Senior Fun: Cards 94 – Seton Hall 78
Posted by frankpos on March 5, 2009
T Will kisses the Bird goodbye at Senior Night in the Hall. (Photo: KyLures.) Gif below from Jerb.
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There was a game tonight… and it was a run-and -gun, entertaining send-off for the Seniors.
There wasn’t much defense played by either team, but the Cards were content to out-shoot and out-rebound an out-manned Seton Hall squad, and set themselves up for a shot at winning a Big East championship on the road at West Virginia on Saturday.
I’ll let others dissect the game. I want to simply comment that this was one of the most memorable Senior Nights in my 40+ years of watching U of L.
T Will toyed with a triple double. (Photo: Sam4Gtr)
Below are links to the pics of game and to the quite remarkable post-game comments by the players to a packed house of standing Card fans who waited after the game.
Most people were surprised as I was by two things in particular: 1) the degree of maturity and leadership shown in Andre McGee’s speech, and 2) the quiet seriousness of T Will in his.
E5 doubled for 27 pts and 14 boards. (Photo: KyLures)
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But first, let me share with you a video that was shown pre-game to the delight of the Hall crowd– a little fun by the three Seniors, Terrence Williams, Andre McGee , and Will Scott–and junior Earl Clark (courtesy of twistedwedge from Card Chronicle):
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Team reacting to the Senior's video. (Photo: KyLures)
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Pics of the game from Matt (KyLures), HITH’s photographer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kylures/sets/72157614824060292/
Here’s a set of just the LadyBirds and Cheerleaders:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kylures/sets/72157614855673576/
Also, Sam4gtr is a great photographer with the school paper, is a member of the Card Chronicle like myself, and has allowed us to view his photos too:
http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j27/sam34gtr/bball20seton20hall20sr20night
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Pre-game quotes from Coach Pitino about the graduating players:
Notable quotes from Coach Pitino in the post-game press conference:
This group we will really miss because they truly want to win more than anything else. When we came off that NIT season they were really committed to winning. It was interesting because in their sophomore year there were a lot of times in the months of January and February people doubted whether they could turn it around. They always came through and responded. In very difficult ways they had to respond. We had to string some games together to get to the tournament. The last two years we have obviously been much better because we have been the best road team in the BIG EAST conference the last three years. That speaks well of the seniors’ character.”
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“I think if we pass well, we shoot well. I wish we could pass to the foul line. (Laughter ) There is absolutely no reason for Jerry Smith and Preston Knowles to miss free throws. We are going to have to have Terrence Jennings shoot our free throws on technical fouls.”
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I think two major keys to this basketball team are when we pass and offensive rebound we are a good basketball team. When we take quick shots we are not. When we do not offensive rebound we let the other teams get into transition.
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The post-game speeches from Earl Clark, Will Scott, and Andre McGee:
The post game speech from T Will:
Some Key Quotes from Senior Night:
“…this is the greatest place in the world, especially to play basketball, and you (the fans) made it happen. I pity everyone who hasn’t had a chance to play for Louisville.” Andre McGee in his speech to the crowd.
“I’m not guaranteeing anything, but this team will play its heart out to get to Detroit (this year’s Final Four site), and I want to see everyone there.”
“I could say this is a dream come true, but I never dreamed this. It’s unreal, but it’s reality.” Terrence Williams
Will Scott and his family. (Photo: KyLures)
Andre McGee and family. (Photo: KyLures)
Departing junior Earl Clark showing his framed jersey to the crowd. (Photo: KyLures)
T Will and his mom... (Photo: KyLures)
T Will as he exits the Hall for the last time. (Photo: KyLures)
frankpos said
Guys: Nothing’s wrong with T Will. Andre had just given a very long, and hilarious speech, calling out teammates by nickname and thanking about 18 people–very impressive.
TWill got up then, and surprisingly was very serious and reserved in his speech to the crowd. And frankly nervous, he admitted– which may have made him seem more reserved.
It was just a great night for the seniors and the crowd. Very memorable and moving at times.
N. Lindy said
Roz,
I think T-Will is not going to acknowledge the fans until we get to Detroit. This was not anywhere near his farewell game IMHO.
Roz said
…Hope you’re right, Lindy. I just thought some of the in-town faithful, the one’s who have watched his somewhat up and down career(in person)and have been steadfast in their support, would have felt good for themselves AND for Terrence if he would have shown his usual effervescence. Know what I mean?
Cause 98 percent (99?) of those in the Holy House last night won’t be going to Detroit. Let’s just hope the Cardinals themselves will make up that small minority that will.
Roz said
Andre looked so open last night, any protective shell now broken, leaving him open to receive all that L O V E. When he came to the bench at the end of the game it was magic.
Did anyone notice a bit of “reserve” on TWILL’s part when he left the game to the thunder? Thought that maybe he was not as exuberant as I expected. I hope nothings bothering him.