The future of Robert Lee

[zephyr]

_ I'm an LSU basketball season ticket holder, and I've had the chance to watch the Cajuns play on two occasions this season. I was obviously in attendance for the New Year's Eve battle between LSU and UL-Lafayette, and I also had the chance to see the Cajuns host ULAR last week. Considering the Cajuns finally got healthy, I both expected and hoped they would win the Sun Belt. So far, it doesn't appear that will be the case, but it's obviously too early to write them off completely. It appears they have a pretty talented nucleus in Gradnigo, Bureau, and Daigle. I was blown away by Daigle's late game heroics in Baton Rouge, but that was obviously somewhat of an aberration. So finally, that brings me to question the coaching of this team. Is Lee close to being on the hot seat? Having seen most of the Louisiana schools play this season, I'm convinced the Cajuns are the most talented behind LSU. I'm hoping the state can send at least a couple of teams dancing this March. I'm new to this site, and I'm sure it has been discussed in the past. Having said that, I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks.

I lived in Lafayette for nearly 10 years, and I've been to my fair share of UL-Lafayette athletic events. My wife was a graduate of UL-Lafayette and some of my best friends graduated from your school as well. _

I'm not saying this because I'm a homer but to prove my point and yours futher. I think the Cajuns are possibly the most talented team in this state. I think LSU has players that play as a team but the Cajuns talent wise are quite possibly the best. However, there is just a poor coaching philosophy that permiates through this team. It is also very hard to develop any chemistry when you have so many guys capable of playing and trying to spread minutes around. We have had no inside scoring presence and the paper constantly says we try to play an up tempo game but that just isn't so. I was a sympathist for Coach Lee heading into this season but to be honest, I don't know if I'll even use my season tickets the rest of the year. Its bad.

[zephyr]

_ No offense, but I'd have to respectfully disagree with this comment. I don't put too much stock into star ratings, but it's the best evaluation method we have at this time. I don't know a lot about UL-Lafayette recruiting, but I think they would have a hard time matching these ratings (according to Scout).

Tasmin Mitchell- 5 stars
Delwan Graham- 4 stars
Chris Johnson- 3 stars
Marcus Thornton- 3 stars
Garrett Temple- 3 stars
Bo Spencer- 3 stars
Quinton Thornton- 3 stars
Storm Warren- 3 stars
Chris Bass- 2 stars
Dennis Harris- 2 stars (redshirt)
Garrett Green- 2 stars (medical redshirt)


As far as UL-Lafayette is concerned, I was able to dig up the following players:

Wallace- 3 stars
Grady- 3 stars
Bureau- 1 star
Daigle- 1 star


Again, there are "busts" and "sleepers", but this is the best method of evaluating talent unless you have a chance to watch both teams on a consistent basis. It's also hard to compare numbers from the players given the fact they play in much different conferences. Overall, I think it would be a tough task to prove that UL-Lafayette is indeed more talented than LSU. _

You're right, you can't put stock into the star method. Why? Because Wallace isn't very good at all but you say he was a 3 star guy? Bureau was recruited and wanted by LSU but they didn't have any scholarships left. We got a steal with him. Delwan Graham hasn't exactly lit it up for LSU has he? Also, if Graham had gone to UL, he wouldn't be a 4 star guy I guarantee it. These systems are subject to change especially once a player has committed to somewhere. I do think that the Cajuns have more overall talent but as stated earlier, they don't play well as a team and LSU does along with being much better coached. LSU had to have a career day from Tasmin Mitchell and Bo Spencer to beat the Cajuns when they obviously played poorly as they have lately and you still escaped with a 2 point win.

[CajunZ1]

_

How can we claim to be "more talented" when only 2 (maybe 3) of our guys can put the ball in the basket?

Yeah, LSU's two guys did have career nights. But Daigle had a freakishly amazing three point day (remember the double-pump prayer he drained?).

LSU won by 2 points, but it wasn't that close. The only time we had a possession that we could threaten for the lead, we threw the ball away (sound familiar?).

Sorry to be doom and gloom, but I just can't see winning a "talent" argument against anybody right now considering how terrible we are.

[zephyr]

_ How can we claim to be "more talented" when only 2 (maybe 3) of our guys can put the ball in the basket?

Yeah, LSU's two guys did have career nights. But Daigle had a freakishly amazing three point day (remember the double-pump prayer he drained?).

LSU won by 2 points, but it wasn't that close. The only time we had a possession that we could threaten for the lead, we threw the ball away (sound familiar?).

Sorry to be doom and gloom, but I just can't see winning a "talent" argument against anybody right now considering how terrible we are. _

Talent level and level of play are two different things. I agree that it appears we have no offense and that is true but when you have Bureau, Gradnigo and Daigle all averaging double digits, they are having to essentially score 1 on 3 or even 4 because we have no offense to set up open shots for our shooters and easy baskets around the hoop. These guys are having to create for themselves constantly and that makes it that much more difficult. Also, I think talent wise we are better than LSU. We have several guys who can play multiple positions, shoot from inside and out, play above the rim and play good D. I certainly can't argue that we are not playing well. However, i think with some chemistry and coaching, this team would be immensely better.

