"If we’re getting great ones, I sleep like a baby": Pat Kelsey shares his relentless mindset on offense 

Louisville and Pat Kelsey continued its impressive start to the season with a significant road win over Syracuse on Tuesday. After the game, the media highlighted an interesting trend in Louisville's season: the Cardinals have shot better on the road than at their home court, the KFC Yum! Center.

Coach Pat Kelsey was quick to dismiss the notion that the location played a big role in their shooting success. Instead, he emphasized Louisville's consistent mentality, focused on hunting what he calls "big advantage shots."

“We hunt big advantage shots,” Kelsey said. “Throughout the course of this year, the majority of our shots are big advantage shots."

"Our guys give up good and get great, and when we generate big advantage shots, you’re in range, you’re in rhythm, and you shoot it every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Then we’ll crash the glass and get a second opportunity.”

Kelsey’s emphasis on offensive rebounds highlighted another strength of Louisville’s game. The Cardinals rank among the top teams in the nation, averaging 12.7 offensive rebounds per game, placing them 63rd overall. Their ability to secure second-chance opportunities has been key in their recent wins.

“I don’t get caught up in makes and misses. I’m about hunting great,” Kelsey explained. “If we’re getting great ones, I sleep like a baby. Fold my arms, smile, whether it goes in or not.”

Jan. 11's win against the Pittsburgh Panthers highlighted Kelsey’s point, as Louisville grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, dominating the glass. Against Syracuse, the total dipped to eight, but it still played a role in securing the victory. Regardless of the numbers, Kelsey’s focus remains on the process rather than the outcome.

Early in Kelsey’s tenure with the Cardinals, his approach has yielded strong results. Louisville’s commitment to generating quality shots and dominating the boards continues to pay dividends, setting the stage for a promising season.

Pat Kelsey praises Chucky Hepburn and Louisville’s performance in historic win

Pat Kelsey shared his thoughts after Louisville recorded victory against Syracuse with a commanding 85-61 win at the Dome. The win marked the Cardinals’ seventh straight victory this season and its first win at Syracuse in eight years.

Louisville hadn't defeated Syracuse on the road since Feb. 13, 2017, in a 76-72 overtime victory.

“We’re fortunate to get a win in a tough environment against a really talented team in Syracuse,” Pat Kelsey said. “I thought our guys, from the very beginning, played a complete game. We came out defending at a really high level, and that effort stayed consistent throughout the course of the game.”

Louisville’s defense asserted its dominance, holding Syracuse to just 40% shooting from the field and 8-of-25 from three-point range. On the offensive end, the Cardinals excelled, shooting 50% overall and converting 12-of-28 3-point attempts.

Leading the charge was Chucky Hepburn, who delivered a game-high 24-point performance in Louisville’s attack.

“Chucky’s been sensational for us this year,” Kelsey said. “I think he’s one of the best point guards in the country and one of the best in our conference. He’s incredibly selfless, a phenomenal leader, and a true professional in his daily work. Chucky was awesome tonight.”

Hepburn’s impact extended beyond his scoring, as he contributed seven assists, propelling Louisville to victory. Each of Louisville's starting five contributed double digits in points.

Terrence Edwards complimented Hepburn, putting up 16 points, while J'Vonne Hadley had 13, and Reyne Smith and James Scott contributed 10 points each.