Nunez commits to Louisville

Although a down year is expected for Rick Pitino and Louisville this upcoming season, it won’t last long given the recruiting class the Cardinals have coming in 2011.

Pitino picked up another one on Thursday, as New York native Angel Nunez committed to the Cardinals.

“Rick Pitino is a great coach who can push me to get to the next level,” Nunez said. “They’re a school that recruited me all four years, through my hard times and down times.”

Nunez, a 6-foot-7 swingman who is now at Notre Dame Prep (Mass.), chose Louisville over Miami (Fl.), Providence, West Virginia, Kentucky and others.

Because of his length and versatility, Nunez reminds some of former Cardinals star Francisco Garcia. Nunez will mesh nicely with the style of play that Pitino runs.

“I think I fit in well because they press and get up and down, shoot threes, so I think I can fit in,” he said. “Plus the class I’m coming in with is [really good].”

Nunez is glad the process is finished; he did not want to wait any longer.

“[Pitino] was excited, but he wanted me to wait to see a practice just to see how hard he’s going to make me work,” he said. “But I wanted to do it now.

“I wanted to get it over with so I know what I have to do. I’m glad it’s over.”