Louisville basketball has its next two games postponed. So, now what?
In the words of Michael G. Scott, “No, God. No, God please no, no, nooooooo.” For the second time this season, there has been a positive case within the Louisville basketball program.
The Cards’ game against Syracuse was postponed on Wednesday following a positive case and subsequent contact tracing within the program. Louisville basketball also later announced that the positive tests had forced another postponement of Saturday’s matchup against Virginia.
This is the 6th and 7th time this season a game has been canceled or postponed for Louisville due to COVID. It’s also the third and fourth games moved due to positive tests within the Cardinal program. While we do not know the specifics yet, a player or coach testing positive would likely mean an extended pause.
A stoppage now would come at the absolute worst time. The Cards are 11-4 overall and 6-3 in the conference and they were to go through a daunting three-game stretch. That included matchups on the road against Syracuse and Virginia and a rematch with a Pittsburgh at home.
Despite sitting in fourth place, the schedule is set to pick up over the coming weeks. After a win against Georgia Tech, Louisville was hoping to carry the momentum to Syracuse and pick up another victory. That obviously won’t be happening.
Louisville’s postseason resume isn’t the worst, but it’s also not the best. Even with 11 victories, Louisville has just one quadrant 1 win at this point, going 1-3 against the top teams in the country. They hold six quad two wins, three quad three wins, and one win in quad 4. Good, but not great.
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Why the pause comes at a rough time for Louisville basketball
Here’s the big problem Louisville is facing. When put up against other resumes, Louisville doesn’t look as great.
Louisville owns a victory over Virginia Tech, one of the top ACC programs (29th in the NET rankings), which should help. However, wins against Kentucky, Seton Hall, and Western Kentucky don’t hold much weight. Especially when compared to the loss to Miami (151st in net rankings). Not to mention the Cardinals have three quad 1 losses.
Louisville now has limited chances at a quadrant 1 win. That’s a tough ask for a young team still working in multiple players from injury.
The mission for the final leg of the season is simple; win some big games and don’t lose the ones you shouldn’t. Sitting at 6-0 in quad two games is great but it won’t provide any substantial footing for a team with only one big.
With a dynamic backcourt pairing in Carlik Jones and David Johnson and a group of versatile and talented role players in Samuell Williamson, Dre Davis, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Quinn Slazinski, the pieces are there for Louisville to be a dangerous tournament team.
Louisville has been inconsistent at best during ACC play, looking like a potential top 4 seed in wins over Virginia Tech, Duke, and most recently Georgia Tech. While looking like a team destined for a first-round tournament exit in games against Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. There have been struggles for this young team, but through it all, we’ve been able to see the potential that makes the group so fun. However, this missed opportunity is even more detrimental after the postponement.
What good can come from another pause
Just like with the first pause, getting healthy will be the silver lining of any extended time off for Louisville. The timeline for senior center and team captain Malik Williams to return has always been “some time in February,” and, well, here we are.
Moving games later into the season (assuming all can be made up) should give the Cards time to get Williams healthy and fully assimilated into the lineup.
His presence defensively has the ability to change the trajectory of Chris Mack’s squad, thanks to his size, skill, and activity down low. Louisville has struggled as of late with guarding the paint on defense, giving up a ton of points inside to Duke, Clemson, and most recently Georgia Tech. Thankfully due to the play of Carlik Jones and David Johnson, the Cards have been able to pull out wins even after being dominated inside. Williams should be able to help with protecting the paint and provide even more leadership & communication, all of which will be extremely valuable.
Another guy who will benefit from time off is Charles Minlend Jr. Minlend recently admitted this has been the toughest season of his career as he’s worked his way back from injury. In his four games this season the senior transfer has struggled to get back to himself, averaging just 0.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in a little over 8 minutes of action. It’s clear he’s not back to the level he needs to be in order to contribute like Coach Mack wants, so having time off should help get back into playing shape.
