The Book: 2006-2007 Ragin' Cajuns Basketball

[Just1More]

I was there also and I agree 100%. Not much to get excited about when we can't even get a rebound after UALR misses their freethrows. What happened to the defense we played at the beginning of the year?!?

Not to say we were blocking out well, but most of those missed free throws were clanging right back into the ULAR hands. For reasons already stated, I think this team has backed off on intensity. It was so apparent that ULAR, who in no way played talent-laden basketball, was very aggressive. There were some fouls that should have been called against ULAR, but when they were not, you have to play up to that aggression level. I'm trying to see inside the minds of the team... which is impossible... but it appears they "feel" overmatched physically and don't want the battle. I want to see Coach Lee keep these guys busting it, regardless, until the season clock runs out. This kind of year is when players with backbone step up and show their character. I am disappointed that I did not see that last night.

[RaginEsquire06]

Not to say we were blocking out well, but most of those missed free throws were clanging right back into the ULAR hands. For reasons already stated, I think this team has backed off on intensity. It was so apparent that ULAR, who in no way played talent-laden basketball, was very aggressive. There were some fouls that should have been called against ULAR, but when they were not, you have to play up to that aggression level. I'm trying to see inside the minds of the team... which is impossible... but it appears they "feel" overmatched physically and don't want the battle. I want to see Coach Lee keep these guys busting it, regardless, until the season clock runs out. This kind of year is when players with backbone step up and show their character. I am disappointed that I did not see that last night.

Well stated...The lack of intensity on our players part made last nights game very difficult to watch. So what's the problem? Is it associated with our players youth? Player's personal character? Or...is it the the coaching?

[Tripple Threat]

Here is a positive spin, for the sake of trying to be positive. Milsap looks good enough to be a third scorer, Milson is consistantly pounding the boards (he just needs to get the ball fed to him a little more), Rhett scored with a little more confidence, and C. Wallace had some fight in him. I don't know if anyone else noticed, but after Wallace wrestled with #24 the cajuns actually showed a tiny bit of fire. We didn't look as shaky breaking the press or the 1/2 court trap and our freethrows aren't horrible. If Ross gets back to 12-15 points a game and Milsap and D. Dees continue to play like they have been, they will start winning.

I think the improvement needs to come from the Point Guard (Lago) and Valentino needs more playing time. The players need to be motivated to be more aggressive. On one play, Rhett was breaking the press and instead of pulling it out like they had been he pushed a pass to Ross (he missed the layup, but it was aggressive). We'll see how the Monroe game goes...

[CajunKate]

I was there. The mental aspect of the numerous losses is definitely taking a toll , I think. These guys are in a really bad "head space" at this point. I don't see any way to overcome it except to rack up some wins, but I don't see it happening with the mental attitude of the team at this date.

Far and away the most disquieting part of the game was the disgruntled crowd. With not many people in attendance and the acoustics of the arena, I heard a lot of yelling of opinions- all directed at Lee, not the players. He took a lot of grief from the crowd last night. In fact, I felt a current of downright anger in the Cajundome last night. It was disconcerting for me as a fan, so I can't imagine the effect on the team and staff. I guess I wasn't fully aware of how, excuse my French, ____ed off people really are about the state of the team until last night.

[RaginFan]

If Ross gets back to 12-15 points a game

Ross was fighting off the flu and had a bad ankle last night. He hadn't practiced for two days.

[Tripple Threat]

Ross was fighting off the flu and had a bad ankle last night. He hadn't practiced for two days.

Exactly

[Tripple Threat]

I was there. The mental aspect of the numerous losses is definitely taking a toll , I think. These guys are in a really bad "head space" at this point. I don't see any way to overcome it except to rack up some wins, but I don't see it happening with the mental attitude of the team at this date.

Far and away the most disquieting part of the game was the disgruntled crowd. With not many people in attendance and the acoustics of the arena, I heard a lot of yelling of opinions- all directed at Lee, not the players. He took a lot of grief from the crowd last night. In fact, I felt a current of downright anger in the Cajundome last night. It was disconcerting for me as a fan, so I can't imagine the effect on the team and staff. I guess I wasn't fully aware of how, excuse my French, peeed off people really are about the state of the team until last night.

Did you notice that the band wasn't there last night? Or for the sake of mentioning missing intangibles...the hecklers who sit behind the visitor's bench were replaced by a family of 5! I was really disappointed.

[kwehmeyer]

"i think this team must start winning games (when it counts;
there is no way that our team would, win if they give up
40 rebounds, foul 18 times, and turnover the ball 13 times
shoot 26% from 3point line 37% from the field 57% in
free throws this is very bad for our team if ya'll think i'm lying
look at the stats on there website & you will see why
our team is 2-11 and 0-3 in the sunbelt

[Just1More]

Well stated...The lack of intensity on our players part made last nights game very difficult to watch. So what's the problem? Is it associated with our players youth? Player's personal character? Or...is it the the coaching?

Good questions, and I am not sure of the answer. It could be a combination, but I am hoping that the youth and inexperience is the key contributor. I think it is more mental than talent. I am not so upset with the Xs and Os. I have seen past teams play way worse fundamentally. I didn't see the intensity on defense. A struggling program gets back into it on defense. Ross being sick didn't help, but the team has gotten down on themselves and it shows. As Kate said, the fans are struggling to get into it, and some are yelling out "coaching tips" to Coach Lee.

If I were to give advice to Coach, I would nominate a couple of players to be the intensity enforcers. It can't all happen from the bench or the crowd. I watch the body language and communication between the players, and I don't see player leadership on this team right now.

[Tripple Threat]

I watch the body language and communication between the players, and I don't see player leadership on this team right now.

Did you notice C. Wallace put his hand in Ross' face and push him off when Ross tried to give him advice? The frustration is out of this world. Since Coach Lee is the man, I hope his frustration doesn't make him lose his motivation and focus