What’s the status of the 2024-25 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns? Well, currently they’re on a steep and treacherous hill and are falling down at a somewhat alarming pace.
It’s challenging to find anything positive to say about the season thus far, but first I want to commend our players and staff for going out and competing at a high level every night.
To go through what transpired in the offseason, from the transferring of four of our starters to the season-ending injury of our only legit big man before he stepped foot on the court.
Not to mention the sudden firing of head coach Bob Marlin on December 19 in the middle of the season. Marlin spent 14 seasons with the program so his sudden departure was not taken lightly by the majority.
I personally wasn’t a huge fan of the move but after a 3-9 start under Marlin, I’m sure the higher-ups were running out of places to issue blame. I don’t know what any head coach could have done given the situation but clearly Louisiana Vice President for athletics, Dr. Bryan Maggard, wants to search for someone to guide the team in the right direction.
Assistant coach Derrick Zimmerman was appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The Cajuns are currently 2-4 in his tenure, playing their most recent game against conference opponent Arkansas State on Jan. 16.
The Cajuns were coming into Houston after a hard-fought victory at home against rival sister school, University of Louisiana at Monroe (71-68). They would look to continue building on the win where they shot 39% from behind the arc.
Unfortunately that wouldn’t be the case. The Cajuns would go back to their usual shooting woes from deep only shooting 23.5%.
Across the board, everyone struggled. Making his second start in a row, senior forward Zeke Cook would play just 13 minutes and receive five personal fouls, excusing himself from the game. He wasn’t the only one the refs were extremely cautious against.
The Cajuns would pile up a total 18 personal fouls which led to 31 free throw attempts by the Red Wolves. That’s a game changer.
Another game changer was that two of our starting guards, Kyndall Davis and Brandon Hardy, combined for an extraordinary zero points on 0-11 shooting and only one assist. Granted they combined for only one turnover so I guess it all evens out.
A positive game changer for us was our leading scorer, guard Mostapha El Moutaouakkil. He finished with 18 points on 50% shooting. He also tallied eight rebounds and made all six of his free throws. His unique inside-the-arc game continues to be a constant component to the offense.
Probably the biggest and most anticipated story of the night was the battle against former Ragin’ Cajun, forward Kobe Julien. I know many Louisiana eyes were looking his way and he surely made us miss his efforts.
We should be happy that Julien is still hooping at a high level, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on the night. But watching each shot go in was like a stab at our hearts. He still wears the red and white but it isn’t the same vermilion red we’re accustomed to.
The Red Wolves would win in blowout fashion, 83-63. We definitely weren’t favored to win by any margin. Arkansas State is having a phenomenal season standing at 13-5 earning them second best in the conference.
Next game the Ragin’ Cajuns have another date with ULM on Saturday, Jan. 18. It’s projected to be another pretty even contest.
I expect it to be a good game but it’s always challenging to go on the road and beat a team twice, especially considering they just played a week ago.
It’s been a bumpy road to say the least but the continuous effort to go out twice a week and play games is truly commendable. I believe we are at the deepest point of the rabbit hole. One might say I’m optimistic but I doubt it can get any worse.
Vice President Maggard said the national search for a head coach has already begun, and bringing in a fresh leader can also attract more talent and positive energy.