Now, more than a half-century later, I'm logging off at WDRB.

The lunch invitation came one summer day in the 1990s, after one of the overblown, false-alarm flirtations between Louisville and folks trying to secure a National Basketball franchise.

Louisville vs. Kentucky for the NCAA men's basketball championship — a Dream Game canceled two seconds before it was guaranteed.

Bill Walton was the Most Interesting Man in the Room. On Monday morning the room became considerably less interesting. I've never seen love for a sports guy like the love I saw for Bill Walton on Monday.

Pat Riley hasn't always been one of the biggest winners in NBA history, a guy celebrating his role in 19 NBA Finals and chasing his 10th NBA championship ring when the Miami Heat begin play against the Nuggets on Thursday night in Denver.

Louisville was his home. And the program, and all the players who came downtown Monday night, were his legacy.

Before there was Darrell Griffith, Pervis Ellison or any other recruit who believed in Denny Crum's basketball vision at the University of Louisville, somebody had to be first to commit to a rookie coach.

Are you confused and uncertain what to think?

The first time the tournament stretched as deep as March 29 was in 1975, one of the most unforgettable days on the local sports calendar.

The culture of Kenny Payne's program will matter as much as the strategy the Cards employ.