Rick Pitino: Louisville on Verge of ‘Potential Mini-Dynasty’


by Bill DiFilippo / @bflip33

The coach of the defending National Champions wants more.

At the annual Cards luncheon in downtown Louisville, Cardinals coach Rick Pitino told reporters he believes the team is one Final Four away from becoming the next great team in college hoops, saying that Louisville is “one year away from a potential mini-dynasty.”

The Cardinals have made it to the Tournament’s final weekend in each of the last two years, as well as the last seven NCAA tournaments. Louisville also won the last two Big East tournament championships.

From The Courier-Journal:

Pitino said his returning players are hungry — but more importantly humble — in terms of reaching a third straight national semifinal.

“These guys are totally committed — totally bought into trying to do it again,” Pitino said. “Now does it take a little luck? Sure it does. But it takes more than luck. It takes talent, it takes focus, and it takes humility. These guys have it.”

Louisville’s road to a second consecutive title will be difficult, as the team will need to replace Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng, and are without the services of junior forward Chane Behanan indefinitely.