NEW ORLEANS---Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun men won their third straight game last night and are now 6-4 in their first ten games.  With one game left before conference play (that I won't get to see now that I'm in New Orleans), it's time to share some thoughts as Sun Belt play gets ready to start.

THEY'RE GETTING BETTER--When you're trying to replace a top ten NBA draft pick, there's going to be a learning curve, not only for the guy replacing him, but for everyone else on the team.  The curve hasn't been totally negotiated yet, but the good news is, the truck is no longer traveling on just two wheels.  There;s been steady improvement from this team, as defenders, as rebounders, as ball handlers and as shooters.

THEY FOUND THE WRIGHT GUY--Jay Wright has solidified himself as the Cajuns' point guard.  He's got quite a motor.  He plays a little faster than he should at times and he's not going to explode to the rim like his predeessor did.  But he's quick, he can defend and he has excellent jumping ability.  And, he's been a good free throw shooter (75%.)  We're starting to realize just how much the Cajuns missed him in Lake Charles when he was out with flu-like symptoms.  With Donovan Williams gone and Tiremone WIlliams out with the flu the Cajuns' depth at the point is being tested.  Wright is making the most of his opporutnity.

CAPABLE SHOOTERS--The Cajuns were struggling to shoot the basketball, especially from the perimeter.  But things have been heating up.  The Cajuns are shooting just under 50% for the season and their three point percentage is up to nearly 37%.  Yes, some of that has been against non-division I opponents.  But they still count.  The Cajuns can finish inside with their bigger guys.  And now they're finishing from the perimeter as well.  Xavian Rimmer, who nailed seven three point baskets in the SBC championship last March, still hasn't totally found his stroke.  But he's getting there.  He and Kasey Shepherd can be lethal at any time.

PROTECTING THE BASKETBALL--The Cajuns averaged more than 20 turnovers per game over the first five games of the season.  They've averaged 13 in the last five.  Thats more than seven extra possessions per game.  With the Cajuns' offensive capabilities, those extra possessions can mean as many as ten points per game.

CLASS MOVE FOR A CLASS YOUNG MAN---There are a ton of reasons to like Bob Marlin.  Here's another one:  Cajuns' fifth year walk-on Donovan Williams has decided to end his basketballl career.  WIlliams is receiving his degree at commencement and won't be playing any more basketball.  You gotta just love the game and love the concept of team to spend 4 1/2 years giving sweat equity knowing you might not play twenty minutes the entire season.  That's what WIlliams did.  Marlin saluted him last night by putting him in the starting lineup.  Williams responded with his first and only double digit scoring performance of his career.  He also got a couple of rebounds and three steals.  Didn't turn it over.  Williams wanted to end it at the 'Dome.  He did it in style.  I'm gonna miss that kid.

A REMINDER OF TONEY--When the Cajuns' all time great played, fans would see the game and estimate he scored twelve, fourteen, fifteen points when in fact, he scored 25.  He seemed to score many of his points quietly.  Meet Brian Williams.  The senior transfer from Oklahoma State won't remind you of Toney with his style of play.  But he might with his line score.  I was talking with someone after the McNeese game and they remarked WIlliams wasn't much of a scorer. I asked how many points they thought he had scored.  The reply was seven.  He had scored 15.  If you look at WIlliams' line at the end of each game you might be surprised with the result.

MAY I HAVE A LOZENGE PLEASE--I did a split doubleheader yesterday on the radio.  As I was getting ready to leave the 'Dome last night someone remarked my voice was a little raspy.  Coach Marlin said the same thing to me in a later conversation.  I'd better get the ole voice in shape.  I've got twelve more men's/women's doubleheaders to do before the season ends.  Everyone go ahead and buy stock in Ricola.  They'll be getting plenty of business from me over the next couple of months.

SPEAKING OF THE WOMEN--Helluva effort by Garry Brodhead's team in their loss to undefeated and nationally ranked Mississippi State.  The Bulldogs were in trouble, down by 12 when MSU switched to a zone defense that they rarely play.  Cajuns were ice cold from the perimeter and Mississippi State came back for the win.  But the Cajuns' guards played very well on defense and raised havoc while turning the ball over just 13 times against a team that forces more than 25 per game.  I was impressed with what I saw.  This team is going to finish in the first division in the league this year.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR---Now that the Cajun women have made the CAJUNDOME their permanent home, you'll  want to be the 'Dome on January 17th when the men and women play South Alabama.  And, you want to be there for BOTH games.  Trust me.  You do.  Bring a handkerchief.

AS I SEE IT--RIght now, I think Georgia State, UALR and the Cajuns are playing pretty well.  ULM is a LOT better, UTA is going to score points and Georgia Southern has a couple of nice wins and is better than I thought.  I think those teams are the top six right now in no particular order.  There's a lot of basketball to be played, though.  Twenty conference games, as a matter of fact.

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