In a much-anticipated move, the University of Louisville is expected to announce College of Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey as the new leader of their men's basketball program. The announcement is scheduled to take place during a press conference at 3 p.m. on Thursday, according to sources.

Pat Kelsey, a Cincinnati native, has had a successful coaching career, particularly during his three-season tenure at College of Charleston. Under his guidance, the Cougars secured 75 victories and made it to the NCAA Tournament in the last two seasons. Kelsey's impressive track record also includes a nine-year stint as the head coach at Winthrop, where he amassed an outstanding 23-2 record in his final year.

Furthermore, Kelsey's strong ties to the Louisville program add another layer of significance to his appointment. As a former player and associate head coach at Xavier University, he worked closely with former Louisville head coach Chris Mack during their time at the Musketeers.

However, it is important to note that while Kelsey is the front-runner for the position, the University of Louisville has yet to make an official announcement regarding his appointment. The press conference on Thursday is expected to shed light on the details of his hiring and potentially confirm his selection as the 24th head coach of the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball program.

The decision to hire Kelsey comes after the recent dismissal of Kenny Payne, who was let go on March 13, following a disappointing 12-52 record over two seasons. The first-round exit in the ACC Tournament against NC State prompted Payne's termination, leaving an opening for the University of Louisville to seek a fresh start for their basketball program.

As Louisville's Athletics Director Josh Heird and President Kim Schatzel prepare to present the news, the ULAA Executive Committee and Board of Directors will convene to approve Kelsey's contract, underscoring the significance of this appointment for the university.

With speculation surrounding Pat Kelsey's imminent appointment as the new head coach, basketball enthusiasts and fans alike eagerly await the official announcement on Thursday.