New Louisville coach Pat Kelsey announces staff additions, including former player Peyton Siva for key role

On Tuesday, Louisville announced its first staff under new head coach Pat Kelsey. The group includes Jermaine Ukaegbu (Director of Player Personnel/Assistant Coach), Mitch Johnson (Director of Basketball Operations), Peyton Siva (Director of Player Development/Basketball Alumni Relations) and Braden Connor (Video Coordinator).

Connor, Johnson and Ukaegbu all join Kelsey from the College of Charleston. However, Siva is a former Louisville player and will provide Kelsey with an anchor point familiar with the program. Kelsey couldn’t be happier to have Siva along for the journey.

“Peyton is a living legend here at Louisville,” Kelsey said of Siva. “He was a decorated recruit, championship-level point guard, longtime professional player and has become a successful businessman. Over the last couple of weeks, I have built a relationship with him and have experienced his impeccable character, charismatic disposition and love of all things University of Louisville.

“He will be an invaluable resource of basketball knowledge and expertise while also being a terrific confidant/mentor to our players on and off the court. His relationships with our basketball alumni, donors and administration will be of huge value as we build our organization TOGETHER with these essential groups. If he decides to pursue the coaching route he is a sure-fire head coach down the road.”

Siva scored 1,215 points in his Louisville career from 2009-13, serving as a team captain in each of his final two seasons. The Seattle native is one of only three players to be named the Most Outstanding Player of the Big East Tournament twice.

Siva is equally excited for the chance to reunite with his alma mater.

“I’m excited and honored to join Coach Kelsey’s staff,” Siva said. “I love Louisville, and I loved putting that jersey on and playing in front of the best fans in the country. And now I have the amazing opportunity to help build this program back up from the sidelines.

“I am thankful to Coach Kelsey for allowing me to use the experience and knowledge that I’ve gathered over the years playing for this university and professionally, to help mentor and develop our student-athletes on and off the court. I am also looking forward to building the bridge and relationships between our esteemed alumni and our talented new staff and players. Go Cards!”

Kelsey will replace Kenny Payne, who Louisville fired at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Over the course of two seasons at the helm of the program, Kenny Payne recorded 12-52 overall record and a 5-35 mark in conference play.