Jalen Johnson

[Cajunfever]

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.

His numbers at St. Louis limited his options of going to a bigger school. His numbers last year was much better.

[Cajunfever]

I agree with MAT on this. He is a solid mid major player. I do not think he is athletic enough to go to the SEC, ACC, Big XII, B1G, etc and have success near what he did at UL. I am sure he can find a higher profile team that will want him, but to think he is going to go to most high profile schools and be gauranteed a starting spot is crazy. Again, I do not think he is overly athletic which is his downfall. I think he worked hard and was one of our better players, but again, Kobe Julien plays a similar game and I think Kobe is a much better player when healthy then Johnson was.

Dave--you are correct in your assessment of Julien. Jalen's playing time this year would have decreased which likely would cause his numbers to decrease. Daddy did not think this would help his son showcase himself for the NBA.

[ZoomZoom]

This portal thing is proving to be the irresistible carrot.

It's like a mini mock draft 2.0

NCAA created a Pandora’s box in MBB. 1,765 D-1 starters with about 2k riding pine, not to mention thousands of juco, lower division and h/s players wanting to join the party. And one ball in each game.

And most coveting one of 450 spots in the NBA...the whole time never paying attention to the NCAA’s advertising about odds of going pro.

Fortunately it seems most NCAA MBB coaches are moving forward once a player hits the portal.

[Cajunsmike]

Dave--you are correct in your assessment of Julien. Jalen's playing time this year would have decreased which likely would cause his numbers to decrease. Daddy did not think this would help his son showcase himself for the NBA.

It is rather comical that anyone believes Jalen Johnson can play in the NBA. He can make a little money playing overseas in the lower level leagues. Noted, I said a little money. There is a wide discrepancy on how much the upper level and lower level leagues pay. He will never sniff what Shawn Long has made in Australia or what Frank Bartley was making in Spain.

[CajunEXPRESS]

The most amazing thing about Johnson is the insane amount of comments about a guy who dumped Louisiana.

Just say don’t let the door hit you on the way out dude.

[jumboragncajun]

Sucks for the kid when the parent is selfishly calling all the shots. We had a GOOD freshman right fielder here about 10 years ago whose dad was over the top. I sat next to him at a few away games and thought the DAD was complete P.O.S. Dad pulled transferred him out to put him on the fastest track to MLB draft, and he was in minors for less than 2 years total, not making out of low-A. Hindsight, as an adult, my guess is tutelage under Robe for 2 or 3 more years would have probably served him well.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Sucks for the kid when the parent is selfishly calling all the shots. We had a GOOD freshman right fielder here about 10 years ago whose dad was over the top. I sat next to him at a few away games and thought the DAD was complete P.O.S. Dad pulled transferred him out to put him on the fastest track to MLB draft, and he was in minors for less than 2 years total, not making out of low-A. Hindsight, as an adult, my guess is tutelage under Robe for 2 or 3 more years would have probably served him well.

My parents were absolutely amazing and the best I could have asked for. The one thing that they would not want me to be is compliant to them or anyone else. Yes, they’d expect me to consider their advice, but ultimately my decision right or wrong. That independence is something every thinking young person should achieve.

[Cajunsmike]

The most amazing thing about Johnson is the insane amount of comments about a guy who dumped Louisiana.

Just say don't let the door hit you on the way out dude.

I understand this view. However let's not forget his degree will come from here.

[cajun4life]

Jalen leaving isn’t on Marlin, but Bug Guppy has reached his shelf life here. Anyone with any semblance of wanting to compete for championships knows this. But the few who are best buds with Big Guppy do not want to see him leave. We know T-Joe doesn’t want him to go, because his players graduate, if they stay here, they don’t get in real trouble and Marlin is a good mentor. But he is a mediocre coach at best.

Louisiana should have a new Basketball Coach for the 2022 season.

[zephyr]

Dave--you are correct in your assessment of Julien. Jalen's playing time this year would have decreased which likely would cause his numbers to decrease. Daddy did not think this would help his son showcase himself for the NBA.

Jalen was expected to play alongside Julien, not in place of him. They were both starters this year and Jalen provides more depth on the frontline that Julien really doesn't unless they go really small. His playing time would not have decreased, or not significantly this year because of Julien.

[CajunEXPRESS]

I understand this view. However let's not forget his degree will come from here.

Mike, it’s not about his education. Let’s quit that silly talk. He, or his parents were unsatisfied with Louisiana. The why’s only matter going forward on others. The guy sat out a year played one season, leaving for yet another school still unfulfilled as a player.

[CajunVic]

came here because it was his best opportunity at the time. Played, raised his stock (so he or his DADDY thinks) and bolted. He used us. Don't let the door hit you on the A*z*Z.