Gaines, Turner Named Cards' Men's Basketball Captains
October 11, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 11, 2001
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Junior guard Reece Gaines and senior forward Hajj Turner have been named co-captains for the 2001-02 University of Louisville men's basketball team.
Two of just three upperclassmen on the Card's roster, Gaines and Turner were chosen for the honor by a vote of their teammates.
"Reece and Hajj understand the 'Musketeers' attitude we're trying to build among our basketball team," said U of L Men's Basketball Coach Rick Pitino. "They are prime examples of dedication and sacrifice."
Last season, Gaines was Louisville's assist leader (3.3, 12th in C-USA) and No. 2 scorer (13.9). He led C-USA in three-point percentage , hitting 42.6 percent of his threes (40-of-94). A two-year starter at point guard, Gaines scored in double digits in 21 games last season, including a career-high 28 points at Tulane when he hit five-of-eight three-pointers. He has earned preseason acclaim, including being listed among the nation's top 20 shooting guards by The Sporting News and Basketball News.
Turner was the only Cardinal to shoot above 50 percent from the field (.507, 37-of-73) last season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.1 boards with six starting assignments. He will play his final season at U of L as a graduate student, having earned his undergraduate degree in Pan African Studies. Turner is one of five recipients of the John McLendon Memorial Minority Postgraduate Scholarship administerd by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
 |
| Rick Pitino shares a laugh with players and co-captains Hajj Turner, center, and Reece Gaines, left, during the team's media day. |
