Louisville captains Kyle Kuric and Chris Smith reverted to walk-on status this season when coach Rick Pitino needed more scholarships to land a large incoming class.
It's worked out for everyone.
Kuric and Smith haven't missed a beat and the Cardinals are in the round of 16.
The players' families are financially able to pay for their educations. Kuric's father is a neurosurgeon and Smith's brother is New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith.
Louisville has needed the added roster depth during an injury-filled season. The Cardinals (28-9) have won six straight - including a Big East tournament title and a run to the West Regional semifinals where they'll face Michigan State (29-7) Thursday in Phoenix.
Kuric says ''everything I am here is not based on having a scholarship or not.''
