Coming into the 2016-2017 college basketball season, it was clear the sophomores Bryce Washington and Jonathan Stove, among others, would have to grow up and fast. No longer could they rely on the interior play of Shawn Long, who moved on to the pros following a record setting Cajuns career.
After a couple losses on the road to Minnesota and Montana State (this one hurt, losing by one after missing 20 FT’s), we got a our first look at the Cajuns in a four game set inside Blackham Coliseum as improvements wrapped up in the Cajundome.
Early on it appeared scoring without Washington on the court could be an issue. That was immediately addressed as Washington and Stove’s childhood buddy, BYU transfer Frank Bartley IV, led the team in scoring. In previous seasons, the question was ‘Who would help Long/Elfrid Payton?’ always seem to come up. After 10 games this season, that’s not a concern for Louisiana.
In their first 13 games, four different players have led the Cajuns in scoring. Point guard Jay Wright scored a career high 28 on the road against McNeese and has 27 points twice (James Madison & New Orleans). Washington & Bartley have combined to lead the team in scoring 10 times while freshman Justin Miller has done it twice. Stove, nursing a bad foot back to health, had a season high 20 at McNeese and Cajuns freshman Jerekius Davis and PJ Hardy have contributed off the bench.
Marlin has been emphatic, even before the season started, this group of players have the best chemistry in his tenure as Head Coach. Probably helps Washington, Stove & Bartley have known each other most of their lives.
Instead of chemistry, I’d use the word versatile. When one of four players can handle the scoring load and you can probably throw in Hardy down road, if/when he goes off beyond the arc. His three-point shooting may be the biggest early season surprise.
So the Cajuns win 10 games before Christmas for the first time since the ’90-’91 season. They’ll enjoy a holiday break before the Sun Belt kicks in over New Year’s. Conference play will not be a cake walk. UT-Arlington has already defeated Texas and upset #12 St. Mary’s while Arkansas State beat Georgetown in DC. Even Troy took USC down to the wire.
This Cajuns team, leading the conference in scoring, rebounding margin, forced turnovers and steals, can be a special one. They do not rely on one or two players to carry the team, but look towards the hot hand on any particular night. Buckle up Cajuns fans, it should be an interesting run towards March.