2006 Louisville Cardinals Basketball Preview

2006 Louisville Cardinals Basketball Predictions

Louisville made the jump from Conference USA to the Big East, only to find itself out muscled in their new tough play conference. With a year under their belts, the Cardinals should be in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament berth.

There’s a lot of depth on the team and it starts in the backcourt with senior Brandon Jenkins (11.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.9 APG, 44.4 FG%, 72.1 FT%), who can play both point and shooting positions. He’s good in many areas, including defending and rebounding. Sophomore Terrence Williams (8.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 39.1 FG%, 61.2 FT%) possesses explosive energy inside or outside. Freshman Jerry Smith is an accomplished shooter and first-year man Edgar Sosa is resilient and tough.

The Cardinals really needed help in the frontcourt last season. They were next to last in rebounding in the Big East. Everyone agrees that freshman Derrick Caracter (6’ 9” and 275-pounds) has the stuff to be one of the best inside players in the nation. The question is does he care enough to make the effort? If he doesn’t, Louisville has some returning players who will come to the forefront. Juniors David Padgett (11.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 58.0 FG%, 81.5 FT%) and Juan Palacios (10.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 41.5 FG%, 69.2 FT%) were both bothered by injuries last season, hampering their contributions. Look for Palacios to slash to the basket and get to the rim and for Padgett to play with his back to the hoop and use his body to get to the line. Junior Terrance Farley (2.9 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.1 APG, 59.1 FG%, 72.2 FT%) could have a breakout year as a rebounder and blocker.

Rick Pitino (21- 13 overall and 6- 10 Big East; 470- 172 in 19 years) is a proven college commodity, who knows how to shape amateur players. He likes to trap and press and to that end he’s worked to add more bulk and power to the ranks.

The Cardinals are smarter, healthier and deeper than they were last season. They’ll be Big East contenders.

If you want more info on the 2006 Louisville Cardinals College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Villanova Wildcats and DePaul Blue Demons.