Louisville Live has become the staple recruiting event for Louisville’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. It is also the first chance for fans to see their men’s and women’s teams. This season’s iteration took place at Louisville Slugger Field and it was as awesome as one could expect.
I, El Virgo, Shawn, took my nephew Mason to his first Louisville Live. We both came away awestruck with the presentation, the glitz, and the glamor. With Louisville legends Peyton Siva and Angel McCoughtry hosting and Jack Harlow bringing his superstar appeal, it was the best iteration so far. However, what made it truly special was Coach Kenny Payne and his words as well as seeing all the greats return. From Milt Wagner to Pervis Ellison and Sarah Nord to Myisha Hines-Allen, all of Louisville opened their collective arms and embraced our UofL family. When Coach Payne called on Pervis Ellison to step forward and they embraced, it felt as though a true healing had taken place. It is as if all the bad that had shrouded the program was thrown off and a new dawn was being witnessed.
My nephew, 12 years old, at that moment realized the history, prestige, and greatness that is UofL men’s and women’s basketball. While the women are in the midst of a historic run under Hall of Fame Coach Jeff Walz, the men have been languishing. However, Mason even realized that the men’s program is at the beginning of the comeback. It was obvious to he and I that soon Cardinal men’s basketball will join Cardinal women’s basketball in their rightful places among the top programs in NCAA college basketball.
Yeah, the 3-point shooting contest, hot shot, and dunk contest were fun. However, it was seeing the history of greatness and the promise of greatness renewed that was the true highlight of the night.
Photo Gallery & Intro Videos below!
Jack
Angel
WBB Intro
Mens Basketball Intro