GETTING INSIDE

Big things were expected from Louisiana-Lafayette in 2008-09. After all, the Ragin’ Cajuns had virtually everybody back from their Sun Belt West championship team the year before. However, injuries and illness decimated the team and Lafayette finished fourth in the West.

Coming into the season, all eyes are on head coach Robert Lee. Lee’s status wasn’t resolved until two weeks after the completion of last season when the school announced he would return for a sixth season. A run at another West Division title might be required for Lee to stick around for a seventh.

It seems like forever since Lee nearly direct an upset of Louisville in the first-round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

Eleven contributors are back including the team’s three leading scorers.

Nine different players that started last year are also back giving the Cajuns an experienced and veteran bench.

NOTES, QUOTES

• The Ragin’ Cajuns were the only home team to lose in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament last season.

• Head coach Robert Lee implemented staff changes with the additions of Nate Dixon and James Williams. Williams was a teammate of Lee’s at Nicholls State.

• NCAA sanctions sent Lee’s record from 67-83 to 50-75.

By The Numbers:   16—Players from last year’s roster returning this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Key Returnees:   Chirs Gradnigo, the team’s leading scorer each of the last two seasons, heads the returnees. Gradnigo averaged 13.3 points per game last year, including almost 15 per league contest.

Travis Bureau and Randell Daigle also provide scoring punch at 12.4 and 11.3 points per game respectively. Daigle is the deep threat for the Cajuns and made nearly three per game from behind the line last season.

Returning reserves accounted for 25 points per game last season.

Scouting The Newcomers:   With all the returnees, not much room was left for additions. Louisiana did add 6-9, 215-pound center Javan Mitchell.

Key Early Season Games:   A plethora of in-state games dot the early schedule. After a visit from Southern Mississippi to start the season, Louisiana College, Tulane and Centenary all visit before Christmas. Lafayette will take short trips to McNeese State and LSU. Seventeen of 29 regular-season games will be played in the state of Louisiana.

Program Direction:   With the decision on Lee languishing for two weeks after last season, clearly the direction of the program is in question. The question can be answered quickly and swiftly by a healthy, veteran squad. If not, a new direction will likely be charted.

Probable Starting Line-up:   G Chris Gradnigo, G Travis Burneau, G Randell Daigle, F Tyren Johnson, G Ryan McCoy.

Roster Report:  

• Randell Daigle is officially listed as a senior, but an extra year is available if Daigle is has completed at least 80 percent of degree requirements by the end of the 2009-10 academic year.

• Guard La’Ryan Gary is back after a knee injury.