[MetryCajun]

_ Talent level and level of play are two different things. I agree that it appears we have no offense and that is true but when you have Bureau, Gradnigo and Daigle all averaging double digits, they are having to essentially score 1 on 3 or even 4 because we have no offense to set up open shots for our shooters and easy baskets around the hoop. These guys are having to create for themselves constantly and that makes it that much more difficult. Also, I think talent wise we are better than LSU. We have several guys who can play multiple positions, shoot from inside and out, play above the rim and play good D. I certainly can't argue that we are not playing well. However, i think with some chemistry and coaching, this team would be immensely better. _

I totally disagree. The proof will be in a few years when a couple of LSU guys will be in the NBA and our guys will be overseas.
Also, who on this team can shoot from the inside? I bet Bureau and Daigle shoot better on 3's than 2's. We have multiple problems. The most obvious is the coach, but our players talent level is also an issue. To me talent includes shooting and rebounding. Things our players are not good at.

[bballholic]

_ You're right, you can't put stock into the star method. Why? Because Wallace isn't very good at all but you say he was a 3 star guy? Bureau was recruited and wanted by LSU but they didn't have any scholarships left. We got a steal with him. Delwan Graham hasn't exactly lit it up for LSU has he? Also, if Graham had gone to UL, he wouldn't be a 4 star guy I guarantee it. These systems are subject to change especially once a player has committed to somewhere. I do think that the Cajuns have more overall talent but as stated earlier, they don't play well as a team and LSU does along with being much better coached. LSU had to have a career day from Tasmin Mitchell and Bo Spencer to beat the Cajuns when they obviously played poorly as they have lately and you still escaped with a 2 point win. _

Come on, was it really a two point game? LSU had a double digit lead until Randle went nuts down the stretch. What has he done since then? Now, I know the SEC isn't strong this year, but LSU is coming off two easy victories over South Carolina and Ole Miss. Hell, LSU still has two starters from its Final Four team. Delwan Graham isn't seeing the court because he's playing behind junior and seniors. LSU isn't trying to spread the wealth to 12 players, as they are really set on a solid 8-9 player rotation with a few minutes coming after that. Centenary did the same thing against LSU than the Cajuns did, are they just as talented as LSU? Nicholls State gave LSU all they wanted in the Pmac, as did Jackson State earlier this season. Hell, McNeese only lost to LSU by 3. I think you are putting a little too much stock into the fact that LSU only beat the Cajuns by 2 points. Is LSU a great team? Not even close, but they might have a shot at making the NCAA tournament due to the SEC being down.

[Clutch0364]

_ Come on, was it really a two point game? LSU had a double digit lead until Randle went nuts down the stretch. What has he done since then? Now, I know the SEC isn't strong this year, but LSU is coming off two easy victories over South Carolina and Ole Miss. Hell, LSU still has two starters from its Final Four team. Delwan Graham isn't seeing the court because he's playing behind junior and seniors. LSU isn't trying to spread the wealth to 12 players, as they are really set on a solid 8-9 player rotation with a few minutes coming after that. Centenary did the same thing against LSU than the Cajuns did, are they just as talented as LSU? Nicholls State gave LSU all they wanted in the Pmac, as did Jackson State earlier this season. Hell, McNeese only lost to LSU by 3. I think you are putting a little too much stock into the fact that LSU only beat the Cajuns by 2 points. Is LSU a great team? Not even close, but they might have a shot at making the NCAA tournament due to the SEC being down. _

After watching Ul the last few times they have played I have started to doubt the talent that we have on this team. Poor coaching and poor play all the way around. If Lee is not fired after this season I will not go to a game next year because it simply will not be worth the money I have to pay for tickets.

[bballholic]

Well, I wouldn't give up all hope, because this team does have some nice talent. For whatever reasons, Lee and his staff are having a hard time putting them in a position to succeed. Also, the early season injuries and suspensions certainly hindered the chemistry of this team. Coming into the season, we all pretty much knew an at-large bid was highly unlikely. So, it really just boils down to the Sun Belt tournament. IF the team can find some continuity and get a few breaks down the stretch, they can string together 3-4 wins needed to win the tourney in my opinion.

[HoustonCajun]

_ Well, I wouldn't give up all hope, because this team does have some nice talent. For whatever reasons, Lee and his staff are having a hard time putting them in a position to succeed. Also, the early season injuries and suspensions certainly hindered the chemistry of this team. Coming into the season, we all pretty much knew an at-large bid was highly unlikely. So, it really just boils down to the Sun Belt tournament. IF the team can find some continuity and get a few breaks down the stretch, they can string together 3-4 wins needed to win the tourney in my opinion. _

IF we even make the tournament. Right now, I'm guessing we don't.

[CajunRed]

A comment made earlier... "Also, I think talent wise we are better than LSU."

That is simply NOT THE CASE. Although we surely have SOME talent, I think anyone who thinks we have more than a minimal amount (or more than LSU) is fooling themselves.

Bottom line, though, whether it is talent... overall recruiting... chemistry... or Xs and Os... this is just NOT ACCEPTABLE! I've been watching the Cajuns for over 45 years and I am no longer motivated to go watch them play. They are just NOT fun to watch.

This is not good!