LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Rick Pitino is arguably one of the most meticulous strategists in college basketball, bombarding his Louisville players with offensive sets.

It could overwhelm even the most experienced of teams, but Pitino believed it was a necessary process to prepare the Cardinals for Big East play. But it also led to some pretty ugly basketball, particularly in November.

"My teams are very tough to watch the first few games of the season," Pitino admitted. (MORE)