Watch: Danny Manning, Louisville Players Preview North Carolina

The Cardinals hit the road to face the Tar Heels, who are currently the top team in the ACC.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville men's basketball program has certainly been playing at higher caliber over their last two times out.

After starting the 2023-24 season at just 5-9, the Cardinals pulled off a stunning 80-71 upset at Miami last Wednesday for their first road win in over two years. They then followed that up by nearly upsetting NC State, but their furious comeback fell just short for a 89-83 loss.

"The guys are having a better understanding of what (Kenny Payne) wants when we get out there in terms of ball movement," assistant coach Danny Manning said. "Spacing has been a lot better. We're shooting the ball a little bit better. We're getting a few more paint touches, and we're able to spray the ball out to shooters, or drop it off to the dunker's spot."

This stretch of momentum will certainly get put to the test in their next game. They'll be making the trip to Chapel Hill for a showdown against North Carolina, who is the highest ranked ACC team in the AP Top 25 at No. 7 and the lone team in the conference that is undefeated in ACC play.

"I think they have a very talented team," Manning said. "When I look at teams, I break them down into "the big three," whatever category that is. To me, their big three is: (R.J.) Davis, (Armando) Bacot and (Harrison) Ingram. Those three guys have been playing really well, and that's not a slight on anybody else on their roster."

Prior to their matchup with the Tar Heels, Manning, forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and guard Hercy Miller took time to meet with the media. They discussed the previous game vs. NC State, previewed the upcoming showdown at North Carolina, and more.

Below are the videos from their press conference:

Assistant Coach Danny Manning

Forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Guard Hercy Miller

(Photo of Danny Manning: Brett Davis - USA TODAY Sports)

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