REPORT: Scott Drew the ‘Clear No. 1 Choice’ for Louisville Job
Louisville basketball hasn’t won an ACC championship since 2013, when Rick Pitino led the Cardinals to the Sweet Sixteen and was fresh off back-to-back Final Four runs, including a national title in 2012-13.
However, the Cardinals have had to forfeit 123 wins between 2011-14, including that title, so according to the NCAA record book, it’s been even longer than that.
In fact, the Cardinals haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since Pitino packed his bags after the 2017 season and have made just one tournament appearance in the seven seasons since then.
After one season under interim head coach David Padgett and four seasons under Chris Mack, Louisville hoped that Kenny Payne would bring them back to prominence, but 62 games into his tenure, UL is 12-50. So, it’s back to the drawing board for the Cardinals’ administration.
Who will Louisville, a once proud and incredibly successful basketball program, turn to next to help them rise from the ashes? Apparently, their number one option is currently coaching in the Big 12.
According to Drew Deener of ESPN Radio, the Cardinals have their eyes set on Baylor head coach Scott Drew. Take a listen to what Deener had to say on the matter on Wednesday.
“Scott Drew is the No. 1 target [for Louisville],” Deener said. “They are down to the point though where they need an answer soon… That’s who they want. The job is his if he wants it. That’s how I would put it, but they’ve got to have an answer soon. They can’t wait around for him to make the decision in April.”
Deener goes on to say that UL has a second choice already in mind as well, but says he’s not exactly sure who the backup plan for Drew is.
“I don’t know who the No. 2 is, but there’s a clear No. 2 that they think has high ‘getability.’ You know, nothing’s a done deal, but a guy that they absolutely feel like if they can’t get Drew, they can get this guy and they want this guy. That’s where they are.”
Then, things go way out there.
“The most exciting thing that I heard yesterday, the one I was like, ‘oh, tell me more.’ and there was nothing more to tell, is ‘Don’t cross Billy Donovan off your list,” Deener said. “That’s not as wild as you think… It’s not zero. I’m saying there’s a chance.”
Can Louisville really lure away a coach three years removed from a national title coaching in the best league in basketball? Do they actually have a chance in landing current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan?
Yeah, I’m not holding my breath, but if it’s on the internet, it must be true.
