Former Louisville great Francisco Garcia has had many accolades and honors throughout his career. Coming to Louisville as a top 30 recruit out of high school, Garcia was the centerpiece of Rick Pitino’s first Louisville recruiting class.
While at Louisville, Garcia had a stellar career. He averaged 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals during his three years in a Cardinal uniform. As a freshman, he earned the nod as C-USA Freshman of the Year. He also found himself being named to the All-CUSA team twice. In his final season, he helped lead Louisville to the 2005 Final Four. That season saw him earn All-American selections from the NABC and from the John R. Wooden Award All-American team.
Garcia was then drafted in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Sacramento selected him with the 23rd overall pick. Garcia had a 10 year NBA career playing for Sacramento and Houston. He finished his career averaging 7.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.
Now, he will be welcomed back to his old Louisville home and be honored as the legend he is.
✔️ 2005 NCAA Final Four team
✔️ 2005 NABC & John Wooden All-American
✔️ #23 overall pick in 2005 NBA Draft
✔️ 2x All-CUSA team
✔️ C-USA Freshman of the yearAnd now, we welcome Francisco Garcia to the Louisville Athletics Hall of Fame!
#GoCards pic.twitter.com/a6qATUJ10Y— Louisville Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) October 23, 2019
*stats courtesy of sports-reference.com basketball-reference.com espn.com
Am I correct in remembering Francisco had a brother that died, and Coach Pitino went home with Francisco for funeral services?