Basketball: Marlin lands three commitments

[SlappyCajun]

_ I hear Marlin does not have much to say about most of our current players. Since Johnson is bringing in all of his former recruits our kids can't seem to measure up anymore. Amazing those are the same kids that beat his team last year, didn't they? I can't wait to see how this all shakes out. I had heard that Malin likes to bring in JUCO and transfers and it appears that is the case. Are there any freshmen being recruited? Right now I believe that Dyson is not going to be playing next year. He needs reconstructive surgery on his ankle. With that said there is one more scholorship out there. We seem to have recruited plenty of guards are we going for a big man or the point guard. Either way it is looking shaky for our freshmen to be playing in this new scheme. _

Playin -

You are a good dude and I like you, but this post clearly shows your bias to the current players.

We have six seniors. And I think you are incorrect, because people that I know who have talked to Coach Marlin say that he speaks very highly of the current players, and is very excited about them. However, you have to understand that he wants to avoid having a great year this year and then the following year losing six seniors and being an incredibly young team.

So, I think that is why you see the influx of JUCO/2 year guards. I would also venture to say that we may play smaller this year, because we will have a number of guards that are very talented and we will want to see more of them on the floor.

Also, these players like the recruits will have to earn their minutes. They are not entitled to anything. Playing here for three years without a winning season to show doesnt exactly let the new coach know that he doesn't have to worry about recruiting, in fact, just the opposite.

I know you really like the current players, but don't try to infer the way Coach Marlin feels about them based on a couple of signees.

[playincajun]

Slappy:

Actually it is based off a few comments about the current players that I hope are not true that were stated after 3 individual workouts by assistant coaches who don't even know the kids. This is hard on them also, so yes I do have to say I am little biased toward the current players. It is also end of the semester. Finals coming up and they are being pushed for 7 days to learn workouts and then they are done with the coaches until August.

I above all hope Marlin comes in and resurrects Cajun Basketball. I do know what the current players went through the past year and it was not easy for some of them either.

Look what happened at Kentucky. New Coach. New Team. Old Players??? Win Championship~ No. All of the new players leaving after one year~ yes.

Just playing it cautious. I am truly excited for the team, new players included but am waiting to see what the team looks like when the smoke clears and we say let's play ball. I know the current players have only spoke highly of the coaches and even the recruits who came in this weekend. Our current players stayed around the weekend and served as hosts for Coach Marlin.

[SlappyCajun]

_ Slappy:

Actually it is based off a few comments about the current players that I hope are not true that were stated after 3 individual workouts by assistant coaches who don't even know the kids. This is hard on them also, so yes I do have to say I am little biased toward the current players. It is also end of the semester. Finals coming up and they are being pushed for 7 days to learn workouts and then they are done with the coaches until August.

I above all hope Marlin comes in and resurrects Cajun Basketball. I do know what the current players went through the past year and it was not easy for some of them either.

Look what happened at Kentucky. New Coach. New Team. Old Players??? Win Championship~ No. All of the new players leaving after one year~ yes.

Just playing it cautious. I am truly excited for the team, new players included but am waiting to see what the team looks like when the smoke clears and we say let's play ball. I know the current players have only spoke highly of the coaches and even the recruits who came in this weekend. Our current players stayed around the weekend and served as hosts for Coach Marlin. _

Understood...All I can say is that I think you will be pleased. And I know that I can't convince you otherwise. These guys are your friends. I think the results will please you.

I'm not sure who you are the closest with, but for some of these guys its time to fish or cut bait...They may be asked to give more than they ever have before, but that will make them better.

Just my .02. Appreciate your posts here.

[Cajunsmike]

_ Perez wants to play baseball for UL, but I looked up his statistics and he's only batting .257 at Centenary. _

Perez also pitches for Centenary. What are his stats in that area. Also, BA is not the only way to measure a baseball player. He may be a good defensive player, have the ability to draw walks, and can perhaps run the bases well.

