Pres Meyer, Alan Thomas, and Roman Kelly are back to look closer at the Louisville Cardinals' upcoming basketball season. They dive into the high-stakes world of college hoops, from the promising Final Four projections for the team under coach Pat Kelsey to a highly anticipated exhibition game against Kansas on October 24. The guys also get into the nitty-gritty of recruiting, discussing how a major NIL deal with Nike likely seals the recruitment of a top prospect.

0:00: The Season's Kickoff and a Historic Exhibition

1:52: The Tyrann Stokes Recruitment Saga

7:20: The Realities of NIL in Recruiting

12:18: Roster Depth and National Contention

22:53: Analyzing the Schedule

36:00: Must take away road trips

45:00: The Importance of a Stronger ACC

52:00: Final Thoughts and Outro

Stay Connected:

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Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

The State of Louisville is home to 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports & beyond

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

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Roman Kelly, Alan Thomas, and Jake Hook of Starting Five02 are discussing all things Louisville basketball recruiting as things are heating up for Pat Kelsey and company. Where was Pat Kelsey at 12:01 AM? Who is visiting? Is Louisville losing ground with Tyrann Stokes? Are the shoe companies making a difference? Plus much more.

0:00 Intro, Labor Day Weekend & Live Show Vibes

2:00 Midnight Visits & Rivalry Drama

6:00 Reading Photos: Adidas Gear & Body Language

8:20 Kinney’s Recruitment Update & Kansas Rising

11:15 Why Louisville Fits & Kelsey’s Pitch

13:50 Adidas Identity, Stokes Update & NIL

24:50 New Recruit Spotlight: Colin Landrew

29:00 Colin Landrew Scouting Report & Visit Recap

31:45 New Target: Jackson Richardson (Son of Jason Richardson)

35:00 Recruiting Spotlight: Anthony Flesi (2026, 3-and-D Guard)

40:00 Big Man Watch: Rafon Dion (7’1, Class of 2026)

41:30 Another Wing Prospect: Abdu Torée (Top-30, Explosive Athlete)

45:00 Looking Ahead: Louisville’s 2028 Recruits (Josh Lindsay & Boogie Cook)

50:40 Closing Comments: Kenny Recruitment Update & Kansas Game Importance

51:55 Wrap-Up & Sign Off

#louisvillebasketball #gocards #uofl

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The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Roman and Alan react to new Final Four predictions, talk Kasean Pryor’s comeback timeline, and weigh in on the controversial Rick Pitino comments about returning to Louisville. Could this be the best offense in all of college basketball? Tap in!

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL

CHAPTERS

8:35 – National Media Predicts Louisville Final Four Run

11:26 – Terrence Oglesby: Cards to Win the ACC?!

14:55 – Is the Hype Real? Or Just Twitter Talk?

16:06 – Could UofL Play Outdoors at L&N or Churchill Downs?

18:30 – Pitino Wants to Return?! Our Take

25:00 – Kason Prior Says “I’ll Be Ready for Kentucky”

31:30 – Will Kason Start Game 1?

36:00 – Pitino’s Drama + Legacy

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville 

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/# 

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–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city. 

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jake Hook and Alan Thomas break down the latest recruiting news, including Tyran Stokes updates and why Taylen Kinney might be trending towards the Cards. Plus, we talk Kasean Pryor’s recovery and how Pat Kelsey’s offense could change in 2026.

Tap in!

CHAPTERS

1:12 – Offseason Drought

3:30 – Tyran Stokes’ West End Event & Louisville Hints

8:56 – Kentucky, Nike & Recruiting Buzz

15:35 – Taylen Kinney Trending Towards Louisville

21:56 – Kentucky High School Hoops Talent Surge

22:56 – Kasean Pryor’s Recovery Update

31:09 – How Deep Is Louisville’s Frontcourt?

34:20 – Offensive Strategy for 2026

38:17 – Rick Pitino’s “No More Point Guards” Take

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville 

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/# 

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

0:00 – Welcome Back: Inside Louisville Basketball

1:30 – Pat Kelsey’s Surprise Visit (And Grant’s Cameo)

4:00 – Why This Roster Could Be the Deepest Ever

6:00 – Luke Hancock’s “Way Too Early” Starting 5

10:30 – Should McNeely Start?

14:00 – Insider Debate: Who Really Deserves to Start?

18:00 – Let’s Draft! Ryan Conwell Goes #1

26:00 – Full Draft Breakdown: Guards, Bigs & Sleepers

48:00 – Who Got Snubbed?

