Kenny Payne calls out captain Sydney Curry following scoreless game vs Bellarmine

Wednesday was a rough night for Louisville basketball fans, players, equipment managers, everybody. The Cards fell by one at home to local mid-major and second-year D1 participant Bellarmine to open the Kenny Payne era with a whimper. After the game, there were plenty of fingers to point, but Coach Payne was disappointed by the showing from team captain and returning senior Sydney Curry.

Curry started at center, played just 16 minutes and failed to even attempt a shot. Payne needs to see more, and the Cardinals desperately need more production out of the veteran big man. After he averaged over 17 points a game in Louisville’s last five last spring, expectations were he’s carry that over in 2022-23 and be one of the top scorers on the team. Instead, zero shot attempts in the opener. Yikes.

After the game, Payne insisted Curry be more aggressive and look to get more shots (obviously). He was asked if being limited tonight had more to do with Curry himself or the Bellarmine defense, which was excellent all night. Per Payne, it’s both.

“A little bit of both. They were really good. They sagged the paint. We wanted to establish him in transition, we wanted to establish him in the post, ran a couple plays for him. The timing of the play was off. We were panicked or rushed, offensively. Didn’t get him the ball or he went too soon.”

Myriad issues plagued the Louisville offense, which prevented Curry from getting the ball in his spots. Still, though, with his talent level, Payne believes he should’ve been more assertive in finding looks.

“But it’s a learning lesson. Here’s a kid that can force teams to double team, that can score in the paint, that’s really strong around the basket, that can offensive rebound. He has to find a way to impose his will. That’s why he’s a captain. He’s been there before. I need him to help lead us. I’m not blaming him in any way, shape or form. But I need more. I need more.”

Kenny Payne and company will certainly need more out of the senior center. He’ll need to show it if he wants to keep the starting job, too. Bigs are the one position Louisville runs deep at. So Curry is in need of a big bounce-back next time out both for his sake and the team’s.