Kenny Payne explains not playing Emmanuel Okorafor vs. Virginia

New Louisville big man Emmanuel Okorafor is only just beginning to get integrated into the Cardinals roster, having arrived midseason to join the team.

So coach Kenny Payne has been careful about the spots he has introduced him to live action and Wednesday night’s game against No. 7 Virginia was not one of those nights that made for an easy introduction.

“I just thought this is a tough team,” Payne explained. “I thought this is a tough team to have Emmanuel out there trying to figure out all the things that they do. At times they’re five-out motion. They set screens to five man, will shoot a three every now and then. They burned us on a couple of those. It was a tough game for that.”

Emmanuel Okorafor has appeared in five games so far and has been able to provide a decent scoring and rebounding presence.

His current stat line reads 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. That might not seem like much, but he’s doing it on only 15.0 minutes per game.

The talent is undeniable, which is why Payne was quick to point out him not suiting up against Virginia was about matchups.

“That’s no slight on him,” Payne said. “Obviously I love the kid and he’s going to get more minutes.”

Louisville trying to stay positive

Even when you’re 3-23, you can still give the appropriate effort to put yourself in a position to compete. Based on how they’ve played and improved in that area as of late, senior guard El Ellis is proud of how Louisville has competed.

Ellis talked about the new intensity following the 61-58 loss the Cardinals had to No. 7 Virginia on Wednesday night. He says they really showed it in their matchup with the Cavaliers and is an example of how, even though their record is what it is, they can play with anybody in the nation.

“It just shows that we can compete with anybody. That team is supposed to be one of the best teams in the country and we went down to the wire with them both games,” said Ellis. “I just feel like the guys should feel very good about that. We just gotta keep our confidence and look forward to the next game.”

Louisville and Emmanuel Okorafor will regroup and reconvene on Saturday for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff against Clemson on the ACC Network.