On a UL basketball team that thrives behind the scoring of its perimeter players, Colby Batiste has emerged as a starter in the post but still considers himself to be a work in progress.

The sophomore's offensive skills are undeniably raw. But the 6-foot-9 forward has a long reach on defense and has developed into a shot-blocking presence despite weighing only 220 pounds. Opposing teams now think twice before going to the basket with him in the middle.

While Batiste is averaging only 2.4 points per game, the Teurlings Catholic grad is second on the team in blocked shots (19) and eighth in the Sun Belt in blocked shots per game (1.36). His defensive skills have helped the Cajuns (6-9 overall, 3-2 Sun Belt) lead the conference and rank 21st in the nation in blocked shots at 5.6 per game.

"Without a doubt, his offense has a long way to go," UL coach Robert Lee said of Batiste, who has started 10 games this season. "But Colby has shown the ability to put forth the effort and the work to become a better player.

"I think once he gets stronger and learns the game more, he'll become a real factor for our program."

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Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • January 14, 2009