Puff's Thoughts (10 Points of the Cajuns)

[PuffDaddy]

Hello Folks, I know its been awhile but work out of town has made me miss the first half of the season but I must say last night was a really good one to watch.

1st-I've been reading about Colby Batiste, but starting"Wow" he had a couple of one hand slams that looked like he was 5'9 trying to dunk it. I don't know really what's been going on in practice or about Jeremy Barr missing the flight but folks he is a Man. I've only seen him a couple of times but he his massive. The ball looked like a tennis ball in his hands. He really must be about 270 in just muscle, though he is not a tall as I thought. Colby really is the tallest on the team. He looks closer to 6'10. Barr is a "Meateater" and should regain his starting spot.

2nd-Adeife looks better off the bench. I thought he would be a starter, but he short stay at UL will be good enough for me.

3rd-Roberson looks really damn good. I told you he is smooth. He killed everyone this summer and he is making me look good on my prediction page. He should be cracking the starting line-up really soon.

4th-Tyren Johnson has proved me wrong. He is really good. I really thought he needed a little bit more time, but the kid can play. My bad T'.

5th-Is it me, but it seems to me that Travis Bureau worked on his game a little bit more than Chris Gradnigo. Travis looks like he is on another level. The kid is just a sophomore, but this is his team for the next 3 yrs. I know Chris had the staff infection, but come on Mr.Ballhog. Pass the ball. Bloom is Bloom. I hope he doesn't end up like his brother delivering pizza's for a living (A.Landry)

6th-Ryan McCoy is a true point guard and finally catching up to speed with D-1 Basketball. Better late than never. It always takes Juco kids about til the mid-season point to catch up. Willie Lago, well...I can't wait until Randell comes back.LOL

7th- I can't imagine this team without all of the injuries. They would be hands down the most talented team in the conference. Mr.Dison is injury prone and Mr.Wallace tried to come back, but will get the medical red-shirt even though I personally think we could have used him this season.

8th-New starting line-ups. Please Mr.Lee can this be your rotation
PG-Mccoy 6'0
SG-Bureau 6'7
SF-Roberson 6'8
F-Johnson 6'8
C-Barr 6'8
2nd-
PG-Lago 6'1
SG-Bloom 6'5
SF-Gradnigo 6'7
F-Gary 6'7
C-Adeife 6'10

When Daigle Returns and we are a little bit healthier
PG-Daigle 5'10 PG-McCoy 6'0
SG-Bureau 6'7 SG-Gradnigo 6'7
SF-Roberson 6'8 SF-Johnson 6'8
SF-Gary 6'7 PF-Adeife 6'10
C-Barr 6'8 C- Batiste 6'10

Some guys are just gonna have to sit the bench. Can't play but 5 at a time.

8th-From what I saw in person and looking at the schedule, I honestly think that this team will be 18-11 No more than 19-10 if they really get it clicking.

9th-If the injury bug hadn't hit us, we would have a totally different record at this time. They would have beat La-Tech and Lamar and sitting at 6-2 maybe 7-1. I really didn't thing UVS was that much better than us.

10th-My final point. I must say that even though this team will probally be playing in March(crossing my fingers) but 95% of this same team is coming back. Add in Javon Mitchell from St.Martinville and replace E.Adiefe. Same team, with Sweet 16 on their minds. Hopefully Randell and LaRyan get their 5th year. Could be almost the same starting five for 3 years in a row with:
PG- R.Daigle Sr.
SG-T.Bureau Sr.
SF-C.Gradnigo Sr.
SF-L.Gary Sr.
C-C.Batiste Sr.
now with C.Wallace sr. (C) J.Mitchell soph. (PF) B.Dison sr. (SF)

Also, look for Mr.Wendell Thibeaux from the state champion Northside Vikings in 2006. Thibeaux a 3* on Scout.com signed with Texas A&M Kingsville. He left before even playing a game. He is a preferred walk-on for next year's team. He is strong and will play the 2. Fans will love this kid. His size(Looks like a linebacker) and his improved jumer. He should be very valuable to the future. He will be a Sophomore when he joins the team.With a strong recruiting class with an aboundace of talent in LA for 2010. UL can stock up and have 7 Seniors with plenty of experience to make a strong run. Looking good for the Cajuns. I personally like what Lee did and took the Northwestern St. approach to recruiting and building with in State class and get them all as freshmen and let them learn the hard way, and in a couple of years...Champs. Go Cajuns!

