The Biggest Test So Far

Louisville (10-0, 0-0)

College of Charleston (9-1, 2-0)

KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky 

Tipoff at 9pm on ESPNU

Tomorrow night the Cougars face the toughest team, the winningest coach and loudest home court they will see all season. The game against Louisville on national TV December 20th was a game I had circled on the schedule since the summer. So far we have played far above expectations for stretches at a time. When we're in the zone (both menatlly, and on defense) we're tough for any team to beat. However, we have struggled to dominate teams like CSU and UTC and gotten our marquee wins against the SEC and ACC bottom feeders. Our record is fantastic and something to be proud of, but this game is a real measuring stick for the Cougars.

Louisville is about as solid a team as there is this year. Unlike the last top-10 team we defeated, the Cardinals are not a team of McDonalds All-Americans with lots of upside. They are an upperclassmen-led group who play together, love to pass and play fundamental defense. They rebound extremely well (with six players on the team above 6'7) at about 43 boards a game. Like most Big East teams, the Cardinals are loaded with athleticism and strength. However, they use this talent on defense more so than on offense. Just watching highlights of them, you can see how their speed pays dividends. The team is nearly unstoppable in transition and even when you get an open look, many of the players are fast enough and long enough to disrupt the shot.

Of course no team is unbeatable and I think the Cougars will turn a few heads in "The Bucket". The key for me with this game is going to be the front line of Trent, Adjehi and Wiggins. Three things need to happen with those guys:

1) Rebound, Rebound and Rebound. 

2) Stay out of foul trouble. If I see Sundberg and Carlton playing extended minutes in the paint, you can find me sobbing into my couch cushion.

3) Stay aggressive. You ever notice how we always feed the post to start our games? I think Baru has scored our first basket in like six of our games. Let's keep doing that, even when we have a comfortable lead.

3a) Adjehi needs to establish position DEEP in the post, Wiedeman needs to go up strong with his shots and Wiggins needs to keep slashing.

This is the first of a very tough three game stretch for the Cougars and could set the tone for the mini road trip they are about to embark on. If we keep it within single digits I will be thrilled. If we play hard, see some player development and stay injury free I'll be very happy. It's going to take a near-perfect performance from everyone to win this one. Go Cougars!

*One more important thing. Please address the turnovers and foul shooting, coaching staff. If we have those problems tomorrow it'll be a very humiliating nationally televised performance.