The 1985–86 Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team represented the University of Louisville during the 1985–86 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, Louisville's 72nd season of intercollegiate competition. The Cardinals competed in the Metro Conference and were coached by Denny Crum. The team played home games at Freedom Hall.
The team compiled a 32–7 record and brought Louisville basketball their second NCAA national championship when they defeated Duke, 72–69.
Roster
Schedule and results
!colspan=9 style=| Regular Season
!colspan=9 style=| Metro Conference tournament
!colspan=9 style=| NCAA Tournament
NCAA basketball tournament
West region
Final Four
Rankings
Awards and honors Billy Thompson, first team All-Metro Conference Billy Thompson, AP honorable mention All-American Billy Thompson, NCAA All-Tournament team Billy Thompson, NCAA All-West regional Milt Wagner, first team All-Metro Conference Milt Wagner. AP honorable mention All-American Pervis Ellison, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Pervis Ellison, NCAA All-West regional Pervis Ellison, Metro Conference Freshman of the Year Pervis Ellison, second team All-Metro Conference Herbert Crook, NCAA All-West regional Tony Kimbro, Metro Conference All-Freshman team
Team players drafted into the NBA Year Round Pick Player NBA club 1986 1 19 Billy Thompson Atlanta Hawks 1986 2 35 Milt Wagner Dallas Mavericks 1986 6 118 Jeff Hall Indiana Pacers 1988 3 61 Herbert Crook Indiana Pacers 1989 1 1 Pervis Ellison Sacramento Kings 1989 1 19 Kenny Payne Philadelphia 76ers
References