LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The press release was right there in my inbox: Cardinal Legend Peyton Siva Promoted to Assistant Coach.
My first thought: Good for Peyton.
My second: Let me tell you why he's more than just a "Cardinal legend."
You can measure Siva's legacy in wins, assists, steals — in banners, too. I'm not going to get into it. But if you were around Louisville basketball when he played, you know it was always deeper than the box score. Those teams had a lot of heart. Peyton was their soul.
Now, he's stepping into an even bigger role under Pat Kelsey, who didn't just promote him — he practically evangelized for him in Tuesday's release.
"Peyton's knowledge, infectious energy and love for Louisville makes him an invaluable asset to our program," Kelsey said. "Peyton is a living legend at Louisville. His promotion to assistant coach reflects his proven impact, from player development to bridging our storied past with our bright future."
If you watched Louisville last season, particularly Chucky Hepburn's transformation, you already know Siva's fingerprints are all over it. But Siva didn't just develop a point guard. He reached him, something Siva has done his whole life.
He's been coaching since before he had a team.
Before he was a Big East champion or the pride of the KFC Yum! Center, Siva was helping pull his father out of addiction, his family out of chaos and his teammates out of slumps. He made assists everywhere — some on the court, but many more off it.
I remember writing in 2013 that his greatest gift wasn't his speed or court vision. It was his ability to lift people. Everyone he touched, he tried to lift.
Rick Pitino couldn't get through Senior Day without choking up trying to describe him. I remember that, too. If you were there, you'll never forget Siva's family, one by one, placing leis around his neck.
"He's never had a bad day," Pitino said. "Never one time did he come to work with anything but a great attitude."
That's the kind of presence Louisville is adding to its bench. And frankly, it's the kind of presence college basketball could use more of.
He knows how to lead. Because he's walked it.
Siva's road to this point hasn't been smooth. His story — of adversity, faith, and fierce loyalty — has already inspired one generation of Cardinals. Now, he gets to help shape the next.
His old coach once said, "There's no way I could ever do what he is able to do." And now, he's doing it as a coach.
So yes, the press release was right there in my inbox.
And yes, good for Peyton.
But also: better for Louisville.
If you've never read it — or want to remember just how much he overcame — I've posted my original 2013 profile of Peyton Siva in The Vault.
Quick Sips
- Staying with the legends theme, I filed my story on D. Wayne Lukas' celebration of life a little late. It takes me longer to write those. I've written so much about Wayne that I wasn't sure what else there would be to say, then his grandson Brady Lukas got up to speak. He was just one of a number of speakers that insured I'd be shedding a few tears, again, at the keyboard. You can read the column here.
- Go big or go home, seems to be the U of L women's basketball recruiting strategy. And, leave it to Jeff Walz to find a way to go big AND go home, with visits to the KFC Yum! Center for South Carolina and Kentucky on the 2025-26 non-conference schedule. Read about the full schedule here.
The Last Drop
"I'm honored to take on this new role with the University of Louisville. This program and this city mean everything to me. I'm excited to continue mentoring our players, recruiting the next generation of Cardinals and building on the incredible momentum from last season. Working with Chucky and seeing his growth was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I look forward to helping our team achieve even greater success."
-- Peyton Siva, on being promoted to assistant coach at Louisville
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