A New Year’s Resolution for Louisville Basketball

The University of Louisville Men’s Basketball team, still fairly fresh off yet another deflating and uninspiring loss to its in-state rival, now enters the 2024 calendar year in complete and utter disarray.

Surprised in the least? You shouldn’t be. It was almost as predictable as water being wet.

But in the spirit of being completely honest and transparent, I don’t think the most pertinent or pressing issue UofL faces long-term is primarily wrapped up in just wins and losses, rivalry games or not. Yes, UofL has now managed to lose 5 of its last 6 against UK and yes it remains a controversial and frustrating topic as to whether Kenny Payne will remain the head coach for the remainder of what looks to be another lost season. Regardless, the biggest and most daunting dilemma now facing UofL is one of both relevance and apathy.

I have listened to more hours of UofL-based sports radio shows over the past couple of years than I care to admit. I’ve consistently stayed in tune with the pulse of UofL Basketball fans on X (Twitter) and Facebook. Short of diving into the murky waters of traditional message boards full of speculation and false rumors, I guess at this point I have read and heard almost every take imaginable when it comes to Louisville hoops. And yet, despite after considering and analyzing a wealth of opinions, predictions, and program prognostications, it’s my own everyday personal life as a diehard UofL fan that gives me the greatest pause and perhaps the most clarity when it comes to where I see Louisville Basketball heading.

It’s not a pretty sight. In fact, it’s troubling.

Like so many others, I became die hard UofL Basketball fan at a very early age. Specifically, I began religiously watching Louisville Basketball in 1983 and shortly thereafter attending games at storied Freedom Hall thanks in most part to my father, another diehard UofL fan.

To put it mildly, I’m spoiled. And I know it – now more than ever.

I have seen and experienced what successful “blue blood” basketball looks and feels like: three National Championships, numerous Final Fours, countless Sweet 16’s and until a handful of years ago a bare minimum expectation that every UofL team that took the floor each new season would be playing in the NCAA Tournament.

I can remember UofL exhibitions in early November being must see TV. And if for some reason you couldn’t watch the game live, you sure as hell had the VCR prepped and ready to record every second.

For literal decades it was never a matter of if UofL would make the NCAA Tournament but instead where they would be playing and who they may have to face to reach its ultimate destination.

Times have certainly changed – almost completely.

Being that I have so many wonderful, vivid memories that are cloaked with UofL success, my fandom and love for the program…