Talking with Men's Basketball's Luke Hancock
October 25, 2012 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 25, 2012
UofLsports.com caught up with eight different players during men's basketball media day on Oct. 21. Each day during the week, one of the men's basketball players will be highlighted with a write-up and their respective interview from media day.
By Sal Sabia for UofLsports.com
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville men's basketball forward Luke Hancock is ready to make his presence felt on the court after sitting out the 2011-12 season due to the NCAA transfer rules.
Despite not registering a minute on the court last year, Hancock's presence was felt off the court. The leadership did not go unnoticed and became one of the main factors on why head coach Rick Pitino named him a captain for the 2012-13 season.
When Pitino called Hancock's former head coach at George Mason, Jim Larranaga, he was told he was getting a 'big-time gamer.' Larranaga told Pitino, "With five seconds to go in the game, if you have to get the ball inbounds against a press, have him inbound it. If you need somebody to take a shot, have him take the shot. If you need somebody to make the play, have him make the play. If you need a steal or rebound, he'll make it."
As a sophomore at George Mason, Hancock led the team in assists per game, and was top three in virtually all statistical categories: points (10.9), rebounds (4.2), steals (1.0), blocks (0.5), field goal percentage (49.4), and minutes played (28.6).
Under Larranaga, Hancock helped the Patriots finish with a 27-7 record and advance to the second round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. During the first round against Villanova, he totaled 18 points, five assists, and three rebounds and had the go-ahead 3-pointer with 21 seconds left.
At Louisville's Media Day on Oct. 21, UofLsports.com sat down with the Virginia native. Hancock spoke about his role this season and what it is like rejoining assistant coach Kevin Keatts, his head coach at Hargrave Military Academy.
Following Media Day, Hancock shined in the second Red-White scrimmage. He led the Red Team to an 85-74 victory with 29 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