P.S. Sorry to ramble but I sat next to the Student section for the 1st time and I must say, I was entertained at the students, especially the girl who facebooked the white kid at the end of the bench. Even his teammates started laughing a bit. Nice work,

[zephyr]

_ Hello Folks, I know its been awhile but work out of town has made me miss the first half of the season but I must say last night was a really good one to watch.

1st-I've been reading about Colby Batiste, but starting"Wow" he had a couple of one hand slams that looked like he was 5'9 trying to dunk it. I don't know really what's been going on in practice or about Jeremy Barr missing the flight but folks he is a Man. I've only seen him a couple of times but he his massive. The ball looked like a tennis ball in his hands. He really must be about 270 in just muscle, though he is not a tall as I thought. Colby really is the tallest on the team. He looks closer to 6'10. Barr is a "Meateater" and should regain his starting spot.

2nd-Adeife looks better off the bench. I thought he would be a starter, but he short stay at UL will be good enough for me.

3rd-Roberson looks really damn good. I told you he is smooth. He killed everyone this summer and he is making me look good on my prediction page. He should be cracking the starting line-up really soon.

4th-Tyren Johnson has proved me wrong. He is really good. I really thought he needed a little bit more time, but the kid can play. My bad T'.

5th-Is it me, but it seems to me that Travis Bureau worked on his game a little bit more than Chris Gradnigo. Travis looks like he is on another level. The kid is just a sophomore, but this is his team for the next 3 yrs. I know Chris had the staff infection, but come on Mr.Ballhog. Pass the ball. Bloom is Bloom. I hope he doesn't end up like his brother delivering pizza's for a living (A.Landry)

6th-Ryan McCoy is a true point guard and finally catching up to speed with D-1 Basketball. Better late than never. It always takes Juco kids about til the mid-season point to catch up. Willie Lago, well...I can't wait until Randell comes back.LOL

7th- I can't imagine this team without all of the injuries. They would be hands down the most talented team in the conference. Mr.Dison is injury prone and Mr.Wallace tried to come back, but will get the medical red-shirt even though I personally think we could have used him this season.

8th-New starting line-ups. Please Mr.Lee can this be your rotation
PG-Mccoy 6'0
SG-Bureau 6'7
SF-Roberson 6'8
F-Johnson 6'8
C-Barr 6'8
2nd-
PG-Lago 6'1
SG-Bloom 6'5
SF-Gradnigo 6'7
F-Gary 6'7
C-Adeife 6'10

When Daigle Returns and we are a little bit healthier
PG-Daigle 5'10 PG-McCoy 6'0
SG-Bureau 6'7 SG-Gradnigo 6'7
SF-Roberson 6'8 SF-Johnson 6'8
SF-Gary 6'7 PF-Adeife 6'10
C-Barr 6'8 C- Batiste 6'10

Some guys are just gonna have to sit the bench. Can't play but 5 at a time.

8th-From what I saw in person and looking at the schedule, I honestly think that this team will be 18-11 No more than 19-10 if they really get it clicking.

9th-If the injury bug hadn't hit us, we would have a totally different record at this time. They would have beat La-Tech and Lamar and sitting at 6-2 maybe 7-1. I really didn't thing UVS was that much better than us.

10th-My final point. I must say that even though this team will probally be playing in March(crossing my fingers) but 95% of this same team is coming back. Add in Javon Mitchell from St.Martinville and replace E.Adiefe. Same team, with Sweet 16 on their minds. Hopefully Randell and LaRyan get their 5th year. Could be almost the same starting five for 3 years in a row with:
PG- R.Daigle Sr.
SG-T.Bureau Sr.
SF-C.Gradnigo Sr.
SF-L.Gary Sr.
C-C.Batiste Sr.
now with C.Wallace sr. (C) J.Mitchell soph. (PF) B.Dison sr. (SF)

Also, look for Mr.Wendell Thibeaux from the state champion Northside Vikings in 2006. Thibeaux a 3* on Scout.com signed with Texas A&M Kingsville. He left before even playing a game. He is a preferred walk-on for next year's team. He is strong and will play the 2. Fans will love this kid. His size(Looks like a linebacker) and his improved jumer. He should be very valuable to the future. He will be a Sophomore when he joins the team.With a strong recruiting class with an aboundace of talent in LA for 2010. UL can stock up and have 7 Seniors with plenty of experience to make a strong run. Looking good for the Cajuns. I personally like what Lee did and took the Northwestern St. approach to recruiting and building with in State class and get them all as freshmen and let them learn the hard way, and in a couple of years...Champs. Go Cajuns!

