Chris Gradnigo Granted Transfer Release by UL

[Parrott]

I loved Raymone's versatility from the time I saw him play in high school. Was fortunate to see him play at least four or five times. Always adjusted his game to whatever was needed that night, whether it was being more of a scorer, rebounder or playmaker. He did a tremendous job of running the team last season and providing strong defense. Had a few offensive outbursts. It will be interesting to see how he matures under Marlin, who has a reputation for developing quality guards.

[zephyr]

_ I loved Raymone's versatility from the time I saw him play in high school. Was fortunate to see him play at least four or five times. Always adjusted his game to whatever was needed that night, whether it was being more of a scorer, rebounder or playmaker. He did a tremendous job of running the team last season and providing strong defense. Had a few offensive outbursts. It will be interesting to see how he matures under Marlin, who has a reputation for developing quality guards. _

JP, just curious but what were your "additional thoughts" on the departure as stated in your post. I read the blog but it didn't seem to have any further info. just curious.

[zephyr]

_ I don't think the loss of this indivdual will negatively impact the team's performance. I trust the new coach will have the players available perform
to the best of their abilities. _

You may trust too much. Coach Marlin may begin this season a little undermanned. Chris, like him or not (I didn't to be honest) was going to lead this team in scoring this year and he was working out this spring twice a day which seemed like he was putting the time and effort in to have that special year. I was told he was motivated by T. Johnson's year last year and was aiming for that type of a senior season. Statistically, the departure hurts this team, especially one void of consistent scorers. While I do believe this unit will be more cohesive, there is an obvious talent void that will be created. We now have 3 scholarships available and many of our primary targets that Marlin was targeting earlier have committed elsewhere. We can not assume he will even fill those spots.

[CajunTime]

_ LeBato's nephew signed with Denver. I wouldn't be so quick to overlook his involvement in Gradnigo's decision to leave, at least according to my sources.

igeaux.mobi _

Your sources? Word is Coach Marlin was going to move Chris to the post position and play him with his back to the goal. That is one of the reason for his departure. Another is the chaos around the program involving outsiders and the team. Hopefully this will not take place anymore with Coach Marlin in charge. That is the real story you should get your sources to tell you about.

[SlappyCajun]

_ Your sources? Word is Coach Marlin was going to move Chris to the post position and play him with his back to the goal. That is one of the reason for his departure. Another is the chaos around the program involving outsiders and the team. Hopefully this will not take place anymore with Coach Marlin in charge. That is the real story you should get your sources to tell you about. _

Have you seen where Coach Marlin's 4 plays. Then you don't know. The real story is that Chris had underachieved every year since he has been here (with the exception of his freshman year). And anyone watching basketball could tell that his body language is terrible and he gave no effort on the defensive end. Besides the guy is 6'7 if he could get to the post help his team when and score buckets, is that a bad thing. The stuff about him playing with his back to the basket all of the time is totally baseless.

This is about his godfather not being retained to coach the team, and Chris deciding to leave in July when it would hurt the team the most. Period end of story.

[SlappyCajun]

_ You may trust too much. Coach Marlin may begin this season a little undermanned. Chris, like him or not (I didn't to be honest) was going to lead this team in scoring this year and he was working out this spring twice a day which seemed like he was putting the time and effort in to have that special year. I was told he was motivated by T. Johnson's year last year and was aiming for that type of a senior season. Statistically, the departure hurts this team, especially one void of consistent scorers. While I do believe this unit will be more cohesive, there is an obvious talent void that will be created. We now have 3 scholarships available and many of our primary targets that Marlin was targeting earlier have committed elsewhere. We can not assume he will even fill those spots. _

Zephyr -

Without a doubt I think there is cause for concern regarding the the offensive output of this team. Hopefully Josh Brown and David Perez can help. The misses on a couple of kids were disheartening, but I think that is a product of getting a late start in recruiting. Hopefully it is not a trend throughout Marlin's tenure. We can only hope that the cohesion among the other members helps them overcome this setback. As far as Chris putting in the work to have a great senior year. All the team was working out and playing together during the junior summer session, except one guy....

[CajunTime]

_ Have you seen where Coach Marlin's 4 plays. Then you don't know. The real story is that Chris had underachieved every year since he has been here (with the exception of his freshman year). And anyone watching basketball could tell that his body language is terrible and he gave no effort on the defensive end. Besides the guy is 6'7 if he could get to the post help his team when and score buckets, is that a bad thing. The stuff about him playing with his back to the basket all of the time is totally baseless.

This is about his godfather not being retained to coach the team, and Chris deciding to leave in July when it would hurt the team the most. Period end of story. _

I agree with the lack of hustle, but the other stuff is BS. Chris is a 2/3 not a 4 regardless of where the 4 plays. He is the best returning basketball player, but now he is gone. Some guys jsut couldnt stand playing for lee and this affected there play

[Just1More]

Regardless of the finite arguments of why Gradnigo left the program, a distracted player is never a good thing to retain. Chris is distracted. That would not have helped Coach Marlin no matter how you spin it.

[lcitsh]

_In my opinion, Marlin was the exact type of coach that Gradnigo needed. Tough, disciplined, etc. Would have had the chance to be a star next season.

igeaux.mobi _

Keep in mind that, if Chris is being truthful, and it's not because of Coach Marlin that he is leaving, that he can go to a program that has a similar type of coach (LSU-Trent Johnson possibly) and have two years to work on his maturity and game, which may prepare him for life after college basketball.

[zephyr]

_ Zephyr -

Without a doubt I think there is cause for concern regarding the the offensive output of this team. Hopefully Josh Brown and David Perez can help. The misses on a couple of kids were disheartening, but I think that is a product of getting a late start in recruiting. Hopefully it is not a trend throughout Marlin's tenure. We can only hope that the cohesion among the other members helps them overcome this setback. As far as Chris putting in the work to have a great senior year. All the team was working out and playing together during the junior summer session, except one guy.... _

Note, I was mentioning the spring time, not the summer. I have not seen or heard from Chris since that time and this is the first I've heard anything about him looking to leave but I haven't been here as much lately so I certainly have stayed out of the loop. However, when seeing him in the spring, this is what was mentioned to me by Scott Farmer, not some outsider.

[SlappyCajun]

I don't agree. U play where your team needs you. Brian Hamilton was an inch shorter than Chris and lighter. But one of the best 4's in recent memory. If the 4 is a skills trail man who runs pick and pops with the PG, then that would suit Chris perfectly. We always want to label guys. Play where it helps the team. Austin Daye is 6'11 he played the 4 in college, but the Pistons are moving him to the 2. Play wherever helps your team when period. What do u disagree with?

I agree with the lack of hustle, but the other stuff is BS. Chris is a 2/3 not a 4 regardless of where the 4 plays. He is the best returning basketball player, but now he is gone. Some guys jsut couldnt stand playing for lee and this affected there play

igeaux.mobi

[randyleb]

maybe we should move on. coach Marlin will put the best players on the court he can find and certainly needs more than a couple of months to recruit "his" team. the real test is will we have a team that has had some really good coaching. he hasn't had much time but I bet the difference will be striking compared to the last few years. "my players don't use the bounce pass". I heard Coach Marlin say that. that's interesting.