From: Andy Lyons (Getty Images)
Since Rick Pitino got ran out of town, the Louisville basketball program has been in a constant state of flux. In four years at the program, Chris Mack led the Cards to one NCAA Tournament Appearance. Last year, both Louisville and Mack 'mutually agreed' to part ways. Louisville then turned around and hired the worst head coach in the history of their program.
In his first year as Head Coach, Kenny Payne led the Cardinals to the WORST record in Louisville history. Not only did they go 4-28 and 2-18 in the conference, they also lost to a D-II program Lenoir Rhyne during a preseason exhibition. They lost to Wright State and Bellarmine in the non-conference. Despite a disastrous 2022 season, there were some signs of optimism around the program heading into 2023.
Kenny Payne looked to turn over the roster in big way during the offseason. He locked up Top-35 recruit Trentyn Flowers. Payne also brought in 4 other Four Stars, and three transfers. Skyy Clark was looking for a fresh start away from Illinois. Things were looking up for the Cards in 2023. Then, disaster struck. Trentyn Flowers decommitted and headed overseas. The gem of the recruiting class got up and left.
The Louisville Cardinals are in desperate need for a coaching change. Payne has struggled to talk to the press, make on court adjustments, and recruit at a high enough level for a program like Louisville. In the offseason, fire Kenny Payne and make a splash before this can spiral anymore.