The first basket is a Russ Smith special, finding his way beneath the basket for a shot that only he can make. Followed by Peyton Siva with a uncharacteristic three-point basket from 30 feet . Close behind, providing the exclamation marks is Montrezl Harrell with two thundering signature dunks.
Shades of a magical 2013 championship season and The Ville is off to a 9-0 lead over Uknighted, a collection of former Bellarmine University players in an opening round game in the TBT tournament. The popular summer event features 64 teams from cities across the nation in a single elimination tournament with a grand prize of $1 million to the winner.
The rip-roaring start would not last, with The Ville trailing by 12 points at one point in the first half. Like that 2013 team, however, the UofL alumni were never going to fold, winning 79-71 to advance to the second round. The game was witnessed by crowd of 5,987, the fourth largest in TBT history.
“They know I leave it all in between those lines every time I step out on the floor,” Harrell said. “It was amazing; I couldn’t have asked for a better homecoming.
The Ville’s roster also includes former UofL players Chane Behanan, Chinanu Onuaku, Chris Jones, David Johnson, Dillon Avare and Keith Odoo. Head Coach Reece Gaines is assisted by Luke Hancock, most outstanding player from that 2013 NCAA championship team.
Montrezl Harrell admitted he was fighting back tears when introduced before the game. He had spent the last year rehabbing from a knee injury. He was obviously inspired playing in front of his old fan base, leading all scorers with 20 points and pulling down nine rebounds in 33 minutes of playing time.
“They know I leave it all in between those lines every time I step out on the floor,” Harrell said. “It was amazing; I couldn’t have asked for a better homecoming.”
Some fans wanted to confirm the University of Louisville’s third national championship in 2013 (Photo by Mike DeZarn).
Montrezl Harrell leads UofL scoring with 20 points and added nine rebounds in his first game in a year (Mike DeZarn photo).
Retired sports information director Kenny Klein and the ever popular Gorgui Dieng
catch up on old times during the Freedom Hall game (Mike DeZarn photo).
Russ Smith with one of his patented moves getting to the basket for two more points (Mike DeZarn photo).
A future University of Louisville athlete flashes the L sign during a break in the action (Mike DeZarn photo).