Louisville Basketball 2013 Roster: Where Are They Now?

The 2013 Louisville Cardinals basketball team holds a special place in college basketball history. Coached by the legendary Rick Pitino, this team captivated fans with their electrifying play and ultimately clinched the NCAA Championship. However, the victory was later vacated due to NCAA violations, casting a shadow over their accomplishments. Regardless, the players on that roster remain etched in the memories of Louisville fans. Let's take a look at the key players from the 2013 Louisville basketball roster and see what they are up to now.

Key Players and Their Journeys

Russ Smith

Russ Smith, also known as "Russdiculous," was the engine that drove the Cardinals' offense. His fearless drives to the basket, acrobatic finishes, and clutch shooting made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Smith's impact extended beyond scoring; his energy and passion were infectious, lifting the entire team. After leaving Louisville, Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and later traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. While his NBA career was relatively short, he has since played professionally overseas, showcasing his talents in various leagues around the world.

Smith's time in the NBA included stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Delaware 87ers. His overseas career has been quite extensive, featuring time with Galatasaray, Limoges CSP, and several other teams. Throughout his professional career, Smith has maintained a reputation as a high-energy player and a dynamic scorer, endearing him to fans wherever he plays. Off the court, Smith remains involved in basketball, often participating in camps and clinics to mentor young players. His legacy at Louisville is undeniable, and his contributions to the 2013 team are still celebrated by Cardinals fans.

Peyton Siva

Peyton Siva, the floor general of the 2013 team, was the quintessential point guard. His exceptional court vision, passing skills, and defensive tenacity made him the perfect complement to Smith's scoring prowess. Siva's ability to control the tempo of the game and make smart decisions in crucial moments was invaluable to the Cardinals' success. After his college career, Siva was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. Similar to Smith, his NBA career was brief, but he found success playing professionally in Europe and Australia. Siva’s leadership and playmaking abilities have translated well to the international stage, where he continues to be a valuable asset to his teams.

Siva has played for several prominent European clubs, including Alba Berlin and New Zealand Breakers. His experience and basketball IQ have made him a sought-after player in international leagues. Siva is known for his defensive intensity and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Off the court, Siva is admired for his community involvement and dedication to helping young athletes. He often speaks about the importance of education and using sports as a platform for personal growth. Siva's impact on the 2013 Louisville team was significant, and he continues to inspire young players with his work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui Dieng was the defensive anchor of the 2013 Louisville team. His imposing size, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding skills made him a formidable presence in the paint. Dieng's defensive prowess not only protected the rim but also intimidated opponents and disrupted their offensive flow. After Louisville, Dieng was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he enjoyed a successful NBA career. He has also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, and San Antonio Spurs. Dieng's NBA career has been marked by his consistency and reliability as a defensive player and rebounder.

Dieng's commitment to defense and his willingness to do the dirty work made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. He is known for his strong work ethic and his positive attitude on and off the court. Dieng is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in his home country of Senegal. He has worked to improve access to education and healthcare for underprivileged communities. Dieng's success in the NBA and his dedication to giving back make him a role model for young athletes around the world. His contributions to the 2013 Louisville team were essential to their championship run, and he continues to represent the program with pride.

Chane Behanan

Chane Behanan brought toughness and physicality to the Louisville frontcourt. His relentless rebounding, scoring in the paint, and defensive intensity made him a valuable contributor to the team. Behanan's energy and passion were contagious, inspiring his teammates to play with maximum effort. After his time at Louisville, Behanan played professionally overseas. While his professional journey has had its challenges, he remains remembered for his contributions to the Cardinals.

Behanan’s career has included stints in various international leagues, where he has continued to display his rebounding skills and inside scoring ability. Off the court, Behanan has focused on personal development and mentorship, working to guide young athletes. His time at Louisville was marked by his dedication and hard work, and he remains a popular figure among Cardinals fans. Behanan's contributions to the 2013 team were crucial, and his determination on the court was a key factor in their success.

Luke Hancock

Luke Hancock, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2013 Final Four, was the ultimate spark plug for the Cardinals. His sharpshooting, clutch performances, and unwavering confidence made him an integral part of their championship run. Hancock's ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense was a game-changer for Louisville. After his college career, Hancock played professionally, including stints in the NBA Development League and overseas. Hancock’s legacy at Louisville is cemented by his outstanding performance in the Final Four, where he showcased his shooting prowess and clutch playmaking.

Hancock has continued to be involved in basketball, often participating in camps and clinics, and providing commentary on college basketball games. His insights and knowledge of the game make him a valuable voice in the basketball community. Hancock is admired for his humility and his dedication to helping young players develop their skills. His contributions to the 2013 Louisville team were unforgettable, and he remains a beloved figure among Cardinals fans.

The Supporting Cast

While the players mentioned above were the stars of the 2013 Louisville team, the supporting cast played a crucial role in their success. Players like Montrezl Harrell, Wayne Blackshear, and Tim Henderson provided valuable contributions on both ends of the court. Their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to embrace their roles were essential to the Cardinals' championship run.

• Montrezl Harrell: Harrell went on to have a successful NBA career, known for his athleticism and energy.
• Wayne Blackshear: Blackshear played professionally overseas after leaving Louisville.
• Tim Henderson: Henderson contributed as a reliable role player during his time with the Cardinals.

The Legacy of the 2013 Team

Despite the vacated championship, the 2013 Louisville basketball team remains a significant part of college basketball history. The players on that roster achieved remarkable success, and their journey captivated fans around the world. While the NCAA violations cast a shadow over their accomplishments, the memories and moments created by that team will endure.

The players from the 2013 Louisville team have gone on to achieve success in various fields, both on and off the court. Their experiences at Louisville helped shape them into the individuals they are today. They continue to inspire young athletes with their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Where Are They Now?

In summary, the key players from the 2013 Louisville basketball roster have embarked on diverse paths since their time with the Cardinals. Some have pursued professional basketball careers, while others have transitioned into different fields. Regardless of their current endeavors, their contributions to the 2013 team will always be remembered by Louisville fans. The 2013 Louisville Cardinals basketball team was a special group of players who achieved great success together. Their legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come, even with the vacated title.

The 2013 Louisville basketball team was a talented and exciting team that brought a lot of joy to its fans. Though their championship was vacated, the players’ achievements and memories remain. From Russ Smith's electrifying plays to Gorgui Dieng's defensive dominance, each player contributed to the team's success. Their journey after Louisville has been varied, but their impact on the program remains significant. Whether they are playing professionally, mentoring young athletes, or pursuing other endeavors, the players from the 2013 Louisville team continue to make their mark on the world. The 2013 Louisville basketball roster will always hold a special place in the hearts of Cardinals fans. Guys remember them for their teamwork, their talent, and their unforgettable run to the championship. The team's story is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting memories, despite the controversies that followed.