Our Men’s Basketball Program’s Future

[CajunSID]

I’m gonna go a little off the grid. While I completely agree need a coach who will engage the community hard, I think another direction can be considered.

I want a program with an identity, and I think the current landscape kills that since most players are now looking for the next offer.

So let’s get “ball players.” Run a system (triangle or “Princeton style,” etc) that teams will have a hard time game-planning for b/c they don’t see it during the year. Think Denver back in the day (believe Joe Scott was the coach) but with better players since won’t have the academic restrictions.

Going to require high ball IQ, which I think fans will appreciate.

If disagree, I get it. But either way need a coach who knows how to manage a program (probably the biggest thing that kills new HCs).

Surround themselves with coaches who can help with their weakness, whether it’s recruiting, strategy, teaching, whatever.

Their strength has to be fan/alumni/donor engagement, and they have to be willing to spend more time on that than they likely have in their current role. Have to have a staff they can trust to manage the day-to-day.

[cajun4life]

I’m gonna go a little off the grid. While I completely agree need a coach who will engage the community hard, I think another direction can be considered.

I want a program with an identity, and I think the current landscape kills that since most players are now looking for the next offer.

So let’s get “ball players.” Run a system (triangle or “Princeton style,” etc) that teams will have a hard time game-planning for b/c they don’t see it during the year. Think Denver back in the day (believe Joe Scott was the coach) but with better players since won’t have the academic restrictions.

Going to require high ball IQ, which I think fans will appreciate.

If disagree, I get it. But either way need a coach who knows how to manage a program (probably the biggest thing that kills new HCs).

Surround themselves with coaches who can help with their weakness, whether it’s recruiting, strategy, teaching, whatever.

Their strength has to be fan/alumni/donor engagement, and they have to be willing to spend more time on that than they likely have in their current role. Have to have a staff they can trust to manage the day-to-day.

I would agree with this, except “The Princeton” system doesn’t fit this style and tradition of this program.

Dean Smith, Coach K, Roy Williams and Bill Self all run a system that’s not based off of iso and dribble and drive.

Jessie Evans ran a system that wasn’t ISO ball and we were much more successful.

Bring back exciting, ATHLETIC basketball and the people will show up.

[GreatestStory]

First: They need an advertising and social media campaign that has a theme along the lines of "A New Era Begins" or something that lets fans know a change has been made and we are entering an exciting new era of Cajuns basketball.

Second: Hire a younger, talented, energetic, up and coming coach. I know it is frustrating when a good coach passes through here, leaves us for a better offer, and we feel we were used as a stepping stone, but the other option (an older coach) is far worse. An older coach who is coming here for his last stop before retirement will not generate the excitement we need to recruit or rebuild the fan base.

Signed,
an old man with gray hair who wants a fiery younger coach

GEAUX CAJUNS!!

[JamesTheJeweler]

HUD’s drive with Napier’s pedigree.

Nailed it! My thoughts exactly, but this was the perfect way to put it! Obviously we all want a good x and o's guy, but we really need a dynamic personality.

[JamesTheJeweler]

I would agree with this, except “The Princeton” system doesn’t fit this style and tradition of this program.

Dean Smith, Coach K, Roy Williams and Bill Self all run a system that’s not based off of iso and dribble and drive.

Jessie Evans ran a system that wasn’t ISO ball and we were much more successful.

Bring back exciting, ATHLETIC basketball and the people will show up.

You're not wrong, but we"re not Duke or North Carolina. And this is a different era. With NIL, we would be targeting a different type of athlete. The type of athlete that traditional styles are not targeting as much in the NIL/Portal era. It's something I def wouldn't be opposed to.

[60swerethebest]

I hope that one thing continues. Bring in quality young men who can play bball. We’ve had a few who were embarrassing to our university but most have been solid citizens. Most couldn’t hit three pointers so there is that.

[cajun4life]

You're not wrong, but we"re not Duke or North Carolina. And this is a different era. With NIL, we would be targeting a different type of athlete. The type of athlete that traditional styles are not targeting as much in the NIL/Portal era. It's something I def wouldn't be opposed to.

True, but you need 8 solid players to win the SBC.

$500k in NIL annually would have us in the dance almost every year with the right coach at the helm.

Basketball is the absolute easiest sport to reload. We should never be repping the 337 in Net rating. That’s strictly for the area codes.

[ZoomZoom]

Basketball at the same time might be one of the most can’t see the forest for the trees sports that exists.

Since NIL, there have been more players in the portal each year than actual starting positions available, and doesn’t take into account spots already locked down. And money might be a driver, but nobody is going for pine time. Ego is the co-pilot.

It’s easy to reload with bodies. It’s not easy to find guys that will blend into a team and check egos. Memphis is a poster child for this.

[VObserver]

You're not wrong, but we"re not Duke or North Carolina. And this is a different era. With NIL, we would be targeting a different type of athlete. The type of athlete that traditional styles are not targeting as much in the NIL/Portal era. It's something I def wouldn't be opposed to.

No, we aren't; but we can get players who can run Bob Knight's motion offense and win in our environment. It doesn't require great size or exceptional athleticism, but if run with discipline and an aggressive defense, you can win at any level. [See Little Rock under Knight disciple Chris Beard in 2015-2016 season, winning 31 games with 11 new players.]

A young coach with drive and personality from the Knight tree and using Knight's philosophy who isn't afraid to schedule up would be perfect.

[RaisingCajun08]

Bring back exciting, ATHLETIC basketball and the people will show up.

This!

Last time I really remember UL basketball being fun was during the Orien Green & Dwayne Mitchell days.

Dont get me wrong. I dont want a Girard Park offense. I want athletes that can play basketball. Also must have a couple of shooters that can hits some 3s in transition and in clutch situations.