Media, Basketball World Reacts to Louisville's Hiring of Kenny Payne

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville will soon have a new men's basketball head coach.

Current New York Knicks assistant coach Kenny Payne to be the program's next head coach, according to multiple reports. The move is widely expected to be approved and announced on Friday morning.

Payne was a four-year player for the Cardinals from 1985 to 1989, helping Louisville win a national championship in 1986. He also developed a reputation as an elite recruiter and one of the top assistants in all of college basketball during his decade at Kentucky.

Ever since the preliminary reports of Payne's hiring were published, there has been no shortage of reactions from those with connections to Louisville, in college basketball media, and others in the world of basketball.

Here's a sampling of what they had to say:

ESPN College Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale

Yes @LouisvilleMBB makes the right decision / KENNY PAYNE is the new coach / will be introduced Friday !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 16, 2022

Former Los Angeles Laker and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson

Congratulations to my friend Kenny Payne for being named the new head men's basketball coach at Louisville! Great choice by Athletic Director Josh Heird!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 16, 2022

Former Kentucky Wildcat and social media personality Rex Chapman

Kenny Payne to Louisville makes me happy. Known him since we were 16 or 17 years old. One of the best guys ever. Good people gravitate toward Kenny Payne. He won a title for ‘Ville as a player. The perfect hire.
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 17, 2022

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari

Here's John Calipari on Kenny Payne and Louisville: "That program is one of *the* programs. They deserve a coach like Kenny Payne." pic.twitter.com/vcyXtYcfGn
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) March 16, 2022

Former Louisville Cardinal Russ Smith

Is UofL bout to go crazy with the hire 👀…

🏀🏀🏀🏀
— Russ Smith 🔮 The Specter 🕯️ (@TheRussdiculous) March 16, 2022

Former Louisville Cardinal and ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock

Here’s to a new era! https://t.co/mX3nPunr8P
— Luke Hancock (@lukeskywalka11) March 16, 2022

Former Louisville Cardinal Donovan Mitchell

Love this!! Let’s go KP!! @LouisvilleMBB https://t.co/HFJhXIUrX5
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) March 17, 2022

Former Louisville Cardinal Butch Beard

I talked to Butch Beard about his long push for Payne: "It was because after what I had seen what was going on at the university, I'd like to have seen one of us, a Cardinal, come back to the program and see if they could start to bring it back to life, and have some integrity." pic.twitter.com/RWTpQgwOFd
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) March 17, 2022

Former Louisville Cardinal Tony Williams

Let’s Go Coach Kenny Payne!! Go CARDS!!
— Tony Williams (@twiams) March 16, 2022

Former Louisville Cardinal Wade Houston

I spoke with Wade Houston about Kenny Payne. "When young people in the city of Louisville or outside of the city look at Kenny Payne, they look at more than just a Black basketball coach. They look at a man of integrity and character." Houston recruited Payne as a player. pic.twitter.com/iL8nRRTwfs
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) March 17, 2022

Floyd Street's Finest's Jeff Greer

There has been talk for years about doing more to connect the current program with its history, especially the teams led by Denny Crum. The work started in 2018, and it would be coming full circle with Kenny Payne's hiring. There's a lot there.
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer) March 15, 2022

Former Kentucky Wildcat and ESPN Anchor Michael Eaves

Solid choice for sure! https://t.co/Rr5hHXeKqd
— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) March 16, 2022

FOX Sports Writer and Radio Host Aaron Torres

Final thought: Kenny Payne is the right coach at the right time for Louisville.

With his portal, his recruiting ties and the ACC being wayyyy down (and Duke and UNC going through transition), there's no reason he can't win big there... and QUICK.
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) March 16, 2022

Kentucky Football tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow

I can’t believe what I’m hearing about Kenny Payne .He was Associate Head Coach for @KentuckyMBB .Who cares he doesn’t have Head Coach experience. He’s a great recruiter and he knows how to connect with families. Great Dude so happy for him and his family. Slam dunk hire.
— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) March 17, 2022

(Photo of Kenny Payne: Jamie Rhodes - USA TODAY Sports)

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