http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2767...

Caracter spent all offseason getting himself into condition, dropping from 300-plus pounds on his 6-foot-8 frame to 265. He's spent most of the season getting himself into trouble.

He's played just 10 of 25 games, suspended at first by the NCAA for two games for accepting improper benefits in high school. After that he was suspended repeatedly by Pitino for failure to show any kind of self-discipline: with his eating habits, his study habits, his ability to show up on time.

...

When the lights turn on and the screen (in the film room) raises up, the grease board reveals the current Big East standings. Louisville is tied for third, in great position. Pitino grabs a red marker and draws lines under six teams.

"You see what's at stake right now," he said. "All these teams think they're on the bubble."

Louisville is among them. They've come a long way in a short time, but there is no time to relax. That's life on the bubble.