A new chapter in the 114-year history of Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball begins on Nov. 3 against the Ball State University Cardinals. Under the leadership of the new head coach, Quannas White, the Cajuns hope to bounce back from the frustrations of their 12–21 campaign in the 2024-25 season.
In the previous season, White worked as the associate head coach for the University of Houston Cougars. That team was ranked No.1 seed in the Midwest for the NCAA tournament, and made their way to the national championship game against the University of Florida, where they lost by a margin, the final score being 65–63.
White was widely regarded as a critical figure in Houston’s recent success, with his roles in recruitment and player development proving invaluable in building a winning basketball program that can last.
In what is his first opportunity as the head coach of a program, White is not alone. After partaking in an overhaul of staff, White has four assistant coaches: Brandon Espinosa, Donald Reyes, Josh White and Giovonne Woods.
They are joined by chief of staff Scott Raines, director of operations Jordan Andrews, video coordinator Geoff Beckham and graduate assistants Jernard Jarreau and Vernice Seriale III.
This team has the advantage of fresh faces, with 14 out of 19 players being new additions to the Cajuns’ roster.
These new members are sophomore Todd Jones Jr., junior Dorian Finister, senior Dariyus Woodson, freshman Joshua Lewis, redshirt sophomore De’Vion Lavergne, freshman Mike Collins, redshirt freshman Karris Bilal, sophomore Jaxon Olvera, junior Jamyron Keller, freshman Logan Meyeres, fifth-year Milan Mejia, senior Sean Elkinton and sophomore Rahman Olajuwon.
The returning players are Jeremiah Evans, Michael Mouton, Zeke Cook, Christian Landry and Kyren Ratliff, who are the only remnants of last year’s team.
The guards are Finister, Lavergne, Collins, Bilal, Olvera, Mouton, Landry, Keller, Myers and Mejia. Forwards for the team are Evans, Cook, Jones Jr., Woodson, Lewis, Ratliff, Elkinton and Olajuwon.
With all of the new faces and talent brought to this team, the message is clear heading into the season: we’re in a whole new world. White is a leader with a tested acumen and success, and he has surrounded himself with equally capable coaches in the interest of rebuilding a winning Cajun culture.
It is worth mentioning that games 2-4 are a trio of Louisiana-on- Louisiana competition. On Nov. 7, the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions travel to the Cajundome.
As well as Nov. 11, where the Tulane University Green Wave will come back to Lafayette to battle the Cajuns for the first time since 2018. Finally, on Nov. 14, the viral 2025 NCAA Cinderella story team, the McNeese State University Cowboys, go against the Cajuns in Lake Charles.
For home games, the Cajundome houses 14 matchups, nine of which will be Sun Belt Conference games. The Cajuns went 3–6 in Sun Belt competition at home last season.
The hope is that this new team with a high ceiling for success will reinvigorate attendance in the Cajundome, with more of the Cajun faithful and students alike supporting.
Home-game attendance last season was, at best, sparse. Injuries and coaching frustrations detracted from what could have been a much more successful season.
Now, Cajun fans can benefit from the adoption of a short memory because this team could not be more different. Notably, the hiring of White led to the transfer and acquisition of talent that, originally, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns were not a top priority for.
For example, Olajuwon is a member of the Jordan national basketball team, and the son of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Jones Jr., who was rated the No.1 player in the state of Louisiana, transferred from the University of Portland along with Mejia, who is the all-time leader in three-pointers with Loyola University New Orleans.
The air around men’s basketball has changed; there’s anticipation, excitement and anxiety. White is capable, but this is his first time being at the genuine head of the table. The Cajuns have talent in spades, but last year’s team was talented too; this year, it just needs to get put together.
After last season, genuine hope for a return to form is not lost on anyone, White and the Cajuns included. It may take time for things to fall into place or it may happen faster than imagined. Regardless, the future of the program starts with the first whistle on Nov. 3.
Years of work from everyone in the program have led the Cajuns to where they are right now. All that has to be done is sit back, cheer on and remain hopeful. All information regarding game schedules can be found on the ragincajuns.com website. Best of luck to Coach White, his staff and the players. Geaux Cajuns.