P.S. Sorry to ramble but I sat next to the Student section for the 1st time and I must say, I was entertained at the students, especially the girl who facebooked the white kid at the end of the bench. Even his teammates started laughing a bit. Nice work, _

I'm not sure who worked on their game more but Gradnigo is only a few games removed from recovering from a staph infection. It used to take us almost a month just to get our legs underneath us when we began playing just because of the toll it takes on your body to be in game shape. Gradnigo looks fine and he's improving and I think his inside-out game will be better than Bureau's and he will be a bit more balanced.

Batiste is really no more than a utility player and has no business starting. Barr, for that 4 or 5 minute stretch Monday night looked like the player we've been waiting for because they made it a point to get the ball to the post. He should touch the ball EVERY time down the court.

Roberson is a man and he is also the best mismatch on the court regardless of who we are playing. He can play at least 3 positions and in a way reminds me of Orien Greene although not as quick.


T.Johnson is one of the most balanced players on the court and he also provides us with the biggest spark off the bench which is why I like not starting him.


The best thing I saw Monday was the chemistry this team seemed to have. Everybody high-fiving, bench was involved and everybody seemed to be on the same page. The first 8 minutes or so were the best ball I think we've played yet. The really good teams can sustain that play so lets see if they improve on their consistency. Also, Lee seems to be doing more coaching and less yelling. He seems to pull players aside and actually coach them on their mistakes and tell them when they've done well. I actually saw some motion offensive sets run and even a flex cut.

When Daigle gets back, it'll be good to see him play some 2 as well. You have to remember, not only did McCoy come from Juco, but he didn't play last year as well meaning he's had a much larger transition than most.

[CajunZ1]

I was entertained at the students, especially the girl who facebooked the white kid at the end of the bench. Even his teammates started laughing a bit. Nice work, _

Now that's hilarious! Talk about a whole new form of heckling!

[CajunRed]

I have no problem with everything said in the opening post... except maybe the point about having the most talented team in the conference. Keep in mind that Western Kentucky is VERY talented and has already beaten Louisville (rated #1 at the time) and Georgia!

[DestinCajun]

Dadgum, I love clicking on my RaginPagin bookmark and getting hit with a really upbeat, positive post like this to read.

[Cajunsmike]

_ I'm not sure who worked on their game more but Gradnigo is only a few games removed from recovering from a staph infection. It used to take us almost a month just to get our legs underneath us when we began playing just because of the toll it takes on your body to be in game shape. Gradnigo looks fine and he's improving and I think his inside-out game will be better than Bureau's and he will be a bit more balanced.

Batiste is really no more than a utility player and has no business starting. Barr, for that 4 or 5 minute stretch Monday night looked like the player we've been waiting for because they made it a point to get the ball to the post. He should touch the ball EVERY time down the court.

Roberson is a man and he is also the best mismatch on the court regardless of who we are playing. He can play at least 3 positions and in a way reminds me of Orien Greene although not as quick.


T.Johnson is one of the most balanced players on the court and he also provides us with the biggest spark off the bench which is why I like not starting him.


The best thing I saw Monday was the chemistry this team seemed to have. Everybody high-fiving, bench was involved and everybody seemed to be on the same page. The first 8 minutes or so were the best ball I think we've played yet. The really good teams can sustain that play so lets see if they improve on their consistency. Also, Lee seems to be doing more coaching and less yelling. He seems to pull players aside and actually coach them on their mistakes and tell them when they've done well. I actually saw some motion offensive sets run and even a flex cut.

When Daigle gets back, it'll be good to see him play some 2 as well. You have to remember, not only did McCoy come from Juco, but he didn't play last year as well meaning he's had a much larger transition than most. _

The reason Gradnigo does not pass the ball as much as you like is that plays are being run for him to score. He is doing what the staff wants him to do. He was a little off on his shot the other night. They are trying to get him into a rhythm. As far as Barr not starting, I think the reason this is occurring is he simply is not getting enough rebounds. His slow reaction time is the issue here. I agree that it is a good idea to throw the ball to him in the post a little more often on offense. Note that he was only 3 for 7 the other night from the field. He sometimes leaves that baby hook a little short. He does draw fouls at times when we throw it to him and is hitting a decent %.

[nutz]

_ Hello Folks, I know its been awhile but work out of town has made me miss the first half of the season but I must say last night was a really good one to watch.

