Another Former Cajun Basketball Player Passes Away

For the second time this week, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns basketball family is mourning the loss of a former player.

Immanuel Washington, who played for the Cajuns from 2001-03, died after collapsing during a physical training exercise with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

According to a story from JayCee at 999ktdy.com, Washington had just left as a member of the Youngsville Police Department to join the Wildlife and Fisheries program.

Washington arrived as a walk-on to the Cajuns, but was considered to be the best perimeter defender on the Cajuns' squad.  He played in 54 games in his career with 27 starts.  The Cajuns won the Sun Belt West Division title each of the two seasons he played and played in the NIT in both seasons.

He was named winner of the defensive leader award in both of his seasons and was named the team's "Mr. Hustle" in his senior season.  He received his degree in Criminal Justice in December of 2003.  His brother Rogers played collegiate and professional basketball.  Sister Tiffany is a former player for the Ragin' Cajuns women's basketball team.

He's the second former Cajun to pass away this week.  The team announced the passing of former center Bryan Collins (1991-95) earlier.