As the Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball squad continues preparation for the 2021-22 season, their roster has done a 180. With an influx of talent added to Coach Bobby Marlin’s arsenal, the time is now for this team.
To start, the Cajuns added Lafayette native and former four-star recruit, Greg Williams Jr. The St. John’s transfer provides an element to this team that fans haven’t seen in quite some time with his high-flying ability and incredible athleticism.
With major experience against elite-level talent, Williams Jr. gives the Cajuns a player who can step on the court on day one and provide instant buckets. Developing consistency in his jump shot, he has the chance to be special for Coach Marlin’s group.
Along with Williams Jr., the Cajuns added former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American Jordan Brown after a stretch at the University of Arizona, where he gained tremendous experience playing in the Pac-12.
The highly-touted recruit has the chance to showcase his talent in this thriving system Coach Marlin has developed. Along with last year’s Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Theo Akwuba, this team has the size and strength to compete with just about any team.
The last domino to fall for Coach Marlin’s revamped roster came with Creighton University transfer Antwann Jones. Jones is an experienced guard who has played at two Division I universities: Creighton and the University of Memphis. Adding a player of his caliber gives this Cajuns team someone who’s seen all Division I hoops has to offer.
Since official practice started last week, Coach Marlin got his first look at what this team can become this season.
“We’ve got some experienced guys,” Marlin said in an interview. “We’ve got two guys (Jones and Brown) that played in the Sweet 16 that transferred in. Both guys have good experience and score in basketball. It brings added size too. I think our interior game is going to be solid. We’ve got four guys that can really go and bang inside. At some point throughout the year that comes into play.”
Along with their work on the court, their diligence in the weight room has been something Marlin harped on. Over the summer, this group gained chemistry and built relationships while in the weight room to build their bodies up for this season.
“It is a close group and they have worked extremely hard with communication and in the weight room,” Marlin said. “These guys have gotten better and have grown closer together. We’ve got a really great locker room and the chemistry is great right now. It’s one of the closest groups I have been around.”
As the continuity grows and this team hits their stride, the Cajuns have the chance to be something special this season.
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will open up the 2021-22 season at home on Nov. 9 against West Florida. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Story: Zachary Nagy