LOUISVILLE, Ky. – During Pat Kelsey’s introductory press conference, he said that he had recently Googled the top 50 players in the history of the Louisville men’s basketball program, and “almost fell down” when he saw the search results.
The newly-christened head coach of the Cardinals would then go on to say that these former players “built this” program, and they were welcome back any time they pleased.
The former College of Charleston head coach said that he didn’t want to start naming any of the aforementioned former UofL players in his opening statement, for fear of leaving anyone notable out.
However, he did make sure to name one: Kenny Payne.
Of course, earlier this month, Payne was relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Cardinals after two years in charge of his alma mater.
His tenure at Louisville was an all-systems failure, going just 12-52 overall including 8-24 this season. Kelsey was then officially tabbed as the man to replace Payne on Thursday.
Despite everything that unfolded while Payne was the man in charge of the Louisville men’s basketball program, Kelsey went out of his to extend him an olive branch.
He said that Payne is still a Cardinal, and he is just as welcome back as any other former player is.
“Obviously, it didn’t work out the way we wanted it, but he is a major, major, major part of Card Nation,” Kelsey said.
“He is welcome back here like everybody else.
He’s a world class human being. I don’t know him well, but I know a ton of people that know him. We’re really proud of who he is, and that he’s a Cardinal.”
