Jamaican Samardo Samuels had a sparkling debut for NCAA Division One team Louisville on the weekend, leading the Cardinals to impressive victories over both Morehouse State University and South Alabama in the Billy Minardi Classic.

On Sunday night Samuels shot 9 for 10 to score 24 points, adding to five rebounds and three blocked shots, in a 81-54 win over Alabama. The effort followed up another game high, on Saturday night, which saw Samuels net 18 points in a 74-67 win over Morehouse.

Interestingly enough, the Fresh-man got his much anticipated debut under way in an inauspicious manner, getting blocked on his first field goal attempt, before missing badly on the second.

However, according to the Trelawny native, it was a matter of not only overcoming nerves but getting used to the massive crowd.

'I wasn't used to the crowd'

"I wasn't used to the crowd, I wasn't used to a lot of things," Samuels was quoted as saying on http://seattletimes.nwsource.com.

"The second half I settled down. I didn't know it would come this fast. It seemed like I was in high school yesterday." he added.

Samuels officially signed up with the college team from St Benedicts prep in early November. Despite being impressed with the 6-8, 240lb Freshman, who is the big reason the team hopes for an exceptional season, legendary coach Rick Pitino believes the player has a long way to go.

Best freshman

"He's maybe the best freshman I've ever coached, but he doesn't rebound, he doesn't play defence," Pitino said. Samuels was voted to the McDonald's All-American team in June, and played in the annual high school all-star game on March 26 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.