A year later, with six newcomers and eight returning but inexperienced players, it was a better time for Willard to come back to U of L. With Pitino and U of L assistant Mike Balado splitting their time this summer between the Cards and the Puerto Rican national team and Johnson carrying a heavy recruiting load, Willard will essentially serve as a second head coach back in Louisville.
Both Pitino and Willard expect this to be a one-year gig. Willard signed a contract through next June, a deal that gives him enough time, in his estimation, to do what he does best.
He will help prepare Louisville for its August trip to Puerto Rico, where the Cardinals will play a series of exhibitions against the Puerto Rican national team.
He will help the four freshmen -- Deng Adel, Ryan McMahon, Donovan Mitchell and Ray Spalding -- acclimate to Pitino's system, and try to quickly teach the two graduate transfers, Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, everything they need to know for their one year at Louisville.
"I think there's going to have to be a lot of teaching, which is one of the reasons Rick brought me here," Willard said.
Both Pitino and Willard expect this to be a one-year gig. Willard signed a contract through next June, a deal that gives him enough time, in his estimation, to do what he does best.
He will help prepare Louisville for its August trip to Puerto Rico, where the Cardinals will play a series of exhibitions against the Puerto Rican national team.
He will help the four freshmen -- Deng Adel, Ryan McMahon, Donovan Mitchell and Ray Spalding -- acclimate to Pitino's system, and try to quickly teach the two graduate transfers, Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, everything they need to know for their one year at Louisville.
"I think there's going to have to be a lot of teaching, which is one of the reasons Rick brought me here," Willard said.
