Our first Cardinal Rewind that we are bringing you is with former UofL basketball hometown great, Larry O’Bannon. Larry played for the Cards from 2001-2005 and was apart of the Final Four team in 2004-2005. Here is what Larry had to say with us here at Cardinal Sports Zone:
CSZ: What are you up to these days?
Larry: I am playing ball in Argentina this year. This is my 7th year since leaving Louisville.
CSZ: What are some of the biggest differences in playing ball overseas as opposed to here in the states?
Larry: The biggest difference between playing ball in the states and overseas is the style of play. In the states it’s more 1 on 1 and overseas it’s all pick and roll and shooting mostly.
CSZ: Did you have any other offers coming out of high school? And what made you choose to stay home and play for UofL?
Larry: I had offers from Dayton, Colorado, and Tennessee but UofL was at home and had Coach Pitino so that is why I stayed there.
CSZ: Growing up in Louisville, who were some of the players you looked up to as a kid?
Larry: Players I looked up to coming up were Dejuan Wheat and Derek Anderson. They were the two biggest people I looked up to in Louisville. Ray Allen was always my favorite player.
CSZ: What is your greatest memory as a UofL basketball player?
Larry: My greatest memory as a ball player at UofL was the good times I had with the guys off the court. My best ball memory was senior night, knowing I played one of my best games in the last game I would ever play at Freedom Hall. That was pretty special. (CSZ: UofL beat Charlotte 94-82. Larry had 33 points on 11-16 shooting. He made five 3 pointers, and was 6-6 from the FT line.)
CSZ: What do you think about the team this season?
Larry: I think this team will be really good. They have a great team and chemistry. Love the guys they have because I play with them in the summer and they should make a good run this year.
CSZ: Tell us a little bit about your basketball camp you run.
Larry: Yea I have a basketball camp the 3rd week of June every summer and you can sign up at Larryobannon34.com. I will keep you guys posted more as it gets closer.
CSZ: What are your plans for after basketball?
Larry: Become an accountant.
CSZ: Larry we appreciate your time. Is there anything you would like to say to the fans of CardNation?
Larry: You guys are Great!! Thanks for all the support and love over the years.
Here is a video of Larry playing overseas.