For a program with only two official national titles (many will argue three, but 2013 was technically vacated), the Louisville Cardinals have been one of the best in college basketball at developing elite talent. From hometown heroes to out-of-state stars, players who come to Louisville tend to leave as legends. That makes building a hypothetical all-time starting five a tough task. Do you simply pick the five most decorated players, or do you build a lineup based on fit and chemistry?
For this exercise, I leaned toward the latter, creating a group that balances success, skill, and complementary styles. Here is my all-time Louisville starting five.
Point Guard: DeJuan Wheat (1994–1997)
Pound for pound, DeJuan Wheat may be the greatest Cardinal ever. At six feet tall and 165 pounds, the smooth scoring guard became the first NCAA player to record 2,000 points, 450 assists, 300 three-pointers, and 200 steals in a career. His versatile skill set made him the ultimate floor general, capable of leading an offense and defending at a high level. If not for an ankle injury during the 1997 tournament, Wheat might have brought Louisville another national championship. He is the perfect lead initiator for this all-time team.
Honorable Mention: Butch Beard
Shooting Guard: Darrell Griffith (1977–1980)
With a 48-inch vertical and a flair for the spectacular, Darrell Griffith became both a showman and a champion. Known as “Dr. Dunkenstein,” Griffith combined highlight-reel dunks with a polished midrange jumper, finishing his career as Louisville’s all-time leading scorer. He was the engine behind the 1980 “Doctors of Dunk,” guiding the Cardinals to their first national title while winning both the Wooden Award and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. When the doctor was in, defenses had no cure.
Honorable Mention: Milt Wagner
Small Forward: Derek Smith (1979–1982)
Derek Smith was a modern three-and-D wing born before his time. An efficient inside-out scorer who thrived with spacing and strong guard play, Smith brought toughness and balance to every lineup he played in. Another key member of the “Doctors of Dunk,” he might not have soared like Griffith, but few players in program history raised a team’s floor the way he did. Smith is also credited by many with popularizing the high five, which might be his most enduring contribution to basketball culture.
Honorable Mention: Junior Bridgeman
Power Forward: Wes Unseld (1966–1968)
It may surprise some to see Wes Unseld at power forward since he played center throughout his career, but at six feet seven inches he fits perfectly next to a true rim protector. The king of the boards and one of the greatest outlet passers in basketball history, Unseld’s rebounding and vision would ignite fast breaks for this athletic lineup. A three-time Naismith Player of the Year and career twenty-point scorer, Unseld gives this team elite toughness, unselfishness, and interior dominance.
Honorable Mention: Rodney McCray
Center: Pervis Ellison (1986–1989)
Pervis Ellison was as dominant as they come. A force in the paint and the best defender in Louisville history, he remains the program’s all-time blocks leader. “Never Nervous Pervis” helped lead the Cardinals to their second national title in 1986 and brought a relentless interior presence on both ends of the floor. Paired with Unseld, the two form a frontcourt that would overwhelm opponents on the glass and anchor a championship-level defense.
Honorable Mention: Charlie Tyra
Head Coach: Denny Crum (1971–2001)
It is tempting to go with Rick Pitino here. Even with the 2013 title vacated, Pitino is one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. But when you have access to a John Wooden disciple, you take him. Denny Crum led Louisville to two national titles and built the program into a perennial powerhouse. His calm confidence, adaptability, and offensive creativity make him the perfect choice to lead this all-time team.
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