The Floyd Street Tribune: Two steps back and a big upcoming stretch

Inside: Can a string of four decently winnable games for Louisville stop the bleeding and provide some -- any -- hope for the future?

Thanks so much for sticking with me through a difficult season. I’m trying to keep things entertaining amid the struggles.

Miss the previous newsletter? I diverged from the pain-and-suffering beat to discuss the emergence of Mike James, promptly yet unintentionally cursing him. For just $7 a month, paid subscribers receive each newsletter in full and have access to each newsletter via the main TFST page.

A few weeks ago, I debated the merits of the fight between those who saw improved effort vs. those who believe no Louisville team should ever be like this therefore nothing matters this season. And, well, I wish that debate was still going, because Louisville took two big steps back in 21-point losses to North Carolina and Pittsburgh and you really can’t make the first argument right now.

We’re waking up Thursday feeling like Louisville’s back to square one. At least I am. Mainly because I watched back-to-back games in which opponents essentially did whatever they wanted on offense and Louisville offered little to no resistance. Defense isn’t entirely about effort, but effort is a huge part of it, and UNC and Pitt combined for 23 dunks/layups and 21 3s — many of them uncontested. At no point in Wednesday’s loss to Pitt did the Panthers look like they were navigating a difficult defensive scheme or an opponent hell-bent on stopping them. It didn’t help that Louisville’s offense looked as hapless as ever.

So, now we ask the question: How important are the next four games for Louisville men’s basketball and Kenny Payne?