Jones, Rozier rebounding above their heads

The shortest player on the court during Tuesday's Louisville-Miami game grabbed the third-most rebounds, just behind a 6-foot-8 All-American and a 7-footer.

In most cases that would surprise people. In the moments after Louisville's 63-55 win, though, no one was all that shocked that 5-foot-10 guard Chris Jones had strung together eight rebounds.

Why? He was doing exactly what U of L practices every day.

"Almost every drill starts with a box-out drill into a fast break," U of L coach Rick Pitino said Tuesday. "The technique of it -- I keep showing him Kenneth Faried tapes. He never takes his eyes off the ball. He follows the ball, and that's what we're working on."

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Louisville's backcourt does a lot of things well. Between Jones and sophomore guard Terry Rozier, U of L may have the best backcourt in the country, or at least one of them. They are dynamic scorers and handlers. They defend well. But one of the most important things Jones and Rozier do well, at least to Pitino, is rebound.

Through Louisville's 22 games this season, Jones and Rozier average 9.6 rebounds a game. The number hasn't changed much in ACC play, either, with the duo averaging 9.4 rebounds over U of L's nine league games.

With a lineup that is built more for offensive rebounding, U of L needs its guards to play key roles on the defensive glass. The 2-3 matchup zone and all the rotations and movement that come with require as much.

And a significant part of Louisville's offense comes in transition, too. What better way is there to start a fast break than a guard rebounding a miss, turning and dribbling up the floor?

"They just go in there and throw their bodies around," senior wing Wayne Blackshear said. "I don't think they're guards who just watch bigs go and rebound. They take it upon themselves to do it, too."

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It's not as surprising that Rozier is such a solid rebounder. The 6-foot-1 Ohio native has an impressive vertical leap, and he considers rebounding a key part of his skill set.

Twice this season Rozier has had 10 or more rebounds, including an eye-catching 22-point, 10-rebound performance against North Carolina.

To Jones, rebounding is a matter of pride for a little guy to mix it up with players who are sometimes a foot taller or more. He has had eight games this season with five or more boards.

"The little things win national championships and get your team where it needs to be," Jones said. "If guys tell me they need me, I just fill in and do whatever they need me to do."

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).

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