1st-I've been reading about Colby Batiste, but starting"Wow" he had a couple of one hand slams that looked like he was 5'9 trying to dunk it. ...
2nd-Adeife looks better off the bench. ...
3rd-Roberson looks really damn good. ...
4th-Tyren Johnson has proved me wrong. He is really good. ...
5th-Is it me, but it seems to me that Travis Bureau worked on his game a little bit more than Chris Gradnigo. ...
6th-Ryan McCoy is a true point guard ...

1. LOL ... those two dunks had me scratching my head - how does a 6'-9" guy have so much troubkle getting over the rim on wide open dunks

2. I disagree about Adeife. He is hands down the best rebounder on the team, and arguably the best shot blocker - although T. Johnson is pretty darn good too. I would like to see more Adeife and Barr and less Batiste in the three man center rotation.

3. Yes, Roberson could be the real deal.

4. I love the way Johnson hustles, he has to be the most improved player on the time. Gary is the same way.

5. You got to give Gradnigo a little time coming off of injury, but you're right Bureau is unreal. He's dropping over 50% beyond the arc! If he keeps that up, or even keeps it in the mid to high 40% range, he will be one of the top shooting guards in the country. His defense is suspect though.

6. My feeling is McCoy is the only true PG on the team. Lago, Daigle and even Bloom tried the position, but they just don't control the offense or create shots for the other players like McCoy does. He should be playing 40 minutes a game, and Daigle should move to Shooting guard when he returns.

[Parrott]

_ 1. LOL ... those two dunks had me scratching my head - how does a 6'-9" guy have so much troubkle getting over the rim on wide open dunks

2. I disagree about Adeife. He is hands down the best rebounder on the team, and arguably the best shot blocker - although T. Johnson is pretty darn good too. I would like to see more Adeife and Barr and less Batiste in the three man center rotation.

3. Yes, Roberson could be the real deal.

4. I love the way Johnson hustles, he has to be the most improved player on the time. Gary is the same way.

5. You got to give Gradnigo a little time coming off of injury, but you're right Bureau is unreal. He's dropping over 50% beyond the arc! If he keeps that up, or even keeps it in the mid to high 40% range, he will be one of the top shooting guards in the country. His defense is suspect though.

6. My feeling is McCoy is the only true PG on the team. Lago, Daigle and even Bloom tried the position, but they just don't control the offense or create shots for the other players like McCoy does. He should be playing 40 minutes a game, and Daigle should move to Shooting guard when he returns. _

1.) With Batiste, it looks like he is moving backwards when he's trying to dunk it. He was a little off-balanced and didn't putting the ball down through the bucket. For now, he's doing fine as a starter. He gets a few minutes before Barr checks in. He is long enough to make some plays on defense and get some garbage baskets. Having Barr come in off the bench helps him avoid any quick, cheap fouls. Barr cannot stay on the floor if he's always in foul trouble.

2.) Adeife's strengths are rebounding and defense. With his length and height, I expect him to be a huge factor in conference play, with his contributions not always showing up in the stats. Whether he ever starts, I'll let coach Lee worry about that.

3.) Roberson is a natural talent. He just looks like a George Gervin-type player on the floor. So smooth and little wasted effort. He made some turnovers the other night, but that's a sign of a guy trying to do too much. His court vision and ability to handle the ball separates him for other players his size. He has a chance to be special. The sixth man role is probably best suited for him because of the energy he brings off the bench to key a strong second unit. There is no more talented non-starter in the conference.

4.) Guys like Johnson and Gary are needed on every team. They work hard and can defend. You don't want them to be your primary scorers with guys like Bureau and Gradnigo on the floor, but they can get you double-digit points if the defense is sagging off them. They are the all-important glue guys. Championship teams always need a few of those.

5.) Gradnigo is still working his way back from injury. He appears to have improved playing off the dribble after being more of a spot-up shooter a season ago. Bureau is probably the best pure shooter on the team and is getting better at using his length to shield off defenders for off-the-dribble shots. No one in the league has two 6-7 guys that can score like they can. They've appeared to be able to share the ball and both get their shots. The question is which Cajun is going to defend the other team's top scorer with Dison out?

6.) McCoy has had some issues since joining the team, but he is showing why he signed with Tulsa out of high school. He can score, dish, get to the hole and run the fastbreak. On defense, he's got quick hands and plays strong help defense on the perimeter. Coach Lee said in the preseason he expected to use McCoy and Daigle at the same time on the floor, and that's a great move. Not sure if McCoy continues to start when Daigle comes back. With McCoy and Daigle both in the lineup, you could afford to go small at the guard spots if you use any Roberson, Bureau, Gradnigo or Gary at the three and Batiste, Johnson, Adeife or Barr at the four and five. You could also go big with Roberson, Bureau, Gradnigo, Adeife and Barr. So many combinations.

