The Courier-Journal asked University of Louisville men’s basketball recruiting signee Akoy Agau, a 6-foot-8 forward from Omaha, Neb., to pen his thoughts on his future team making its second consecutive Final Four appearance. Last month Agau helped Omaha Central High School to its fourth consecutive Class A state title, recording eight points, five rebounds and eight blocked shots, including six in the first quarter, in the championship game. He is the first Nebraska player to play on four Class A title teams, according to the Omaha World-Herald.
Wow, what a successful season Louisville is having, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
A shoutout for my U of L women’s team for taking down Goliath (Brittney Griner and Baylor) and the Tennessee Lady Vols to advance to the Final Four. Then, for the men’s team getting the close win against Oregon and beating the Duke Blue Devils, who we will join shortly in the ACC.
When I was watching the Duke-Louisville game I was at a friend’s house and saw the injury to Kevin Ware. Everyone around me was very sad and wouldn’t ever wish an injury like that upon anyone. I want to take a second and applaud Kevin Ware for his demeanor and courage he displayed during his tragic injury. After I heard what he said while laying on the floor it made me realize what type of person he is. The reaction from his and my future teammates showed how close they are as a team.
That was a very special moment where they all came together. I prayed and will continue to pray for Kevin until he is healed. I would love to get the opportunity to play together w and hopefully compete for back-to-back championships. With all the updates I have been hearing he is doing well. I even got to catch a little of his sense of humor with his Top 10 list on on the Dave Letterman show. Now that was hysterical.
Now for my for my prediction for the Final Four, and it is very simple: LOUISVILLE CARDINALS! (Any questions, comments or concerns please let me know.)
Knowing and getting the opportunity to play for a team that has gone to the Final Four for two consecutive years is unique and a blessing. The things that Coach P has done over the years are tremendous. He is at times said to be crazy, but I think I’m ready. The bar that he sets for the incoming players is very high.
I feel that coming in next season we will have to do an amazing job to get to the Final Four again, but I also think anything less than at least an Elite Eight is a mediocre season. So it’s going to be a challenge, but a challenge I feel can be achieved.
The guys who play my forward position right now are playing great. Chane Behanan is having a great year. He is very physical and does a lot all over the floor. Montrezl Harrell is someone who I have come to watch a lot. The physicality and toughness he brings when he comes in the game are great. Coming in next year, to be able to get on the floor for Coach P will require not only being able to play defense but possessing a swagger to yourself.
I recently had a conversation with Coach Rich (assistant Kareem Richardson), and I basically was telling him good luck for the Duke game. It worked, so I might be good luck. I will have to do it for these next two games. No pressure at all on Coach P and the team now.
As for my own season, it ended very well. I was blessed to have played with a great group of guys for my four years, and we won four straight state championships – the only team ever to do it in Class A – the highest level in Nebraska. I have done all I could in high school, and now it’s on to college. I call it the journey to being like Bill Russell. I have one more state championship than he does, so that’s a good start. Good luck to the team Saturday night, and let’s pull out the win. Go Cards.
Finallly, a question for the fans, which jersey number should I wear next year? No. 0 has worked out for me the past four years. Should I keep it? Your feedback is very welcome.
Your future Card,
Akoy Agau
Email your comments, questions and jersey-number recommendations to Akoy Agau at swjones1@courier-journal.com, and we’ll pass them along to him. You can follow Akoy on Twitter at @ZerotheHeroAkoy.
