The Louisville basketball seniors are a valuable case study in the importance of coaching continuity, and the importance of celebrating resilience in the face of hardship.
The Louisville basketball roster is certain to see a complete overhaul in the 2022 offseason.
Under a new head coach, on the heels of a tumultuous season, in a transfer market that is certain to be as hectic as ever, Louisville’s roster is bound to have some strained relationships and student-athletes looking for a better fit. Players from quality squads, who have excellent relationships with their coaches are still going to hit the transfer portal. To think that Louisville won’t face the same issues would be insensible.
Regardless, there are four players that will definitely play their final games in the KFC Yum! Center when Louisville basketball hosts Virginia on Saturday at noon.
How each player arrived at Louisville and what their perception will be going forward is vastly different among each graduating senior. But one common denominator should outweigh every storyline on Saturday. Something that is actually an undeniable truth in my mind. Each senior deserves our respect and appreciation- At least for this moment in time.
You can remember each senior on this team as you wish down the road. But right now, they warrant our undivided attention as we look back on their time as Cardinals.
Jarrod West
A deserving captain on this Louisville basketball squad, West guided the ship early and often as his team navigated troubled waters.
West, nor his backcourt mates, were ever going to replace the production of graduate transfer Carlik Jones. Few in the country this season could have. His output on the floor began to lessen in significance as the season waned. Still, there were moments to be proud of. His defensive intensity warranted compliments from veteran basketball minds like Jay Bilas. Bob Valvano called West the best on-ball defender he has seen at Louisville; High praise on the heels of a tenure that saw dominant defensive performances.
As the season went on, West found his stroke from beyond the arc. As the life in this Louisville basketball team began to become a black expanse of emptiness and depression, West has stood out as a positive influence on his teammates.
Looking back on a season of despair, we won’t see West as one of the great grad transfers. But in a forgettable season, he was one of a few bright spots; If not for his play on the floor, then his presence during trying times.
Noah Locke
There have been some frustrating grad transfers over the last decade for the Cards. Locke, for many, has been among the head-scratchers.
When you can’t get things done in one facet of the game, it becomes vital to step up your energy and effort in other areas. Locke- a dead-eye shooter who came to Louisville with high expectations- rarely found his form from beyond the arc. That’s fine. Overall, this Louisville team did not meet expectations from three-point range. The issue many, myself included, took with Locke was his inability to impact the game in other areas. He became a high-volume shooter who shot a low percentage. He was ineffective on defense, a below-average rebounder and ball-handler, and showcased poor shot selection.
Overall, though, Locke was second on this Louisville basketball team in minutes played. On a team that rarely looked comfortable shooting the ball or finding a rhythm, Locke was often the only one brave enough to fire off shots without fear of repercussion. When Louisville needed a big shot, particularly early in the season, the Cards most often turned to Locke, who delivered every single time in the clutch.
In the end, Locke knew his identity, but there were not enough playmakers around him to free him up outside of set pieces and end-of-game situations.
Mason Faulkner
A late addition to this Louisville squad, Faulkner became perhaps the most consistent bench contributor for the Cards.
He led the team in assist-to-turnover ratio and brought an excellent energy and intensity level whenever he was in the game for the Cards.
Ultimately, Faulkner not living up to expectations fell squarely on the shoulders of the opportunities he was provided. As a lead guard on this team, he could have been much more, and given more opportunities to play with a lead, his impact would have been much greater. Faulkner is a pace-setter, a game-steadier, and a three-level scorer. His skillset should have been utilized much more effectively as a Cardinal. Still, his presence on this team as a steadying influence with a good head on his shoulders should be remembered in a positive manner.
Malik Williams
Finally, the most loveable, then confounding player in recent memory. The leader, then absentee. Twice a captain, twice suspended for discipline issues. Always a breath-holding shot away from a clank or a clutch three-pointer.
Williams became an enigma in his time at Louisville. But, it should not soon be forgotten that he stared straight into the face of controversy for four and a half years and was an excellent leader and well-respected teammate.
His first season began as absurdly as his last. As a true freshman, he had the entire coaching staff who recruited him taken away the week that fall practice began. Williams came to Louisville to play for Rick Pitino. He stayed under Mack.
Williams faced playing time issues his second and third seasons. Behind fellow big man Steven Enoch, he was always a leader, a cheerleader, and a big playmaker off the bench. He was a high-energy guy, a freak athlete, and well-received by everyone around the program.
Then came the injuries. First, an ankle injury that sidelined him heading into Louisville’s COVID-shortened season. He later dealt with a number of other injuries because he never fully recovered.
Williams sat at home, injured, through COVID-19 lockdowns. He watched his team struggle without him, yet again missing the NCAA Tournament.
In his extra season, as a two-time captain, Williams was the perceived leader and alpha on this team. Until he wasn’t. Between assistant coaching turnover in the offseason, outside distractions, a constant barrage of injuries, and more, tensions grew. His spot on the team as a captain and leader grew less important. His relationship with the staff became torn.
Regardless of how his career has ended, one must remind themselves of the hardships Williams has faced. The number of times things have not gone right, and how he continued to fight adversity. He led the Louisville basketball team’s social justice movements in the summer of 2020. He leaves the fanbase with exciting memories, savage moments, and a number of unforgettable plays to his credit.
And that brings me to the greatest reason why Williams and all of the Louisville basketball seniors should receive nothing but praise, respect, and adoration when their time comes to be honored on Saturday morning.:
On January 26th, Chris Mack walked out on his team.
At the time that Mack left the program, most didn’t realize just how bad of a state the team culture and chemistry were in. That winning was close to unattainable. That a team in the middle of an ACC conference schedule was a blink away from a point of no return.
At the time, it was received as a respectable move. Things weren’t working. Mack stepped aside.
There was an initial surge of energy within the program. But ultimately, the moment that Mack left, the season became unsalvageable. The distractions were far too burdensome. Accomplishing anything memorable or noteworthy much too far out of reach for this UofL program.
Still, when Mack played his role in earning an early-season suspension, Louisville stayed the course. When he returned and then ultimately bolted less than two months later, Louisville stayed the course. And even in the face of defeat, amid probably the single worst season in the modern era of Louisville basketball, Louisville’s seniors have ridden this thing out to the bitter end.
To say that this team quit probably isn’t fair. To say they bowed out early in the seventh round of many 9 round conference bouts feels a bit more precise. That they responded each game to some early punches but wilted down the stretch.
At this point, who could blame them?
One thing has not changed, however. And that is the attitude and blue-collar mentality of the seniors on this team. For better or for worse (and, I mean, it’s gotten worse than anyone could have dreamt) these players have held themselves in a dignified manner. They’ve still represented Louisville basketball with maturity and respect.
On Saturday, they’ve at least earned our respect for their individual moments in the spotlight.
