LOUISILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville men's basketball team's spot in the NCAA tournament is already paying off.
It is the second time in the school's history and the second time in four years (five tournaments) for the University of Louisville to get the number one overall seed in the tournament. U of L administrators say it means more than just good things for Cardinals basketball fans.
The U of L Cardinals Men's Basketball team ran, shot and won their way to get the number one seed.
"It's great for the university, it is great for the community," said U of L President, Dr. James Ramsey.
Ramsey and other administrators said the good news extends beyond the court.
"Our applications and new admissions for next fall we have a record number of strong profiled academic students," said Executive Director Jenny Sawyer of the U of L Office of Admissions.
But what does shooting, sprinting, dunking and winning mean for the school as a whole?
"It gives the university exposure and it allows us to take advantage of that exposure to talk about our academics," Ramsey said.
Football and basketball TV coverage also helps get free advertisements on-air for the university.
Ramsey said he got a lot of positive feedback during the Syracuse game for the Big East Tournament on March 16.
"A lot of people in New York who were just sitting around us said ‘wow what a great thirty second ad you have on University of Louisville campus,' so it's pretty powerful," Ramsey said.
Admissions staff say other factors contribute, but they believe getting U of L's name out past Kentucky makes a difference.
"Our out of state student enrollment is up and a lot of times I think that is a direct reflection of students hearing our name," said Sawyer.
"They do their research and find out about all the good things going on outside of athletics."
Ramsey said it becomes an easy talking point from there.
"It makes it easier for us to talk to donors, to alumni and particularly, to perspective students."
Students agree and say the Cards will make an impression on the court and in the classroom.
"I think any time we get recognition on a national level whether it's for athletics or academics, it's always good for the school," said Graduate Student Sarah Arenas.
They say they want the rest of the world to be familiar with the Cardinals and the school.
"It opens up more opportunities and it shows who Louisville is," said Sophomore Mechanical Engineering Major Chase Clark.
"People not around here, we will go out there and they will see who we are."
Many were enthusiastic that the team would go far in the tournament.
"Louisville is going to be the 2013 National Champs, Go Cards!" said Senior Cris Young.
While the KFC Yum! Center is home to the men's and women's basketball teams, the men will head to Lexington to begin the tournament.
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