But, let’s take a step back for a moment and consider it from a different perspective.
Yeah, was it a good look for the Cards? Not really but who cares. This team hasn’t had much to celebrate this year and, with a win over a really good ACC team, Ellis got caught up in the moment. We’ve all “over-celebrated” at one time or another. Give the kid a break.
And, it should be noted that a few games before Clemson played UofL, they had Florida State down by 40. Guess what they did? They dunked on FSU with two seconds left. So, Clemson fans and the Clemson players belly aching are hypocrites. But let’s have a look…..
Was it poor sportsmanship?
Some would say so. But me, nah, not really. Back in the day when I was playing we just kept steam rolling over teams until the clock expired and no one really caused a stink about it. In fact, I’ve been on the other side of the W-L column too. I played on one of the worst teams ever and we were constantly getting harassed. So, I’ve been on both sides of it.
Seems like in this “cancel culture” we have going on everyone is looking for something to attack someone over. It’s a bunch of nonsense. Again, this is a moment in time where El was celebrating during a season where there hasn’t been too much for the Cards to celebrate. Now, I wouldn’t make it customary for every time you are up to finish off the game like that but one every once in a while won’t hurt.
Talking Smack…
The Clemson fans in the stands were taunting the Cards as well. Nothing wrong with that. Talking smack in a game (within reason of course) from players and fans is part of what makes competitive sports fun. As a fan, I want to sit within ear-shot of the players on the court so I can hear some verbal jousting. It’s entertaining. Michael Jordan and Larry Bird were some of the biggest trash-talkers in the history of the game. Did they dunk on another team towards the end of the game when they were up? Probably. And they probably got a kick out of it too.
Look, the Cardinals mens basketball team needed a big night and what a better night to do it on with a great crowd and the Cards celebrating their 2013 season? Going into this game NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, had the Cards to win. They played a tough in-conference game, against a well-coached team with a really good record. Emotions were high. They got a win….on to the next one.
Post-Game…
If I were the coach, I wouldn’t apologize at all. Actually, I wouldn’t even address it. It would be a “move on” moment with the press. But, Coach Kenny did a good job with how he addressed it though and it was a non-issue. Well done.
The Cards Logo…
One other thing. Have a look at the Cardinals logo. The new one AND the throw back logo of the Cardinal dunking the ball. Seems like that one dunking the ball has some fire-in-his-belly and a bit on the angry side as does the more modern version of the Cardinal. Maybe El was feeling a little bit of Cardinal nostalgia, a bit of anger on that dunk on this BIG NIGHT at YUM Center. Something to think about….Just a thought….
Finally, give El Ellis a break. He’s a young kid that got caught up in the moment, something most of us, if not all of us, have done before. One thing is for certain, the kid has a lot of fire-in-his-belly and, I like that. He plays with a lot of passion and comes out to play EVERY night. That’s a fact.
If nothing else, next time these two teams face off Clemson is going to be out for some “red blood” and that will make for some great basketball.
What do you think? Leave us a comment below.
The Louisville Cardinals mens basketball team faces off against a blue-blood, Duke, Monday Feb. 20th at 7pm EST on ESPN.
5 comments
I thought it was a “NICE” 360. Probably not the contemporary thing to do, but, this is hardly a normal year. Record setting losses. I say “Forget about it”….
No problem celebrating but not long ago he didn’t bother to tun down the court at the end of the game with his teammates. Just seems like bad sportsmanship on his part. Lose I’ll sulk, win I’ll rub it in your face. Just part of the maturing process
Nothing wrong with that. He was just showing contribute to Darrell Griffith who specializes the 360 dunk. At the Yum 2013 guys and others are back in the house; what’s a better way to end on the 360 to paid contribute to the #1 all time leader scorer and 1980 Nationally Champion!!!! Love it.
Love the dunk! Paying contributed to Darrell Griffith was the first thing I thought about. Griff specializes the 360 dunk. So, why not show Griff some love. The 2013 team and other Alums was in the house, this was prefect.
Totally agree with your comments!! El needed a big moment, the team needed a big moment, and the fans needed a big moment! Certainly not something you would expect normally but this was a MOMENT!! Let’s celebrate and not over analyze and criticize a moment in an unprecedented and disappointing season for these young men!!! Go Cards and let’s make some noise in the ACC tournament!!