52:00 – Final Thoughts & Season Predictions

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Ville assembled one of the most talented TBT squads ever, with 8 NBA vets, hometown heroes, a passionate crowd, and still lost in the 2nd round. Pres and Alan break down what went wrong in the surprising TBT loss, along with a deep dive into why the Cards’ frontcourt in 2025 might be scarier than you think…

CHAPTERS

1:59 TBT Tournament Recap

3:59 The Rise of TBT and Louisville's Involvement

6:07 Challenges and Reflections on TBT Performance

13:52 Roster Dynamics and Future Prospects

22:13 Analyzing the Roster: Past and Present

23:00 Montrezl Harrell's Evolution

24:17 Reflections on TBT and Future Strategies

24:57 Building a Stronger Team: Roster Construction

28:01 Current Roster and Future Prospects

43:47 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

Learn more about the Happiness Experiment!

https://go.happinessexperiment.com/begin-aff-o2?am_id=podcast2025&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=michael

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former Louisville Cardinal and NBA player David Johnson joins Jacob Lane ahead of his 2nd Annual Camp DJ! talking about the importance of giving back to the town that raised him. Dive into his pro journey through the NBA, G-League, and now the NBL before previewing The Ville’s return to the TBT.

If you have a kid in grades 3-8 and you're interested in signing them up for Camp DJ - you can do so here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-dj-2025-tickets-1441850115509

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL 

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville 

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/# 

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city. 

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Starting Five02 Crew returns with a loaded episode breaking down Louisville's star-studded TBT roster—including seven former NBA players like Montrezl Harrell, David Johnson, and more. Presley Meyer and Jacob Lane give you the full rundown of The Ville’s lineup, chemistry, expectations, and what it will take to bring a TBT title home to Louisville.

Then, we’re joined by one of the biggest names in college basketball media—Joe Tipton (On3 Sports)—for a can’t-miss conversation.

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Highlighting Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Louisville just got a MAJOR boost, Aly Khalifa is CLEARED and ready to suit up. Pres and Alan break down what this means for Louisville’s frontcourt, why this changes the ACC landscape, and how the Cards are gearing up for a vengeance tour against heavy hitters like Baylor and Arkansas. Plus, we unpack the raw emotion behind Pat Kelsey’s reveal to the team and dive into the firepower Louisville’s bringing into a loaded non-conference schedule. This is not the same Louisville squad, this is 25 Strong.

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL 

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville 

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city. 

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Conversations with Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Starting 502 Podcast is back and better than ever! Presley and Alan break down Trey Moses’ celebrity charity game, dish on the real MVP, and dive DEEP into why Mikel Brown Jr. might be Louisville’s most impactful freshman in years. We’re talking elite guard play, McKneely vs. Conwell, Sananda Fru’s rise, and how this roster stacks up heading into the season. You won’t want to miss this episode!

1:00 - Recapping Trey Moses’ Celebrity Game

3:30 - MVP Debate

5:00 - Spotlight on Peyton Siva & Louisville Legends

6:45 - Why Mikel Brown Jr. Is the Real Deal

10:30 - Looking Ahead to Louisville vs. Kansas

12:00 - Who Leads This Guard-Heavy Roster?

14:20 - Isaac McKneely vs. Ryan Conwell Deep Dive

18:30 - The Most Slept-On Player: Sananda Fru

22:00 - Aly Khalifa Eligibility Concerns

28:00 - “Full Court Press” Trivia Showdown

39:00 - What’s Next + Where to Follow

#LouisvilleBasketball #GoCards #502 #UofL

–

Stay Connected:

https://stateoflouisville.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@stateoflouisville

https://www.instagram.com/thestateoflouisville/#

https://x.com/thestateoflou

–

The State of Louisville is your home for comprehensive coverage of the state of our city, its hometown teams, and its unique culture. Louisville sports culture is deeply woven into what makes this city special, where a pro city feel meets a college town vibe. Delivering the best in Louisville sports, news, and everything in between, we bring unique coverage to an uncompromising city.

In a city where fans are passionate and diverse, yet united as a tight-knit community, we’re committed to providing coverage that cuts to the core of what makes Louisville unique. Whether you’re a lifelong Louisvillian or just stopping by, The State of Louisville is for anyone who appreciates the city’s rich history and fervent sports culture.

Tune in to stay connected to the pulse of the city and all things 502!

The State of Louisville is the home of 4 podcasts covering University of Louisville sports and beyond:

From The Pink Seats (Louisville Football Coverage)

Starting Five02 (Louisville Basketball Coverage)

3rd & Central (Louisville Baseball Coverage)

It’s 5:02 Somewhere (Conversations with Louisville Legends)

“Louisville is a place with no labels. It’s not the South, it’s not Chicago, and you don’t think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. For us, Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness.” –Jim James

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy