The way Louisville began the season last year everyone thought that there would be a collapse here. But as the year moved along the Cards got stronger.They solidified themselves at every position and didn’t show many weaknesses. Well all five starters return and the bench is by far the strongest in the Big East.

Frontcourt - David Padgett (9.5ppg, 5.6rpg) is an outstanding man in the post. He is a notch below Hibbert, but who isn’t. Padgett will combine with Juan Palacios (8.9ppg, 5.5rpg) for the starting front line. Palacios can go to the hoop or shoot from long range. These two fine players are backed up by Derrick Caracter (8.1ppg, 3.9rpg). If Caracter can keep his weight down below 300 pounds and stay out of Coach Pitino’s doghouse there isn’t a frontline with the talent and depth that the Cards have. Freshmen Clarence Holloway and George Goode will lend minutes off the bench. Goode may challenge for serious playing time. GRADE - A

Backcourt - Terrence Williams (12.4ppg, 7.0rpg) had an outstanding year at SF. His backup, Jerry Smith (8.0ppg, 3.6rpg) posted starter’s numbers. And throw Earl Clark (5.9ppg, 3.8rpg) into the mix and there is incredible talent and depth here. Reginald Delk (9.5ppg, 2.0rpg) comes back to the SG position. Delk will be backed up by Andre McGee (2.6ppg, 1.1rpg). Edgar Sosa (11.4ppg, 2.6apg) became a strong presence at the point. He has to watch his passes and sometimes should dump off instead of forcing a shot. But most BE teams would gladly take Sosa to run their offenses. Will Scott (3.5ppg, 0.9rpg) can play at any of the backcourt positions. The backcourt doesn’t have the talent of the starters for Marquette, but they possess much more depth. GRADE - A+

Depth - No team has the depth that the Cards possess. Caracter down low with 8ppg, and the combination of Smith, Clark, McGee, and Scott outside give Louisville the opportunity of not losing a step in case of foul trouble or injury. The freshmen will have the luxury of playing for a few minutes a game and practicing against a team of this quality. GRADE - A+

Outlook - On paper, Louisville looks like an easy choice to win the Big East this year. They have a strong front line, a great backcourt, a plethora of depth at every position, experience in the NCAA’s and Rick Pitino. I was always a tough marker as a teacher and coach but this looks like one of those no brainer grades. GRADE - A+

Categories: Commentary, Louisville, Coach O