Went to the game Saturday night. First game since November of last year. Wish I could say it was some revelation that got us there, but the truth is, it was pure boredom (and free tickets).
My thoughts on the HC and the direction of the program are well documented, so no need to rehash. But if the goal is to be honest, call balls and strikes, hold people accountable and root for the health of the overall program, I think it's fair to say, Marlin and the basketball team "Won the Event" Saturday night.
It was one hell of a good atmosphere in the CD. Even though the crowd wasn't 5-6k, the 3500 that were there were absolutely electric. I can't remember a game (maybe the 13 game streak when JJ Thomas was here) that was that raucous. The crowd absolutely impacted the basketball game. Kudos to the fanbase for showing out.
Players and coaches... I'll try to be concise. That was the kind of game that mediocre teams lose and usually lose by a lot. The fight that the players demonstrated was something that this Ragin Cajun certainly appreciated. It was something to be proud of. Greg Williams was the difference maker I knew he could be. Jordan Brown was the Mariano Rivera that we know he is. Lewis was the glue, clean up guy that we've needed on this roster for years. Fulks showed composure and was a calming hand. Garnett hit the shots he had to hit. Joe Charles plays with his hair on fire and cares about winning SOOO much. You can't not love how that guy plays. The overall grit & resolve that the team as whole showed was something I've not seen in a cajuns basketball squad in a very long time.
And yes, credit to Bob Marlin. The defensive adjustment to press was exactly what needed to happen. When GATA did get into their half court set, we stayed man to man and pressed high. He fought for the calls that he needed to fight for and mostly didn't get too obnoxious. (Refs were awful btw - I know, shocker)
There are many problems plaguing our MBB program. For example: a popcorn, a small soda and a bottle of water should NEVER EVER NEVER cost $20. The band should never be mic'd up. The speakers on the main board should never assault the senses like they do in that building... And of course, there are many other things.
But for right now, I can put that aside and be interested in a group of dudes that just want to win. I'll be at the Dome Saturday to watch the Cajuns battle Marshall. Actually looking forward to it.