Louisville 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Prediction, Odds, Lines,

With the College Basketball 2009-2010 Season just around the corner, we are providing season previews & predictions for all NCAA basketball teams to give you the betting edge this year. Follow the best College Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2009-2010 basketball season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Basketball in our recommend online sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2009 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.

Louisville 2008-2009 Record: 31-6, 16-2

Louisville 2008-2009 Post Season: NCAA

Louisville Coach: Rick Pitino (200-73 at Louisville, 552-197 overall)

Louisville Projected Starters:

• Peyton Siva, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
• Edgar Sosa, Senior, Guard, 7.3 points per game
• Jerry Smith, Senior, Guard, 7.8 points per game
• Terrence Jennings, Sophomore, Forward, 4.2 points per game
• Samardo Samuels, Sophomore, Forward, 11.8 points per game

Louisville Player to Watch: Samardo Samuels

Louisville Key Losses: F Earl Clark, G Andre McGee, F Terrence Williams

CLICK HERE FOR OUR TOP COLLEGE BASKETBALL HANDICAPPING PICKS!

2009-2010 Louisville Season Preview

As John Calipari swoops into Lexington to refurbish the Kentucky program and contend with its substantial aspirations, Rick Pitino continues his work about an hour to the northwest, aiming to prolong the prosperity that has made Louisville a Big East power and a team few want any piece of nationally.

Like it or not, Pitino will be defined somewhat in the coming years in terms of his success as it compares to the Wildcats.

Even though he has the Cardinals flying high and preparing to move into a swanky new downtown arena next season, Pitino knows that Louisville earns second billing in the Bluegrass State basketball hierarchy, and now finds himself in a struggle against the sport’s hottest coach.

The battle became no easier this summer when Pitino was subject of one of the more tawdry tales to hit college basketball in some time. He’s been backed by the university, but this wasn’t the kind of summer Pitino or the Cardinals had hoped for.

While the psychological machinations of the latest Louisville-Kentucky chapter are fascinating, Pitino’s immediate concern has to be on the court, where he must keep the momentum going after last year’s 31-6 season that included Big East regular-season and tourney titles, a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and an Elite Eight finish.

Losing three starters from that team – including first-round draftees Earl Clark and Terrence Williams – means the Cardinals must re-tool with some strong parts on hand and a group of promising newcomers.

That said, does anybody think Pitino won’t put a strong product on the floor?

Louisville Backcourt

If Louisville is to compete for another Big East title, it must be able to count on the returning triumvirate of senior guards Jerry Smith and Edgar Sosa and sophomore big man Samardo Samuels. It may be unreasonable to expect them to match the production of Clark, Williams and Andre McGee (the third departed regular), but they are the heart around which the other pieces exist.

Smith is a tremendous long-range shooter who hasn’t demonstrated the ability to be a complete scorer. He can distribute some and defend, but he hasn’t taken many people off the dribble during his three years at Louisville and took just more than two shots a game last year from inside the arc. Sosa, meanwhile, is more adept with the ball in his hands but needs to be more accurate with his shooting no matter where he launches it. Those two are going to see their minutes grow, and their production has to expand with it.

Even if they blossom, freshman Peyton Siva – a true point from Seattle – will play a big role. Point guard play was spotty for Louisville last year, a big reason why Clark and Williams initiated the offense so frequently.

Further backcourt support will come from junior Preston Knowles. Knowles does provide solid scoring and defense. Freshman Mike Marra is a bomber who can create room for his teammates.

Louisville Frontcourt

Samuels had a great debut last season, scoring well close to the basket and playing strong interior defense. With Clark and Williams gone, he’ll have to rebound more, something he should be capable of doing. The question is, how much help will he get?

Sophomore Terrence Jennings proved to be an excellent offensive rebounder last year and scored well inside. He should mature into more of a force. Jared Swopshire and George Goode are sophomores with promise but need more consistency, while freshman Stephan Van Treese runs the floor well and hits the offensive boards.

Fellow fresh Rakeem Buckles will score off the dribble and should thrive in transition.

2009-2010 Louisville Predictions

While the Cardinals lack last year’s experience, they have plenty of athletic pieces to implement Pitino’s fullcourt system. Their ceiling will be determined by the leadership of Sosa and Smith and by whether the young frontcourt players develop quickly.

Louisville Finish in the Big East: 2nd
Louisville Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Louisville Betting Odds

Louisville Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +3000
Louisville Odds to Win the Big East: +350

Will Louisville be playing in March Madness this year? Or, will their season be lackluster? Either way, you can still enjoy Louisville Basketball Betting at our feature sportsbooks. Louisville & College Basketball Betting is serious business; where you can make a ton of loot placing informed, smart Louisville bets. Check out these highly reliable, trustworthy, online sportsbooks.

Join BetEd.com Today and Bet on Louisville and receive a 50% Sportsbook Bonus!

Louisville Basketball Handicapping Picks

Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Basketball Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Basketball Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.