Kyle Kuric will always be remembered for his 22-point performance against No. 1 ranked Syracuse in the final game at Freedom Hall, but he played a huge role in making Louisville the program that it is today. After leading the Cards to an unexpected Final Four in 2012, Kuric graduated as one of the most memorable players in Cardinal history, and went on to sign a deal in Spain.

In November of 2015 Kyle Kuric was sent to emergency surgery after a brain tumor was found. At the time no one, not even Kyle, knew if he would ever play basketball again or be able to return to a normal life. After three successful surgeries and multiple weeks in a Barcelona hospital, Kyle returned home and eventually made a triumphant return to his Spanish basketball team.

Kuric is currently finishing up his third season with Herbalife Gran Canaria in Spain averaging 13 points and 2 rebounds per game, while shooting almost 45% from three.

I had the opportunity to chat with Kyle this week about his health, the support he received from Cardinal fans, future NBA aspirations and his thoughts on the current Louisville team.

First things first Kyle, how is your health?

Kyle Kuric: My health is great; I've never felt better honestly. I’m playing the best basketball of my career so far and enjoying every minute of it.

What was it like to have the support of Card Nation during everything you faced over the last year or so?

Kyle Kuric: The fan support I received was incredible. It made a huge difference everyday reading letters, texts, tweets, and messages. Just seeing how it affected some people and all of the prayers people were sending my way meant a lot.

You’ve been playing overseas in Spain now for several years, what is it about playing there that you love so much?

Kyle Kuric: Spain is a great place to play and live, every one is very friendly, I've really adjusted and gotten use to the culture and language, and it has become a home for us. We've been here 5 years and love coming back every year. Hopefully I can keep playing here.

There were rumors that this past offseason you turned down a training camp contract from the Golden State Warriors after playing with the Phoenix Suns Summer League team to return back to Spain. What was your reasoning behind that decision?

Kyle Kuric: Yes I turned their offer down. It didn't guarantee anything besides training camp. It was a smarter decision and better for my family to return to Spain and the same team I have been playing for the last two years. We have a great apartment on the beach and the island has become like family to us.

Do you ever think we’ll see Kyle Kuric playing in the NBA?

Kyle Kuric: I hope so one day, that is every basketball players' dream. I'm working hard everyday to become the best player I can be and if it leads me to the NBA great. If not, we'll continue to enjoy our lives traveling in Europe.

How much have you gotten to keep up with the Cardinals this season?

Kyle Kuric: I haven't gotten to see as many games as I would have liked so far. But I keep up with how they are doing via social media. Looking forward to a long run in the tournament.

Do you keep in touch with Coach Pitino or any of the guys you played with?

Kyle Kuric: I visit with Coach P every time I am back in Louisville over the summer. I talk to a couple guys, mostly Peyton (Peyton Siva) and Luke (Luke Hancock).

When you think back to the final game at Freedom Hall, and the magical performance you had – what are your thoughts? What do you remember specifically from that day?

Kyle Kuric: I just remember how big of a game it was and all of the electricity in Freedom Hall that day. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. I just remember letting go of any doubts and started to play like I knew I could. It was one of my most memorable games and will never forget it.

A little over four years removed from playing your last game at Louisville – what do you want fans to remember about your career as a Cardinal?

Kyle Kuric: I want them to remember that I was a small recruit who came in and worked hard, and did everything the right way. I went to class everyday and graduated with a major and minor from the business school, and left a captain of a Final Four team that no one thought would make it that far.

You were able to play on several successful teams at Louisville, and also a few teams that had their seasons end in disappointment. If you could give this year’s team one piece of advice on what it takes to make it to the Final Four and beyond, what would that be?

Kyle Kuric: I'm not sure what I could tell them to do that they aren't already doing, they look hungry and focused. It's a long year but ends quickly. Enjoy their time playing and don't look too far into the tournament. Take it one game at a time. Celebrate the win and then move onto to the next opponent.