Ragin' Cajun Basketball

[Hatch]

I halfway expect a slow start due to the number of new guys that will be contributing even though they were part of the program last year and even though we have most of our starters back. Ole Miss and the Caymans Classic will be good tests but I'm not going to get too low if we don't shine in those. Still, the amount of talent on the team should be able to keep us in those games.

Jay Wright was a big part of what we did, so we'll need guys to pick up that slack and be that spark that he was at times.

Very excited for the season though.

I agree with all this as well, replacing Wright is the biggest question mark. From what I've heard Stroman is a solid PG but might not be able to score like Wright. I am really interested in seeing what Russell can do as a true freshman especially since he couldn't play over the summer. He could be the one to provide that spark.
Looking at the tournament in the caymans, that Iowa game is huge. Pull off an upset there and your playing 2 other pretty good teams and your getting a nice RPI boost. Lose that one and it's off to the losers bracket which could be a big RPI hit.
This team should be right in there for Sun Belt regular season championship. UTA is going to be very good again, I expect Troy and GA State to be in contention as well. This team should have the depth to be fresh for the tournament and hopefully that is when they will be at their best.

[ManAboutTown]

The allegedly most talented team with four starters returning, and only 20 wins. I’ve got a feeling we’re more likely to win 25 than the SBC tournament. But that NCAA tops all, even a losing record. Boy???? I just don’t get that view, getting lucky for three or four games vs actually being good.

Well, by your own comment, it wouldn't be getting lucky if we're expecting them to win and win big. I just think early season losses are inevitable with a team that will be learning to play with each other. I'm not going to pigeon hole myself. I don't think 25 wins is a ridiculous goal at all, but expecting that is a little different story. I'd rather be playing well into March than 13-2 halfway, then sitting at home when the fun starts.

[Ragin' Caleb]

I am hopeful that the games in Cuba will have them further along in developing chemistry. Excited especially since I lost 20 pounds since last season. Hopefully I will fit better in those seats.

congrats but I may have found said weight

[Esqueleto]

Starts in a few weeks. Is getting no love.
Quite possibly the best squad we have in 2017 on campus.

Your predictions.. You expectations...

Geaux

I'm calling for a Victory right out of the gate. In fact, I think we'll go 2-0 in Oxford that weekend.

[CajunEXPRESS]

I agree with all this as well, replacing Wright is the biggest question mark. From what I've heard Stroman is a solid PG but might not be able to score like Wright. I am really interested in seeing what Russell can do as a true freshman especially since he couldn't play over the summer. He could be the one to provide that spark.
Looking at the tournament in the caymans, that Iowa game is huge. Pull off an upset there and your playing 2 other pretty good teams and your getting a nice RPI boost. Lose that one and it's off to the losers bracket which could be a big RPI hit.
This team should be right in there for Sun Belt regular season championship. UTA is going to be very good again, I expect Troy and GA State to be in contention as well. This team should have the depth to be fresh for the tournament and hopefully that is when they will be at their best.

Four of five starters back plus two letered players. No, I’m not buying chemistry. Granted the most important position isn’t a player from last year. Additionally the transfer players have been practicing for over a year together. No, unless our point guard sucks I’m expecting immediate results. Good lord we don’t need five starters back to play well early.

I in fact predicted we’d have plenty of excuses for Big Fish struggling early.

[KajunKrazy]

I no longer purchase basketball tickets since they moved lot C across to Cajun field. You guys keep me posted OK.

[Cajunsmike]

Anyone going to basketball dinner tomorrow?

Yes I am. Note this is for RCAF donors above a certain level. It is usually a pleasant evening Members of both the men’s and Women’s teams introduce themselves to the attendees. Some of these young people are often a little nervous when doing so which is understandable

[Cajunsmike]

Agree on all points. I think it will take time to develop some on court chemistry but seems like the players sincerely like one another, and this team has real leadership. Not just Bryce either.

Im going to be patient though because I fully expect this team to be fun to watch, very talented and playing their best basketball in February-March.

Anyone have an update on K Evan's back situation?

Evans misesed the first few days of practice and then did participate for a couple of weeks. At that point his issue flared up again. He is not expected back until Christmas. I am not sure he will be able to contribute much at that point.

[Esqueleto]

I no longer purchase basketball tickets since they moved lot C across to Cajun field. You guys keep me posted OK.

THAT'S why you're not going to basketball games anymore? Haha. Some people just look for ANY excuse. We're talking an extra 100 yards, man!

[Hatch]

Four of five starters back plus two letered players. No, I’m not buying chemistry. Granted the most important position isn’t a player from last year. Additionally the transfer players have been practicing for over a year together. No, unless our point guard sucks I’m expecting immediate results. Good lord we don’t need five starters back to play well early.

I in fact predicted we’d have plenty of excuses for Big Fish struggling early.

It is a pretty unique situation. Yes there are 4 starters back but they won't all be starting, possibly just 2 of them start. I'm not saying chemistry will be an issue but it will take time to develop a rotation, that being said most everyone we play will be in the same boat.
I'm not making excuses, I hope they come out guns blazing and knock off some of those big early opponents. However you want to look at it if you want to go dancing you have to win the conference tournament. Outside of maybe a 2-3 loss season with one of those being to another very good team in the championship game that is the only way it happens.

[Cajunsmike]

Bob Marlin just let out a sigh of relief... as he whispered to himself "I can do that".

Then he sent a quick message to Turbine requesting "Please take a poll on Ragin Pagin titled: 'The two most unpopular head coaches at UL'". That Marlin is so tricky.

I know this post was mAde tongue in cheek. However I am pretty sure Bob Marlin has never logged onto RAgin Pagin. He does share info of his program via Twitter and Basketball’s Facebook page. Note I plan to offer few opinions of how the basketball team will perform this season. I will provide facts in order to provide answers to questions posed if I have knowledge of the issue raised. Only exception will be when something has been shared privately. Those occurrences are very rare. I have my own reasons for this approach.

[VObserver]

It is a pretty unique situation. Yes there are 4 starters back but they won't all be starting, possibly just 2 of them start. I'm not saying chemistry will be an issue but it will take time to develop a rotation, that being said most everyone we play will be in the same boat.
I'm not making excuses, I hope they come out guns blazing and knock off some of those big early opponents. However you want to look at it if you want to go dancing you have to win the conference tournament. Outside of maybe a 2-3 loss season with one of those being to another very good team in the championship game that is the only way it happens.

You buying the bs Marlin spouts, too? Next you'll be saying teams are afraid to come here. We have to win the tournament because we play half or more of our ooc games against teams with RPI of 250+, then finish 4th or 5th in the weak Sun Belt.

If Big Fish coached and scheduled as good as he bs's fans, we'd be in the dance most years. Check his record vs rpi of 200 or less. It is awful. He fattens his record against teams that the little sisters of the poor could beat.