Barnes Talks Recruiting

[Boomer]

_ _

WOW---I forgot--Our best guy maybe at the start and end of the season---What about Long?????

[Parrott]

I have a hard time believing Josh Brown won't start for us. He was our best player in the last two games of the year. He would have challenged for the back up all conference teams were he not injured for much of the year.

Your best players don't always start. It's more important who is playing the critical minutes of the game.

After getting hurt twice earlier in the season, Brown worked off the bench during the bulk of the 11-game winning streak (partly because he still wasn't 100 percent and trying to ease back into things). He always plays with a lot of energy, so he provides an immediate lift as a sixth-man. He defends, can score, get his teammates involved and rebound. When healthy he was the team's top all-around player. I picked him as a potential all-conference player going into the season. With improved health and a more consistent jumper, he will be an all-conference pick as a senior.

[playincajun]

JUCO guys can expect to start and we know every one was promised a starting spot to get the name on the line. I don't see Raymone going to the bench because the problem is who ever wants his position has to get past his defense at practice. He has also shown he is a plus with the ball in his hand in any pressing situation. Now he definately needs to work on offense but if we get a consistant 2 guard that helps since we were missing that. I think Josh is our 3 and JJ is at the 4 batteling with The 6'6 kid.

[Cajunsmike]

_ JUCO guys can expect to start and we know every one was promised a starting spot to get the name on the line. I don't see Raymone going to the bench because the problem is who ever wants his position has to get past his defense at practice. He has also shown he is a plus with the ball in his hand in any pressing situation. Now he definately needs to work on offense but if we get a consistant 2 guard that helps since we were missing that. I think Josh is our 3 and JJ is at the 4 batteling with The 6'6 kid. _

I have trouble believing anyone was promised a starting spot in order to sign. Even if they were, that can last only a couple of games and other guys can earn those minutes by their play on the court. I fully expect Raymone and the other guys to fight hard for their positions. They are not simply going to accept a reduced role. I don't mean they will complain verbally. They will just compete in practice for the time. As far as Josh is concerned, yes he came off the bench much of the year. However he did start the last regular season game at ULM and the tournament game against WKU. He was our best player in both games. I can see him being starting at 2 or 3 with JJ being in the lineup somewhere. This may be a good problem to have. Lots of good players gives a coach options. Of course we are only assuming the guys we are bringing in are quality players. We won't know that until they get here.

[Boomer]

_ I have trouble believing anyone was promised a starting spot in order to sign. Even if they were, that can last only a couple of games and other guys can earn those minutes by their play on the court. I fully expect Raymone and the other guys to fight hard for their positions. They are not simply going to accept a reduced role. I don't mean they will complain verbally. They will just compete in practice for the time. As far as Josh is concerned, yes he came off the bench much of the year. However he did start the last regular season game at ULM and the tournament game against WKU. He was our best player in both games. I can see him being starting at 2 or 3 with JJ being in the lineup somewhere. This may be a good problem to have. Lots of good players gives a coach options. Of course we are only assuming the guys we are bringing in are quality players. We won't know that until they get here. _

Man the game went so fast---I forgot when JJ first came out and with Josh starting I forgot who went in early---maybe Mumbo or Farrington---speaking of--wish he could have come back sooner!!!!

[playincajun]

Cajunmike~ recruits are sold alot to get them to sign. A "starting" spot is easy to say. I like the new players along with what we have coming back. I checked the recruiting sites and I dont see any that have "big" school offering Long as his brother supposedly said. On the list I saw we were one of the "biggest" schools. Has anyone seen different?

[CajunT]

_ Cajunmike~ recruits are sold alot to get them to sign. A "starting" spot is easy to say. I like the new players along with what we have coming back. I checked the recruiting sites and I dont see any that have "big" school offering Long as his brother supposedly said. On the list I saw we were one of the "biggest" schools. Has anyone seen different? _

UTEP and a few others. All recruits are offered the opportunity to compete for a starting position by this staff. That is completely different from promising a starting position to sign. That has not happened with this staff, not to any of the recruits I've interviewed.