Louisiana Inks First Basketball Signee For 2020-21

[Cajunsmike]

This isn't a surprise as Thomas has been committed since February. It is also a guard replacing a guard as Hardy is the only scholarship scheduled to open due to graduation. There is somewhat of an imbalance as the situation with Temple coming in as late as he did is definitely out of the ordinary but getting an opportunity to take a player like that with an open scholarship you have to do it regardless of position.

Thomas appears to be a quality guard who can score as well as run the point. This is a pretty good video from Thomas's sophomore year when he was matched up against Javonte Smart who was a senior at the time.

https://youtu.be/2fumvDEqhQM

If you look at the video and are looking for Thomas, he is No. 23 in white. Note that the video is from 2 years ago and he has another year to go before he plays for the Cajuns. Appears he will be able to contribute from looking at video.

[Hatch]

If you look at the video and are looking for Thomas, he is No. 23 in white. Note that the video is from 2 years ago and he has another year to go before he plays for the Cajuns. Appears he will be able to contribute from looking at video.

The reason I shared the video is because I was impressed with the way he ran the point as a sophomore against some pretty formidable competition. He was able to handle the ball and score and also created some great scoring opportunities for his teammates. He really appeared to put the team on his shoulders and led that 4th quarter comeback although it came up just short.

[Rainman66]

The Sunbelt, and most successful mid-majors, are a guard-dominated league. I agree with the strategy, however the execution of said strategy is lacking.

Significant roster turnover is a given in today college basketball environment, at all levels. What troubles me is the amount of injuries that Marlin teams seem to consistently have here. A couple are coming out of HS, such as Julien, but the vast majority are once they are here. I'm not sure if they are practice related, strength and conditioning related, etc, but it seems like a yearly occurrence that seem to be quite a bit above average.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Just unlucky.

Pelicans also seem to have way too many injuries. Many serious causing loss of significant time up to season ending.

[Cajunsmike]

The Sunbelt, and most successful mid-majors, are a guard-dominated league. I agree with the strategy, however the execution of said strategy is lacking.

Significant roster turnover is a given in today college basketball environment, at all levels. What troubles me is the amount of injuries that Marlin teams seem to consistently have here. A couple are coming out of HS, such as Julien, but the vast majority are once they are here. I'm not sure if they are practice related, strength and conditioning related, etc, but it seems like a yearly occurrence that seem to be quite a bit above average.

We do push players hard in practice, especially in the pre season and lots of contact occurs there. Coaches believe that helps make them tougher for when actual play starts. Don't know if that is a factor in the injury situation or not.

One more point about Thomas. I reviewed their schedule and they went against tough competition throughout their pre district play and more than held their own. They lost to LCA in the Division IV state championship game by a score of 56 to 51. We all know the type of athletes LCA has which is way above their classification. In that game, Thomas had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Shooting wise, he went 6 for 9 from the field, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 5 of 7 from the field. That stat line indicates he can play and play well against good athletes.

[zephyr]

Unfortunately that is the trend everywhere these days. There were over 500 players in the portal last year which is almost 2 per school. I have no knowledge if any of our guys do move on. Just using history to say it is possible. As far as the guys from last year not returning, there were non basketball factors that came into play there.

Mike, we are forcing guys out the door because they aren't cutting it and not renewing their scholarship. This is not just a transfer issue, this is a lack of talent attraction or retainment.

[Million$Mullet]

Mike, we are forcing guys out the door because they aren't cutting it and not renewing their scholarship. This is not just a transfer issue, this is a lack of talent attraction or retainment.

Your favorite player and jerekius Davis were shown the door last season for certain reasons which is why its kinda surprising PJ Hardy is still on the team.

[SlickRick]

I disagree. He's been good on defense and in the open court. I think he gives us quite a bit at the guard spot.

OK, I disagree with you, but thanks for the reply. 😁

He's been playing due to lack of bench. Bob doesn't play true freshman unless forced or he's a star in the making. In this case he's forced. I'm sure Temple will be more productive with more playing time but as of now, he's just giving us minutes out of necessity. Bob has proven his ability to develop guards, so expect we'll see improvement with the extras time on the court.

[zephyr]

Your favorite player and jerekius Davis were shown the door last season for certain reasons which is why its kinda surprising PJ Hardy is still on the team.

I'm open to hearing why other than what was released and that was we didn't renew scholarships. You know my feelings on one player so I have no issues there....

[zephyr]

OK, I disagree with you, but thanks for the reply. 😁

He's been playing due to lack of bench. Bob doesn't play true freshman unless forced or he's a star in the making. In this case he's forced. I'm sure Temple will be more productive with more playing time but as of now, he's just giving us minutes out of necessity. Bob has proven his ability to develop guards, so expect we'll see improvement with the extras time on the court.

Again, this is incorrect. He played Trajan Wesley last year. He's playing Wilson who would play regardless of depth or not and he played PJ Hardy and Cedric Russell as freshmen. If you haven't noticed Temple's defensive play then focus more on it in the upcoming games. He's one of our quickest defenders and has good instincts. He's 3rd in steals to this point but plays much lower minutes than the 2 in front of him. He also runs the open court really well and will help in transition.

His shooting may not be where he wants it right now but I suspect that he will improve as he becomes more comfortable over the year. I think he should play more.