As this season goes on, this team is going to be a lot of fun to watch. The Cajuns were able to defend last season despite not having a true post presence. They can do something special (i.e. NCAA tournament) this season as long as they keep defending, are willing to share playing time and the ball on offense and can find a consistent player rotation.

[Square Head]

Any one know the attendance to ULM game Monday night?

[zephyr]

_ The reason Gradnigo does not pass the ball as much as you like is that plays are being run for him to score. He is doing what the staff wants him to do. He was a little off on his shot the other night. They are trying to get him into a rhythm. As far as Barr not starting, I think the reason this is occurring is he simply is not getting enough rebounds. His slow reaction time is the issue here. I agree that it is a good idea to throw the ball to him in the post a little more often on offense. Note that he was only 3 for 7 the other night from the field. He sometimes leaves that baby hook a little short. He does draw fouls at times when we throw it to him and is hitting a decent %. _

Where did I state that Gradnigo doesn't pass as much as I'd like?

[zephyr]

_ 1.) With Batiste, it looks like he is moving backwards when he's trying to dunk it. He was a little off-balanced and didn't putting the ball down through the bucket. For now, he's doing fine as a starter. He gets a few minutes before Barr checks in. He is long enough to make some plays on defense and get some garbage baskets. Having Barr come in off the bench helps him avoid any quick, cheap fouls. Barr cannot stay on the floor if he's always in foul trouble.

2.) Adeife's strengths are rebounding and defense. With his length and height, I expect him to be a huge factor in conference play, with his contributions not always showing up in the stats. Whether he ever starts, I'll let coach Lee worry about that.

3.) Roberson is a natural talent. He just looks like a George Gervin-type player on the floor. So smooth and little wasted effort. He made some turnovers the other night, but that's a sign of a guy trying to do too much. His court vision and ability to handle the ball separates him for other players his size. He has a chance to be special. The sixth man role is probably best suited for him because of the energy he brings off the bench to key a strong second unit. There is no more talented non-starter in the conference.

4.) Guys like Johnson and Gary are needed on every team. They work hard and can defend. You don't want them to be your primary scorers with guys like Bureau and Gradnigo on the floor, but they can get you double-digit points if the defense is sagging off them. They are the all-important glue guys. Championship teams always need a few of those.

5.) Gradnigo is still working his way back from injury. He appears to have improved playing off the dribble after being more of a spot-up shooter a season ago. Bureau is probably the best pure shooter on the team and is getting better at using his length to shield off defenders for off-the-dribble shots. No one in the league has two 6-7 guys that can score like they can. They've appeared to be able to share the ball and both get their shots. The question is which Cajun is going to defend the other team's top scorer with Dison out?

6.) McCoy has had some issues since joining the team, but he is showing why he signed with Tulsa out of high school. He can score, dish, get to the hole and run the fastbreak. On defense, he's got quick hands and plays strong help defense on the perimeter. Coach Lee said in the preseason he expected to use McCoy and Daigle at the same time on the floor, and that's a great move. Not sure if McCoy continues to start when Daigle comes back. With McCoy and Daigle both in the lineup, you could afford to go small at the guard spots if you use any Roberson, Bureau, Gradnigo or Gary at the three and Batiste, Johnson, Adeife or Barr at the four and five. You could also go big with Roberson, Bureau, Gradnigo, Adeife and Barr. So many combinations.

As this season goes on, this team is going to be a lot of fun to watch. The Cajuns were able to defend last season despite not having a true post presence. They can do something special (i.e. NCAA tournament) this season as long as they keep defending, are willing to share playing time and the ball on offense and can find a consistent player rotation. _

JP, I agree with everything in your post except for the Batiste thing. I'm just not impressed with him at all. I don't find that he's doing well as a starter as I find him to be merely a role player at best with no major contributions of any kind. He's good for some height but he does nothing better than any of the other big guys we have. He's actually shown to be a liability on D especially when he has to cover his man outside of the lane. He's slow with his feet, doesn't play with great range and does not provide help side D when someone beats their man. How many times have you seen us give up a layup to a guard who beat their man and he was there to not even contend the basket. You should never give up an easy basket to a small guard off the dribble. He can't shoot FT's and is an offensive liability as well.

As you mentioned, Adeife is good on the glass and shot blocking and Barr is our low post scoring threat. Johnson is an all-around inside-out threat and transition catalyst but Batiste just hasn't shown me a thing. I can't believe he cracked the starting lineup.