The Ragin’ Cajuns continue to add depth.
After announcing the addition of Theo Akwuba on Thursday, the University of Louisiana men’s basketball picked up two additional transfers over the weekend with junior college All-American guard Brayan Au and Mississippi State guard Devin Butts.
Au played the past two seasons at Ranger College in Texas, including the last for well-known coach Billy Gillispie. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 12.2 points, shooting 42.6 from three-point range as a freshman as he Ranger finished as NJCAA D1 runner-up. This past season, Au averaged 15.8 points, 4 assists and made 64 three-pointers as he earned second-team NJCAA All-American honors.
Au made the announcement on Twitter Saturday writing: “These two years were very memorable. Countless hours in the gym, weight room,m playing against and along side great players has only made me sharpen my iron and motivated me to work harder. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity. With that being said I will be continuing my education and basketball career at the University of Louisiana. I am excited to see what is in store.”
Butts, who also made his announcement on Twitter with a post Saturday stating “110% Committed #ragincajuns,” was coveted by other mid-majors such as VCU and Wichita State, as well as Ole Miss out of the SEC. The 6-foot-6 Georgia native appeared in six games for the Bulldogs last season.
The news came just a few days after Akwuba committed to come to Lafayette.
The 6-foot-11 University of Portland transfer, who will have two years of eligibility remaining, played in 52 career games in two seasons, including starting 26 games as a freshman. Akwuba’s 46 blocked shots as a freshman during the 2018-19 ranks seventh in Portland single-season history.
“Theo is a high character young man who spent two season in the West Coast Conference competing against some great teams like Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s, and BYU,” Ragin’ Cajuns coach Bob Marlin said in a statement. “His ability to alter shots, rebound, and finish around the rim will increase our team’s presence in the paint.
“His upside is high,” Marlin added. “He averaged a triple double as a senior in high school and was the leading shot blocker in the state of Alabama for two seasons. His motor is great for a guy his size.”
“I’m very excited to be a Ragin’ Cajun and play under Coach Marlin, and the rest of his coaching staff,” Akwuba said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to be apart of this program and the winning culture that has been established there and can’t wait to put on the uniform and represent the Ragin’ Cajuns family.”