Photo by: MJ
In a momentous celebration on the Union Porch at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Ragin' Cajuns basketball team gathered to commemorate their outstanding achievement as the 2023 Hercules Tires Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Champions. The crisp Louisiana evening witnessed the much-anticipated ring ceremony, where the players were bestowed with their well-deserved championship rings by the esteemed head coach, Bob Marlin.
The radiant rings symbolized the team's triumph in the Sun Belt Championship for the 2023 season, a feat that had been sealed with a riveting 71-66 victory against South Alabama at the Pensacola Bay Center. This monumental win earned the Ragin' Cajuns their fifth all-time Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship and their first since 2014, securing their automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
The heroics of the championship game were highlighted by Themus Fulks, who delivered a stellar performance with a career-high 23 points, while Jordan Brown claimed the title of the Most Outstanding Performer of the tournament. Brown's impressive average of 15.7 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game over three games in Pensacola solidified his crucial role in the Ragin' Cajuns' success.
Coach Bob Marlin, reflecting on the championship game, expressed his pride in the team's resilience and exceptional second-half performance. The spirited contest had showcased the essence of conference tournaments, and Marlin commended his players for their tenacity.
As the players gathered on the Union Porch to receive their championship rings, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The gleaming rings became tangible symbols of the team's dedication and collective effort throughout the season. The ceremony served as a fitting tribute to the players' hard work and determination, marking a memorable chapter in the Ragin' Cajuns' basketball legacy.