College Basketball Preview. 10. Louisville Cardinals

If Siva can shoot better then last year he can turn into a dangerous player for a dangerous Lousiville team.
10. Louisville Cardinals Key Returnees: G Peyton Siva, C Gorgui Dieng, G Kyle Kuric
G Peyton Siva- Junior
G Chris Smith- Senior
F Angel Nunez- Freshman
F Jared Swopshire- Junior
C Gorgui Dieng- Sophomore
Sixth- Kyle Kuric- Senior
Top Recruit- Wayne Blackshear
Last years promising 25-9 mark heading into the tournament and tie for 3rd in the tough Big East was ended abruptly when the Cardinals were stunned by Morehead State. This year will promise even better results. The 2011-2012 Louisville squad will be headed by a strong backcourt and improving frontcourt. Peyton Siva is back and is ready for a big year. He makes great passes but if he doesn't shoot better that 9.9 points per game won't improve much. Chris Smith is the other returning backcourt player. Smith is a senior with experience and unlike Siva can shoot. Kyle Kuric is dangerous off the bench and will be a big contributor while Wayne Blackshear is a hyped recruit who will produce. Louisville's biggest question mark resides at the small forward position. Angel Nunez is an incoming freshman that is really the only healthy pure small forward. Though the rest of the frontcourt is pretty good. Jared Swopshire was effective in 2009-2010 before missing all of 2010-2011 with a groin injury. Center Gorgui Dieng had a good freshman year and will be asked to contribute more as a sophomore. Stephen Van Treese is solid but will come off the bench most games.
Bottom Line: Rick Pitino once more has a talented squad but they might not be ready to take the next step.