Louisville is always in the discussion as one of the best teams in the country year in and year out. Last season, they played in the AAC a fairly weaker conference. Now, they are a part of the ACC one of the best conferences in America. Here are three reasons why U of L will fare better than most people expect.

1. The return of Montrezl Harrell. Montrezl is one of the best returning players in the country. He surprised everyone by returning for his junior season after a breakout sophomore campaign. Last year he averaged 14 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 1.2 APG. CBS has already tabbed him as a preseason 1st team All-American. His explosive dunks struck fear into many defenders. He hopes to do the same this season after already breaking two back boards this summer! Expect him to return better than ever and prove why he is one of the best power forwards in the country.

2. One of the best defensive teams in the country. Louisville for the past two seasons has been chosen as one of the best defensive teams in all of college basketball. They are always known to have the best full court pressure defense. Quick guards and athletic big men are how they get around so easily. Chris Jones and Terry Rozier should cause plenty of havoc in the open court. Mangok Mathiang and Montrezl Harrell inside should strike fear into many big men. Expect Louisville to possibly lead the ACC in steals.

3. Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.  Rick is a combined 52-19 in inaugural seasons with Louisville. There are other Hall of Fame coaches in the ACC (Mike Kryzewski, Jim Boeheim, Roy Williams). Pitino just plain out knows how to win after winning the national championship in 2013. Yes, the Cardinals are losing playmakers like Russ Smith and Luke Hancock but there is no shortage in talent. Louisville brings in the 4th ranked recruiting class in the country. Expect Rick to be able to lead this young and talented group to possibly an ACC championship in their 1st season.

This will be an extremely tough season for the Cardinals as they will play the likes of Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia. They will start out the season as a top 10 team and will get battle tested throughout the entire season to prepare them for the NCAA tournament. A conference championship title should not come as a surprise to most people if it happens.