Jalen Johnson

[CajunVic]

I'm not saying the professional thing isn't why he's leaving, but again, we've heard it all. I find it hard to believe that this guy is looking to transfer for the third time, chasing the pros. If you can play for money, someone will find you. And JJ is a nice player but he ain't no EP. Seems awfully short sighted to hop around the county based on a family member's opinion.

There are dads and there are DADS. The latter always believed little Jalen was pro material and control their kids with that belief until the end. They either quit because of DAD or run out of real estate with their abilities while DAD continues with his belief and in most instances a ruined parent/child relationship. Unfortunate, but reality.

[CajunEXPRESS]

If I may be allowed to check in here....

None of you have hit on the reason Jalen is gone. Jalen's family thinks he's a pro. They want him at a bigger school where he'll be seen more. Now, will that happen? Remains to be seen. Some parents (and players) refuse to believe what the scouting reports say, and this is one of those situations. Jalen is taking the advice of a parent who values the talent more than any scouts do.

Now, having seen all but a couple of games, let me give an opinion here. Jalen was our leading scorer, but someone has to be the leading scorer. He's got a good part to his game for sure. Good kid, plays hard. But also took a lot of bad shots, especially from behind the arc where he was less than 30 percent. Also, teams did a good job of making adjustments against him. Of the points he scored, look how many were scored in the first half of games. He was in the top ten in the league in scoring and rebounding and didn't make any of the top three all-league teams in the Sun Belt. That's telling right there.

Now, many of you have already made up your minds on our coaching staff and that is your opinion. But sometimes it's good to have the facts. Now you have them.

May I be so bold to ask what you’re saying about making up our minds about the Big Fish? Maybe you mean in this instance, but the comment suggests Marlin as our head coach?

There’s no doubt he’s had enough time and opportunity for everyone who follows Louisiana basketball to have a legitimate opinion on him. I get those who love him, I get those, like me, who thinks he’s not very good. I don’t get those who think he’s earned yet another year. He’s Marlin, we know him intimately as our head coach, back him or ask for his departure ASAP.

[zephyr]

Thanks for the insight. That perspective seems very much inline with the way his announcement was worded on Twitter.

Our program is what it was 2 years ago when he made the decision to transfer here. Did his family all of a sudden think he needed a bigger name program or did they have issues with coach and staff? or both?

You are right in your assessment but does it really take away from the fact that its disappointing that he's leaving. He's a senior, a starter and valuable front court player where we seriously lack depth.

[CajunVic]

Our program is what it was 2 years ago when he made the decision to transfer here. Did his family all of a sudden think he needed a bigger name program or did they have issues with coach and staff? or both?

You are right in your assessment but does it really take away from the fact that its disappointing that he's leaving. He's a senior, a starter and valuable front court player where we seriously lack depth.

Very unfortunate of the Cajuns.

Maybe we were his best option 2 years ago.

Maybe he has played himself into what his DADDY perceives to be better options.

Always remember the DADDY thingy.

[cajuns80]

Very unfortunate of the Cajuns.

Maybe we were his best option 2 years ago.

Maybe he has played himself into what his DADDY perceives to be better options.

Always remember the DADDY thingy.

If you ever saw his dad sitting in the section behind the Cajun bench, you would realize this isn't very surprising at all.

[ZoomZoom]

If you ever saw his dad sitting in the section behind the Cajun bench, you would realize this isn't very surprising at all.

Just another daddy living his life vicariously thru his kid. JJ could end up the most renown person in his academic field and it will be only daddy still mad about no NBA. Good riddance.

Anyone remember EP's dad? Loudest I ever heard in the dome was Avery Johnson's momma...every time he touched the ball "Shoot the ball Avery!...and yelling at players to pass to her son. Even when receiving the inbounds pass after a Cajun bucket, she'd call for a shot.

EVERY coach at college level on down deals with this. If you ever volunteered to serve on a youth sports board, this type situation is as common as rain and can be just as easily spotted.

Heck, go to a WBB game...no NBA on the line, but you can hear almost everything. Just as whack.

[mahtoo]

If you ever saw his dad sitting in the section behind the Cajun bench, you would realize this isn't very surprising at all.

If he's the guy I'm thinking of you're right. He's pretty vocal during games. Thinks of himself as being the ultimate coach.

[moorecajun]

Changing schools to be closer to home may not have been his best choice!

[talktomewillis]

May I be so bold to ask what you’re saying about making up our minds about the Big Fish? Maybe you mean in this instance, but the comment suggests Marlin as our head coach?

There’s no doubt he’s had enough time and opportunity for everyone who follows Louisiana basketball to have a legitimate opinion on him. I get those who love him, I get those, like me, who thinks he’s not very good. I don’t get those who think he’s earned yet another year. He’s Marlin, we know him intimately as our head coach, back him or ask for his departure ASAP.

Well, hell, all you have to do is pay attention to this board to know what I'm talking about. It took about two posts for someone to write this was an "indictment" on Coach Marlin. We could win the league next year and go to the tournament and there would still be some (and I think you're one of them) who would want him gone.

I also think there are some on this board who wanted to know what was behind the transfer and I tried to provide it. Nothing more, nothing less.

[ManAboutTown]

Just another daddy living his life vicariously thru his kid. JJ could end up the most renown person in his academic field and it will be only daddy still mad about no NBA. Good riddance.

Anyone remember EP's dad? Loudest I ever heard in the dome was Avery Johnson's momma...every time he touched the ball "Shoot the ball Avery!...and yelling at players to pass to her son. Even when receiving the inbounds pass after a Cajun bucket, she'd call for a shot.

EVERY coach at college level on down deals with this. If you ever volunteered to serve on a youth sports board, this type situation is as common as rain and can be just as easily spotted.

Heck, go to a WBB game...no NBA on the line, but you can hear almost everything. Just as whack.

When you recruit the player, you recruit the parents too.