Cajuns set sights on stronger season with renewed confidence

As the 2026-27 men’s basketball season approaches, the Ragin’ Cajuns are preparing to return to the court with renewed confidence, determination and expectations for improvement. After a challenging previous season, UL Lafayette are focused on building stronger team chemistry and improving their performance to make a deeper postseason run.

The Cajuns finished the 2025-26 season with an 11-22 overall record and a 7-11 record in Sun Belt Conference (SBC) play. Despite those struggles, players believe the upcoming season will bring a different level of intensity and a stronger commitment to winning.

Tyshawn Duncan, freshmen forward, expressed confidence in the team’s potential and the work players have been putting in during the offseason. “I feel amazing, to be honest,” Duncan said. “I feel like we got a really good team.”

Duncan said the team is using its preparation time to improve and put itself in a position to compete at a higher level when the season begins. He believes the players understand what it’ll take to make a successful run in March.

Jamyron Keller, junior guard, shared similar expectations, describing himself as confident for the upcoming season because of the experienced players joining them this season. Keller said he expects the Cajuns to win more games this season and believes the additions to the roster will help them meet their goals.

According to UL Lafayette’s 2025-26 basketball statistics, the Cajuns averaged 63.7 points per game, while allowing opponents to score an average of 70.7 points. The team averaged 30.3 rebounds per game, while there were 34.6 rebounds from their opponents.

Despite the previous season’s record, the Cajuns showed they were capable of competing against conference opponents. Louisiana has won against South Alabama University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University and James Madison University during SBC. The team also defeated Georgia State 84-75 in the SBC tournament before falling to James Madison with a score of 87-72 in their next game, ending their season. Now, the players are hoping to build on those experiences.

Duncan believes both fans and students will notice a difference in how the team will carry themselves this season. “I feel like the intensity level and the way that UL men’s basketball is represented all around our university is gonna be a complete change.” Duncan said.

Duncan also emphasized the importance of developing relationships with teammates and learning from upperclassmen. Duncan feels their experience will provide lessons as he continues shaping his skills and adjusting to the demands of playing college basketball.

Keller also spoke on the importance of team chemistry, especially as the Cajuns prepare to face opponents throughout the season. When asked what he is most looking forward to, Keller mentioned winning games, traveling with his teammates and spending time together as a team.

He described the team’s mentality as,“Us versus everyone,” reflecting the confidence and unity he hopes the Cajuns will carry into the season. Both players have been working to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. Keller said his offseason preparation has included spending many nights in the gym, working out often and watching game film. For Duncan, preparation has also involved overcoming a physical setback.

During his interview, Duncan revealed that he had been dealing with an injury that required him to spend time away from basketball. He explained that he needed to prioritize his health before returning to regular training. “Because if I’m not physically healthy, I can’t be healthy on the court,” Duncan said.

Although the injury put a slight hold on his preparation, he described the situation as a temporary setback for a major comeback.

While both players share the goal of helping Louisiana succeed, they also have individual accomplishments they hope to achieve. Keller said one of his top personal goals is becoming player of the year. The guard appeared in two games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 17 points per game.

Duncan also hopes to reach individual recognition, becoming Freshmen of the Year and week. However, he made it clear that personal achievements are not the only things motivating him.

Duncan said reaching the Final Four is a major goal for the team and something coach White regularly brings up during practice. Duncan said the players often discuss making the Final Four to remind themselves what they are working toward. He explained that the team wants to make a deep postseason run and show how much work its players have put into preparing for the season.

Duncan took that goal even further when asked what he believes the entire team wants to achieve. “Win that national championship,” Duncan said. “There’s no doubt about that.” From Keller’s late nights in the gym to Duncan’s recovery and return to training, both players are approaching the season with individual motivation and shared expectations.

For the Cajuns, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to move beyond last year’s record and bring home more wins. With continued preparation and a shared commitment to winning, the University hopes to turn its preseason confidence into results on the court.