Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Louisville finishes 4-28 to cap off worst season in 80 years
By CHARLIE PARENT
A season that began with so much hope under first-year coach Kenny Payne mercifully ended on Tuesday as Louisville lost 80-62 to Boston College in the first round of the ACC Tournament.
The Cardinals only had four wins all year, the lowest since their 1940-1941 season when they went 2-14.
What can fairly be described as the longest season in Louisville basketball history is over. Boston College beats Louisville 80-62. When Kenny Payne lifted his starters, El Ellis passed the bench and walked up the tunnel. HE DID return to congratulate BC players after the game. pic.twitter.com/F8WcU3jTt9
Only two of Louisville’s wins came in ACC play, where they defeated Georgia Tech and Clemson. The Cardinals also went just 2-5 against non Power 5 opponents, losing to the likes of Appalachian State, Lipscomb, and Bellarmine.
Payne and Louisville were also heavily involved in the recruitments of 2023 five-stars D.J. Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw, but the duo ultimately chose rival Kentucky over the Cardinals.
Even with the terrible start to Payne’s tenure, it does not seem many changes are coming to the program on his part.
“I have one of the best staff’s in college basketball. I can’t believe you asked that question… what is there to evaluate,” Payne told reporters postgame. “I don’t understand the question. I love my staff”
Paybe also said he has not yet discussed his future with Louisville yet.
“I have not had one conversation with [Athletic Director] Josh Heird about my future,” he said. “I don’t know if there is a reason to have a conversation with Josh Heird about my future.”
The only current positives Louisville has is that they don’t graduate any seniors this year and will bring in 2023 four-stars Kaleb Glenn and Curtis Williams Jr who are set to make instant impacts next season.
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