[Cajunsmike]

_ I hear Marlin does not have much to say about most of our current players. Since Johnson is bringing in all of his former recruits our kids can't seem to measure up anymore. Amazing those are the same kids that beat his team last year, didn't they? I can't wait to see how this all shakes out. I had heard that Malin likes to bring in JUCO and transfers and it appears that is the case. Are there any freshmen being recruited? Right now I believe that Dyson is not going to be playing next year. He needs reconstructive surgery on his ankle. With that said there is one more scholorship out there. We seem to have recruited plenty of guards are we going for a big man or the point guard. Either way it is looking shaky for our freshmen to be playing in this new scheme. _

Your comment about Coach Marlin not having much to say about current players is somewhat interpretative. If he does not say much, that means he has few comments either negatively or positively. I expect that to be the case as he has not been here long enough to make a complete judgment. Your remark did not indicate Coach Marlin has made negative comments about the guys. Regarding our guys beating last year's Sam Houston team, major reason for that was Tyren Johnson having the best game of his career and he won't return next season. As far as what will occur over the summer, I would hope the players would get some suggestions on drills they can perform individually to help them improve.

[playincajun]

I am more of a mentor than "friend" of the current players. I will say I am closer to the freshmen than the upperclassmen. I have had a few conversations with athletic staff persons and that is the reason for my concerns.

I am giving Marlin and them my support. I was at the press conference. I do agree with your comments also. I am only sharing what was told to me and it brought out my concern since it is not the message being said when asked about the current players.

Please understand that what I tell you comes from current assistants comments not Marlin himself so I am supporting him and the ULL Basketball transistion.

[CajunT]

_ I am more of a mentor than "friend" of the current players. I will say I am closer to the freshmen than the upperclassmen. I have had a few conversations with athletic staff persons and that is the reason for my concerns.

I am giving Marlin and them my support. I was at the press conference. I do agree with your comments also. I am only sharing what was told to me and it brought out my concern since it is not the message being said when asked about the current players.

Please understand that what I tell you comes from current assistants comments not Marlin himself so I am supporting him and the UL Basketball transistion. _

I spoke to two of the seniors this weekend and told them both that they are presented with a great opportunity. I pointed to Johnson as the example of committing to a goal and making the effort to accomplishing it. Change is difficult, but if they want to improve and win,they must commit to the off-season workouts to become better players. If you don't, then you are telling the new staff that you are not willing to do the work and committ yourself to this team. Knowing this group of kids, I believe they will do what is necessary to improve their game.

[playincajun]

I do agree that was what made me make my comments. The players are excited and it was disheartening to hear comments being made that they were not good enough by assistant coaches who have only seen them practice with these new workouts 3-4 times.

These kids are just as anxious as the rest of us about what the future holds. I just did not want us to forget that. Like I said they are working hard and learning. The current players have not given the new staff any issue to think they are not full on board with the new coaching staff.

I understand that some of the recruits they are bringing in they are more familiar with but lets get the team together before we determine how the season will look. That was my only concern.

How is La'Ryan doing? I hear he is working out. Is the knee holding up? I seriously hope so he is a great player and person. I have heard that Chris and Randell are looking good in workouts.

[ManAboutTown]

I really hope the players don't read these boards..

[CajunT]

_ I do agree that was what made me make my comments. The players are excited and it was disheartening to hear comments being made that they were not good enough by assistant coaches who have only seen them practice with these new workouts 3-4 times.

These kids are just as anxious as the rest of us about what the future holds. I just did not want us to forget that. Like I said they are working hard and learning. The current players have not given the new staff any issue to think they are not full on board with the new coaching staff.

I understand that some of the recruits they are bringing in they are more familiar with but lets get the team together before we determine how the season will look. That was my only concern.

How is La'Ryan doing? I hear he is working out. Is the knee holding up? I seriously hope so he is a great player and person. I have heard that Chris and Randell are looking good in workouts. _

La'Ryan said his knee is holding up well and he feels good. I didn't speak to him directly but one of the other kids told me about his progress. He will never be the La'Ryan of old again, but if he can stay healthy, he will give them solid minutes around the basket.

[playincajun]

I do hope so he is a good kid and I know he is working hard.

Foo: They do but if they made it through everyone calling for thier heads these last years believe me these conversations are minor.

[ManAboutTown]

_ I do hope so he is a good kid and I know he is working hard.

Foo: They do but if they made it through everyone calling for thier heads these last years believe me these conversations are minor. _

Yea but its poison when everyone is excited about a fresh start, and before it can even get off the ground, rumors are being talked about concerning their value to the team.

For all you players that read: MOST of us think you guys are more than capable (under the right leadership) of becoming a special team, and are 100% behind your efforts.