be purchased in advance.
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