Cajuns land new hoops commitment

[BirdofParadise]

Ok.

Now, my kingdom for a shooting guard.

Please.

It's a guard's game. I say it over and over and over again.

Little Rock didn't win because of Lis Shoshi (although he did hit a big shot).

To contend, we must be better at the guard spot. That includes shooting, ball handling and defending CONSISTENTLY.

[Cajunsmike]

I am expecting big things out of Bryce next year. This year allot of his minutes were taken by Shawn and even Devonte, but that won't be the case next year. I really like Wright, Washington, Stove, Bartley IV and possibly Davis/Miller as the other forward.

PG Wright SR
G Stove JR
G Bartley IV JR
F Washington JR
F Davis/Miller FR

That starting 5 will have a lot of experience, with Washington, Stove and Wright logging tons of minutes for the Cajuns over the past 2-3 years and as Jay Walker already stated about Bartley, you don't play 67 games in 2 years at BYU as a Freshman and Sophomore unless you are pretty darn good. I know that his numbers do not jump out at you in college, but remember in Prep school this kid averaged 19.7 points, 6.7 assists, 8.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1 block per game for a team that went 52-13. He also averaged 14.2 points and 6.2 rebounds at Christian Life and we have him for 2 years.

His production at UL will be better than his production at BYU, specifically because he will be playing most of his games vs lesser competition. I think we will see 8-10 points per game and 3-5 rebounds per game as well as a few assists. I think he is going to be one of our more solid starters. He is a big strong Guard at 6-3 200 lbs. I am excited to see him on the court for the Cajuns. With this lineup we may be a little small, but should be very fast and you will have at least 4 guys on the court that can handle the ball.

Washington surprises the heck out of me with his ball handling skills. Wright/Bartley and Stove can all handle the ball extremely well.

Ball handling skills for big guys are not something that jumps out at you when you look at the stats of recruits. That is a skill of Bryce that not many appreciated until he got here. As far as other schools interest in Miller goes, there were many respected mid majors interested in him. Manhattan turned out to be the school we finally beat out from what I have been told. They have had tournament appearances in the recent past and are in NY, which is an area with much more basketball interest that here. Also, he originally signed with a D2 Kentucky school. That probably caused many schools to lose interest. Reason he went to Prep school was so as he could play D1 ball. Losing weight there has now given him that opportunity. With he and Bryce under the basket, we won't get pushed around much down low.

[Cajunsmike]

With all the talk of next years lineup does anyone have info on Hedgeman? Is he still in class? Have plans on coming back?

I believe Hedgeman is still in school. I do not believe he is in the plans for next year but am not certain that is the case. If he does move on, our staff will help find him a place. Likely at a non D1 school so he does not have to sit out.

[Cajunsmike]

It's a guard's game. I say it over and over and over again.

Little Rock didn't win because of Lis Shoshi (although he did hit a big shot).

To contend, we must be better at the guard spot. That includes shooting, ball handling and defending CONSISTENTLY.

I agree with that Jay. That is why it is important for the Williams kid we signed from Florida be able to contribute. Also important for the redshirt guard from Shreveport named Evans be ready to go on Day 1. We are looking for other guards in spring recruiting and they need to hit there. I am confident Bartley will help and Jay Wright must be more consistent. I was very encouraged by Jay's play the other night. He actually looked up court quite a bit in transition and find open guys. He needs to do that consistently next season vs dribbling so much.

[SlappyCajun]

Recruiting or playing?

EP under recruited because coaches were all too lazy to know what grade he was in. That kid fell into our laps as his dad looked for the right opportunity.

EP was never a scoring machine. He made others Better scorers. He made the opposition weaker everywhere.

There was never any doubt as to what grade he was in. He was simply young for his grade. We saw potential in EP when no one else did. His only other offer was from Xavier. We also knew about EP because of an assistant's connection with his HS coach.

I understand people are critical of our recruiting. It's a fair criticism. But, we don't have to criticize the things we got right, like signing a top 10 draft pick.

[CajunEXPRESS]

That's not the story slappy. His pappy came to us.

[Cajunsmike]

Bartley also played out of position at BYU. He has a chance to be an impact player for the Cajuns.

What position did Bartley play at BYU. I am told his reputation is one of a defensive stopper. I do believe he will start at the 2 guard sport for us next year. Is that your view?

[Cajunsmike]

That's not the story slappy. His pappy came to us.

That is part of the story. His performance at the Top 28 when it was at the CajunDome piqued our interest.

[Parrott]

What position did Bartley play at BYU. I am told his reputation is one of a defensive stopper. I do believe he will start at the 2 guard sport for us next year. Is that your view?

Bartley told me he played very little at guard and spent more time at forward because of his strength. Having to play out of position was a reason he left BYU. If he can defend, rebound and score when needed he should play plenty and probably start (or be spark as sixth man). Will be interesting to see how the coaches use him and Stove as their games have some similarities.

[VObserver]

Ok.

Now, my kingdom for a shooting guard.

Please.

Maybe we should move Wright to shooting guard. He is our best 3 point shooter. [37.2% for his career]