Nick Burch
Aug 18 2015
STAT TO FEAR
Mangok Mathiang: 14 turnovers
Despite his progression on offense, Mathiang still had trouble receiving passes and controlling the ball. He bobbled away several balls during the week. He figures to get at least 15 minutes per game this season, at least to start out, so that is certainly an area where he can make more progression.
STAT TO CHEER
Chinanu Onuaku: 9.8 points, 7 rebounds per game, 10 total steals
Onuaku really impressed during his time with the FIBA national team, so much to the point that two major NBA Draft experts (Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com and Chad Ford of ESPN) have him slotted as a late first round pick in next summer’s draft.
He certainly looked the part in San Juan, as he appeared to be far more aggressive, confident, and controlled than he was last season. He registered one only two double-doubles on the week for the Cards (Damion Lee had the other) and looks like he can be a difference maker in the paint.
STAT TO FEAR
Chinanu Onuaku: Zero minutes played in Thursday night’s overtime loss due to suspension
At times last season, Onuaku appeared to let his frustrations get the best of him, and as a result, his performances suffered. After a minor scuffle between he and Minnesota Timberwolves guard JJ Barea in the handshake line following Puerto Rico’s 96-62 bludgeoning of Louisville, Pitino had his Louisville center sit out Thursday night’s contest, which may have cost the team a win.
He was also noticeably getting agitated on the court during the blowout loss, as he was seen slamming the ball on the court. He needs to be able to keep his emotions in check this season, as he will be needed in the frontcourt.
STAT TO CHEER
Louisville record following 96-62 loss: 2-1 with the loss being in overtime
Again, nothing from this trip should be taken as a definitive sign for how this team will play this season, but after getting stomped by 34 points on Wednesday night, it was impossible not to feel a little pessimism regarding their chances.
Yet, while some teams with lesser leadership would have allowed the loss to affect them and keep them down, Louisville was able to bounce back. They pushed their opponents to overtime the very next night before winning the final two matchups, ending the week on a high note.
STAT TO FEAR
114 turnovers to just 76 assists as a team (counting scholarship players only)
Yeesh. Definitely an area where Louisville as a team would like to see improvement. A lot of that, though, can be chalked up to still getting a feel for one another along with the fact the first opponent they faced other than themselves consisted of several professional players.
Only Quentin Snider had an assist-to-turnover ratio greater than one, and no one on the team averaged more than three assists per game.
BIGGEST STAT TO CHEER
How about the fact that it’s only August, and fans were able to watch their favorite basketball team play? How about just appreciating that? While most fan bases are pulling hair out waiting for college football season to start, Louisville fans were able to discuss hoops to fill the void.
Was the team perfect? Of course not, but that is to be expected with such a new and largely inexperienced team during August. Sure, Donovan Mitchell needs to adjust a little more, but he still led the team with ten steals on the week. Yes, Quentin Snider shot poorly (34% overall, 10% from three), but he did the best job handling the ball of anyone in the backcourt. And yes, the team could use more production from guys like Anas Mahmoud and Matz Stockman in the post, but each had flashes this week.
Overall, there is not one player on the team who fans should be feeling completely pessimistic about. Some, like Lee, showed a lot of what they can do, while others, like Spalding, showed flashes of what could come. Everyone contributed, everyone at one point or another had their moment, and in the long run, this will only help the team be a better team next Spring when it matters. After all, a team’s win-loss record in August does not matter. In March, it most certainly does, and if this team gets out of this trip what Pitino thinks they will, that stat will be one all fans will ultimately cheer.
Aug 18 2015
STAT TO FEAR
Mangok Mathiang: 14 turnovers
Despite his progression on offense, Mathiang still had trouble receiving passes and controlling the ball. He bobbled away several balls during the week. He figures to get at least 15 minutes per game this season, at least to start out, so that is certainly an area where he can make more progression.
STAT TO CHEER
Chinanu Onuaku: 9.8 points, 7 rebounds per game, 10 total steals
Onuaku really impressed during his time with the FIBA national team, so much to the point that two major NBA Draft experts (Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com and Chad Ford of ESPN) have him slotted as a late first round pick in next summer’s draft.
He certainly looked the part in San Juan, as he appeared to be far more aggressive, confident, and controlled than he was last season. He registered one only two double-doubles on the week for the Cards (Damion Lee had the other) and looks like he can be a difference maker in the paint.
STAT TO FEAR
Chinanu Onuaku: Zero minutes played in Thursday night’s overtime loss due to suspension
At times last season, Onuaku appeared to let his frustrations get the best of him, and as a result, his performances suffered. After a minor scuffle between he and Minnesota Timberwolves guard JJ Barea in the handshake line following Puerto Rico’s 96-62 bludgeoning of Louisville, Pitino had his Louisville center sit out Thursday night’s contest, which may have cost the team a win.
He was also noticeably getting agitated on the court during the blowout loss, as he was seen slamming the ball on the court. He needs to be able to keep his emotions in check this season, as he will be needed in the frontcourt.
STAT TO CHEER
Louisville record following 96-62 loss: 2-1 with the loss being in overtime
Again, nothing from this trip should be taken as a definitive sign for how this team will play this season, but after getting stomped by 34 points on Wednesday night, it was impossible not to feel a little pessimism regarding their chances.
Yet, while some teams with lesser leadership would have allowed the loss to affect them and keep them down, Louisville was able to bounce back. They pushed their opponents to overtime the very next night before winning the final two matchups, ending the week on a high note.
STAT TO FEAR
114 turnovers to just 76 assists as a team (counting scholarship players only)
Yeesh. Definitely an area where Louisville as a team would like to see improvement. A lot of that, though, can be chalked up to still getting a feel for one another along with the fact the first opponent they faced other than themselves consisted of several professional players.
Only Quentin Snider had an assist-to-turnover ratio greater than one, and no one on the team averaged more than three assists per game.
BIGGEST STAT TO CHEER
How about the fact that it’s only August, and fans were able to watch their favorite basketball team play? How about just appreciating that? While most fan bases are pulling hair out waiting for college football season to start, Louisville fans were able to discuss hoops to fill the void.
Was the team perfect? Of course not, but that is to be expected with such a new and largely inexperienced team during August. Sure, Donovan Mitchell needs to adjust a little more, but he still led the team with ten steals on the week. Yes, Quentin Snider shot poorly (34% overall, 10% from three), but he did the best job handling the ball of anyone in the backcourt. And yes, the team could use more production from guys like Anas Mahmoud and Matz Stockman in the post, but each had flashes this week.
Overall, there is not one player on the team who fans should be feeling completely pessimistic about. Some, like Lee, showed a lot of what they can do, while others, like Spalding, showed flashes of what could come. Everyone contributed, everyone at one point or another had their moment, and in the long run, this will only help the team be a better team next Spring when it matters. After all, a team’s win-loss record in August does not matter. In March, it most certainly does, and if this team gets out of this trip what Pitino thinks they will, that stat will be one all fans will ultimately cheer.
