My Marlin Defense

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Originally Posted by SlappyCajun

I didn't mean to imply you were a casual fan. Just that we need to keep winning to peak casual fans interest in general. I will say this though, when comparing Evans and Marlin's recruiting. One must recognize that most of Jesse's best players were transfers. I think the high school guys we signed this spring and Kasey Shepherd are similar to the types of high school guys Evans signed. Remember Laurie Bridges, Antoine Landry and even Brad Boyd had very little impact as freshman.

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I agree. I hated Evans and still do but its always hard for me to argue with friends about his impact because he was able to get those types of players here. I just wish that Marlin had that knack for getting major talent here with his ability to develop players and coach.......Could be a scary combination.

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Originally Posted by zephyr

I think Long will play professionally, even if it is overseas where his game could fit that mold. I'm not sure about the NBA but he can improve over the next couple of years and who knows.

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I agree... I think he is a lock for over seas now. I think he is way better this year with everything... Shape,game,attitude everything. If he stays that course for 2 more years who knows.

Not sure if his play/frame fits the NBA mold...? He's a "tweener", which is great for Mid-Level DI basketball because he can cause major mismatches. Now, we haven't really been able to take full advantage of that until we get a legit 5-man, but he's done exceptionally well when JJ comes in at the 5. In the NBA, his skills won't allow him to drop down to a small forward type spot. He's not quick enough to guard that NBA 3/4 position and is very small for a 5. He will continue to develop and the sky's the limit if he sticks with it...just don't see NBA as his final destination.

I see him as a stretch 4 type player. If he gets with an organization like the spurs he can possibly make it in the NBA. Matt Bonner has stuck with them, and he does pretty much absolutely nothing other than knock down 3s. I think Shawn long is much better defender and obviously better rebounder.

I see no reason he cant make it in the NBA if he continues to improve his body and game

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Originally Posted by zephyr

I agree. I hated Evans and still do but its always hard for me to argue with friends about his impact because he was able to get those types of players here. I just wish that Marlin had that knack for getting major talent here with his ability to develop players and coach.......Could be a scary combination.

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Why did you hate Evans?

I still think our best lineup is with Shawn at the 5. Making a big man guard Shawn on the perimeter clears the land for Elfrid, Kasey, and Rimmer to get to the rim.

The three kids we signed early are in the TOP 13 according to NOLA.com. In fact the kid from Christian Life is rated No. 3. Agree that trend needs to continue.

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Originally Posted by zephyr

Mike, I understand but those players were brought in by the same staff that helped them leave. That staff also brought in Coleby who left after one year. Many of the players that Marlin helped leave were his own and that is what has troubled people the last year or so. I think many would also like for him to do better at recruiting in state players. I'm not talking about the kid that will go to Centennary or something like that but the kids that would be considered top 50. I know we have a couple of kids for 2014 that are in the state's top 50 and that is great so hopefully the trend will continue because when we lose Long and Payton, we will have to have some talent still on board if we don't want to lapse back.

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Are you referring to the recruits who entrance and exit coincided seamlessly with the recruiting by, and departure of, a certain assistant coach?

Just need a 7-footer to get this team to the next level....that's it. Been saying this for a while now. We would be a "Cinderella" with a big old nasty under the basket.

Everybody thinks we need a really big guy to be successful. I just don't see it. I don't think that is what makes you good in the Sunbelt.

In fact, did any of our tourney teams have a dominant low post force?