[Navajo4life]

Rick Pitino says Louisville basketball freshman Gorgui Deng declared ineligible by NCAA

It looks like Rick Pitino's 2010-2011 team could be in some trouble this year by the shortfall of players that Pitino has recruited, but will not see one second of playing time in the new Downtown Arena.

Pitino, speaking to reporters before the Cardinals Tipoff luncheon at the Downtown Marriott, said freshman center/forward Gorgui Dieng was ruled ineligible, and the school is appealing the decision.

In addition two injuries have sidelined Cards.

Pitino said junior forward Jared Swopshire would miss the next six weeks with a sports hernia-type injury. Swopshire joined freshman guard Russ Smith, who is out eight to 12 weeks with an ankle injury.

Pitino also said Ralph Willard stepped down as associate coach to become the director of basketball operation.

Marc Lieberman, who was hired this summer, will become an assistant coach.

Withouth Deng, a 6-foot-10 native of Senegal who played at from Huntington (W. Va.) Prep, the Cards would be left with two players over 6-8 — 6-9 forward Terrence Jennings and 6-9 sophomore Stephan Van Treese.

:lmao::igiveup::flush: