Those issues, though, ultimately ended the Cardinals' NCAA Tournament run.
Pitino's mission now is addressing those issues without much of his starting lineup.
All things considered, Louisville's first season in the challenging Atlantic Coast Conference provided bright spots and teaching moments. The Cardinals (27-9) went 2-4 against conference powers such as Duke, Virginia, North Carolina and tournament champion Notre Dame but finished fourth with wins over Virginia and the Tar Heels.
Projected to exit the NCAA Tournament early, Louisville won three games before Sunday's 76-70 overtime loss to Michigan State that Pitino hopes will help his returning players mature for next season.