| Date: December 3, 2001 | Score: Louisville 109, Premier All-Stars 97 |
| Leading Scorers: U of L: Erik Brown (20) Premier All-Stars: Mark Baker (21) |
|
Not only did this exhibition game not count on U of L's record, but the whole team didn't even play. Reece Gaines, Ellis Myles, and Hajj Turner did not get in the game, while Coach Pitino started four freshmen and sophomore Simeon Naydenov. Erik Brown led the Cards with 20 points on an impressive 4-6 shooting from three-point range. As a team, the Cards shot a season-best 13-31 from behind the arc, including a 5-10 effort from Carlos Hurt, who finished with 17 points and showed no remaining effects from an ankle injury suffered in the Oregon game. Brandon Bender also played well, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Luke Whitehead recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Larry O'Bannon also had 14 points.  |
| Game Summary: Premier All-Stars | Score: Louisville 97, Premier All-Stars 85 |
| Leading Scorers: U of L: N. Johnson (21) Premier All-Stars: K. McClure (17) |
|
| Nate Johnson led four Cardinal players with 21 points as the Cards debuted their 1999-2000 edition vs. the Premier All-Stars. The senior forward also compiled six rebounds and four assists, while senior forward Tony Williams was also a triple threat, adding 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. |
| The Cards actually trailed at the half 38-35, a half that included eight ties and 17 lead changes. But the Cards took control in the second half, gaining the lead for good with 12:39 to play. Other highlights for the Cards were the 16 points on 7-10 shooting off the bench from Tobiah Hopper. Dion Edward started at center, collecting four points and 10 rebounds. Marques Maybin also threw in 16 points, but led the Cards in turnovers with four. |
| The newcomer of the game was freshman Reece Gaines, who started, played 27 minutes and scored six points along with four assists, three rebounds and only one turnover. |
| Game Preview: Premier All-Stars | Date: Nov. 2, 1999 |
| Site: Freedom Hall | Records: U of L: 0-0, Premier All-Stars: 0-0 |
|
| The Louisville Cardinals open up their 1999-2000 season with an exhibition at home vs. the Premier All-Stars. UofLHoops.com freely admits that it doesn't know much about the Premier All-Stars, but in truth, how much do we really know about this year's Cardinals? This exhibition comes way before other openers in seasons past, so expect to see a very raw edition of this year's squad. A win is expected, but without knowing a lick about their opponent anything is possible. |
| Still, although questions abound about who will be on the team, etc., the Cards have some talented players and are for the most part being overlooked by the national media. The time will come for the Cardinals to prove themselves. The feature for tonight is the first game look at the Cards' newest players. Reece Gaines, Rashad Brooks, Hajj Turner and Caleb Gervin should all get their first playing time on the Freedom Hall court. Wonderful things are expected from everybody, but it will be especially sweet to see Hajj Turner take the floor. Hats off to him for all the struggles he's been through; everyone wants to see him do well. |
| Tonight's game allows the Cards to get a new memory in their heads, shaking loose the ugly reminder of Creighton, and at least getting us thinking forward to the regular season opener, at Virginia Commonwealth Nov. 19. Things have shaken up a bit inside Freedom Hall beyond just the team. Freedom Hall's voice will no be of Sean Moth, who came most recently from Denver and is a close friend with U of L AD Tom Jurich. With open arms we welcome Sean, who has already been the public address announcer for football games, though it is with sad hearts that we miss John Tong. Tong retired at the end of last season, then suddenly passed away early in the summer. It will be a tough adjustment for Cards fans to make, as it seems his call and voice wil always be in our ears whenever at Freedom Hall. |
