Jalen Johnson

[CajunEXPRESS]

Leaving Jalen Johnson situation out of this for a minute, I can affirm that many major companies today prefer employees pursue graduate degrees at a different university than the one they earned their undergrad degree from. It demonstrates "diversity" on your resume. In today's politically correct world that many corporations attest to, that is a word that is always viewed favorably. Of course it does not mean the education received is any better than they would have received at the previous spot. No idea how big of a factor this was in Jalen Johnson decision to move on. Consider this as well, rule used to be that the school you transferred to for your Masters program had to offer a graduate degree program that was not offered at the place you earned your undergraduate degree from. No idea if that rule is still in place or how much of a factor the academic situation played into Jalen's decision making. If I had to guess, I would say it was at least a consideration when reviewing his options.

So you're saying for example a UL graduate gets a masters at LaTurd, and a LATurd graduate gets his masters from UL. Then both are better viewed than continuing on at their respective universities instead.

[zephyr]

While, I was/have not been in love with Jalen Johnson's game (I think Kobe Julien, who plays a similar game is a much better player). it is going to be hard to replace Jalen's productivity. Jalen was and is extremely streaky. He had some really good games, and also had some really questionable ones. Also his production tailed off late in the year when we were limited with players. For instance he was averaging 16.6 ppg in late December in late January he was under 15 ppg. , he did pick it back up a little towards the end of the season.

It will be hard to replace 15+ PPG. Unless some of the newcomers can come in and shoot, we don't have an offensively prolific team out there.

[Cajunsmike]

So you're saying for example a UL graduate gets a masters at LaTurd, and a LATurd graduate gets his masters from UL. Then both are better viewed than continuing on at their respective universities instead.

In today's world the answer is a definite YES.

[Cajunsmike]

It will be hard to replace 15+ PPG. Unless some of the newcomers can come in and shoot, we don't have an offensively prolific team out there.

Both the JUCO guy and Mississippi State transfer guy are expected to provide perimeter scoring. If they will is an unknown. However, Jalen shot less than 29 percent from three which was a big disappointment. We will miss his mid range shot which he was good at.

[CajunEXPRESS]

In today's world the answer is a definite YES.

And there in is the problem. 😅😅

Actually I can see how that’s potentially a better rounded education.

[Hatch]

Both the JUCO guy and Mississippi State transfer guy are expected to provide perimeter scoring. If they will is an unknown. However, Jalen shot less than 29 percent from three which was a big disappointment. We will miss his mid range shot which he was good at.

Nearly 1/4 of Johnson’s scoring production came from the foul line where he shot 83%. He made 121 free throws, the most anyone else on the team even attempted was 94. That will be sorely missed. He also rebounded well for someone playing out of position and often going up against bigger guys.

[Cajunsmike]

Nearly 1/4 of Johnson’s scoring production came from the foul line where he shot 83%. He made 121 free throws, the most anyone else on the team even attempted was 94. That will be sorely missed. He also rebounded well for someone playing out of position and often going up against bigger guys.

Agree he did well in those areas. Someone else will have to step up at the line and on the boards. Hoping a healthy and fresh Cedric Russell improves at the line. Depth added through recruiting at that spot may allow him to get more game rest.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Yeah, I was very confident in him, Wesley at the line. Johnson did get there often.

[ULvictory]

Johnson is going to be surely missed. He brought size and a ton of skill especially down the stretch this past year. The reason for him leaving is unknown to most of us outside of the basketball staff and team. Personally, I wish him well.

With that said, it has become sort of a "trend" where we are having guys transfer out these past few years. Whatever the reason, it does show a little concern.

[RaginDave]

Johnson is going to be surely missed. He brought size and a ton of skill especially down the stretch this past year. The reason for him leaving is unknown to most of us outside of the basketball staff and team. Personally, I wish him well.

With that said, it has become sort of a "trend" where we are having guys transfer out these past few years. Whatever the reason, it does show a little concern.

This is a concern for all schools not just us. Look at the transfer portal for the SBC alone.

Little Rock
Horace Wyatt Jr
Jalzec Lottie

Troy
Davion Thomas
KJ Simon
Darian Adams
Ty Gordon

Georgia State
Josh Linder
Kavonte Ivery



Texas State
Chandler Davis
DeShawn Davidson
Josh Newman

Arkansas State
Kobe Wilson
Melo Eggleston

Georgia Southern
Calvin Wishart
Quan Jackson
Trevion Lamar

ULM
Michael Ertel

UL
Kristian Lafayette
Calvin Temple
Jalen Johnson

App State
JC Tharrington

Coastal Carolina
Keishawn Brewton

We are not immuned to this, the SBC has 22 player currently in the transfer portal and could be more to come. If you look at the transfer portal right now their are around 318 players in the portal. And their will be more to come. That is almost 1 per team and again, this list grows every day.

I don't think this is a concern at UL, it is a problem in the NCAA, it has become a free agency of sorts. Mid majors are not the only ones this is affecting, their are major universities that are seeing high level 3 Star and 4 star athletes transferring every day.