This is very cool.
For the first time as a casual observer/U of L fan, former Louisville player/assistant/interim head coach David Padgett paid a visit to the Yum Center practice facility on Tuesday to watch the Cardinals work out.
First time being a “guest” in this building, but good to watch some hoops and catch up with some old faces. Thanks @CoachChrisMack for letting me stop in. pic.twitter.com/wJx1G2dVDh
— David Padgett (@coachDPadgett) October 23, 2018
Padgett’s successor, Chris Mack, made it clear that the big man is welcome to attend practice any time.
Always welcome DP!!
— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) October 23, 2018
It would have been easy for Padgett to leave U of L with a bitter taste in his mouth, or to at least feel not as attached to Cardinal basketball as he once did. Instead, he’s still supporting the program and forming a solid relationship with the man who will guide Louisville’s next era. That’s pretty cool.
One of the many awkward things about last season was having to openly discuss the coaching acumen and the professional future of one of the most popular Louisville basketball players in recent memory, one who was thrust into an unenviable position with no warning. Cardinal fans are always going to love David for the way he’s handled himself throughout his relationship with the program, but especially for the way he handled all the events of 2017-18.
Here’s hoping we see DP courtside a few times this winter, and then here’s hoping he lands the gig he deserves after that.
