As a class of 2007 University of Louisville alum, I would like to congratulate Samardo on his achievement!  Samardo left his childhood home in Trelawny, Jamaica (hometown of Usain Bolt) during his teenage years to pursue a basketball career in the United States.  As Samardo grew as a player, he became highly touted by college scouts all over the country.  As a senior, Samuels averaged 24.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots per game, leading St. Benedict Prep to a 24-1 record and the No. 2 ranking in the USA Today high school basketball rankings.

Samardo achieved the most prized high school player award after being named the USA Today high school basketball player of the year in 2008.  He was ranked in the top five by the most recognized scouting websites in the country: ie: ESPN 150, Scout.com, Rivals.com, etc.  A prized five star recruit, with a huge up-side and heading to the University of Louisville.

College basketball was a new ballgame for Samardo, but things looked up as his experience level grew.  Sam Sam (as we call him in Louisville) is a strong, powerful player who can face up as well as play with his back to the basket.  His free throw shooting is solid, but his 15 foot jump shoot could use some work.  As a senior, Sam Sam averaged 15.3 ppg, 7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.  Add these stats with a fg % of 52.3 and he can give you valuable mins on the court.  Samardo jumped into a starting role as a freshman and I personally feel he can contribute to the CAVS when needed and possibly become a great asset to this team.  One huge benefit we as CAVS receive from the acquisition of Samuels is his ability to run the floor.  This asset will be something Byron Scott can use to his advantage. 

I have watched every game Samardo has played in his college career and feel his talent level is continuing to grow with his age and maturity.  Good luck to Sam Sam, can't wait to see you in the Wine and Gold.

The last few days have been an up and down roller coaster of thoughts and emotions regarding the recent hangover aka "teague to kentucky".  I live in Northeast Ohio, so I haven't had many conversations with anyone about basketball (other than the Cavs).  No one here really understands the importance of college basketball and recruiting in the state of Kentucky.  After my thoughts have been compiled, I find it hard to understand why people are overlooking the returning players, plus Chris Smith as well as the newcomers and the rest of the 2011 class.  Why are we putting so much thought...bitching and moaning into this kid (just as guilty as anyone), when we are primed for success with the players we have and the players yet to come.  The final four team and the two elite eight teams were not built with one and dones and quit frankly....if and when we win a championship, it will be with players we have come to know and love.....not the John Walls and Teagues of the world.  So lets keep our faith in the players and coach we have committed to and hope for the best.  And remember.....we have Charlie Strong....GO CARDS

Sources: Strong leads Louisville's list

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Sources: Kragthorpe out at Lousiville

Comment Email Print Share By Pat Forde
ESPN.com
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Steve Kragthorpe has coached his last game at Louisville, sources told ESPN.com.

The Cardinals' 34-14 loss to Rutgers ends Kragthorpe's tenure after three disappointing seasons. Kragthorpe, who went 15-21 at Louisville, will meet with athletic director Tom Jurich Saturday, according to sources, to determine the best way to handle his departure.

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A search will begin immediately for his successor, though Jurich might not move as quickly as he has in the past. Jurich previously hired Bobby Petrino almost immediately after losing John L. Smith to Michigan State, and did the same thing in naming Kragthorpe to replace Petrino.

But both of those searches began late in the hiring cycle. Petrino left for the Atlanta Falcons in January, and Smith left in late December, as word leaked out while the Cardinals were playing Marshall in the GMAC Bowl. This time around, with many teams still playing, Louisville must be mindful of ongoing seasons.

Two coaches heavy in the speculation mill are Houston's Kevin Sumlin and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, and both could be playing next week. If Sumlin's Cougars defeat heavy underdog Rice Saturday, they will play in the Conference USA championship game Dec. 5. Strong and the Gators have a date with Alabama in the SEC championship game the same day.

Other potential candidates include Texas Tech's Mike Leach, former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville and former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer. Multiple sources have told ESPN.com that Fulmer is interested in the job.

For Kragthorpe, this marks the end of a surprisingly unsuccessful tenure. After rebuilding Tulsa he was viewed as a popular candidate at several locations, among them Colorado and Arizona State when those schools were looking to replace Gary Barnett and Dirk Koetter, respectively. For the Cardinals, Kragthorpe looked like another in a long line of successful hires for Jurich.

But it never panned out, as the program immediately lost momentum after going 12-1 and winning the Orange Bowl in Petrino's last season. With star quarterback Brian Brohm and a talented cast of skill position players returning, Louisville went from the preseason Top 10 to 6-6 as the team's defense collapsed. That was followed by seasons of 5-7 and 4-8, as the Cardinals steadily leaked talent and became less competitive in the Big East.

With Louisville expanding Papa John's Cardinal Stadium from 42,000 to more than 60,000 seats and disgruntled fans staying away in droves this season, going forward with Kragthorpe was a no-win proposition. A crowd of only 23,422 attended the finale Friday against Rutgers, many of them using tickets that had been given away by unhappy season-ticket holders.

With that game over, Louisville can conclude its relationship with Kragthorpe and commence the search for his successor.

Pat Forde is a senior writer for ESPN.com.