Ragin’ Cajuns Men’s Basketball signs two to National Letter of Intent

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball coach Bob Marlin announced on Wednesday the signing of two players to a National Letter of Intent for the 2018-19 season.

Signing with the Ragin’ Cajuns is guard/forward Kobe Julien (Baton Rouge, La./Madison Prep) and forward R.J. Gladney (DeRidder, La./DeRidder).

Julien, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound product, follows in the footsteps of his father – Wayne Julien – who played for the Ragin’ Cajuns from 1976-81 and was a member of the Ragin’ Cajuns 1976-77 Southland Conference championship team under coach Jim Hatfield.

In three seasons at Baton Rouge’s Madison Prep, Julien has helped his team to three Class 2A state titles while averaging 12 points and eight rebounds as a junior. Julien was named first-team all-district as a junior and was a member of the Louisiana Coaches Association All-State team.

“We have watched Kobe grow and develop since he was in the ninth grade,” Marlin said. “He is a versatile player who plays with a physical presence and toughness. He has an elite skill of driving to the basketball, knows how to finish when he gets to the basket and draws fouls from the defense.”

Gladney, a 6-7, 200-pound forward, averaged 15.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 3.0 assists last season at DeRidder High School. A two-time District 4-4A selection, Gladney averaged 14.3 points and 12.4 rebounds as a sophomore and 11.5 points and 10.7 rebounds as a freshman.

“R.J. is a high energy athlete with a great motor,” Marlin said. “With his length and athleticism, he can have a great impact on the defensive end of the floor and our staff was really intrigued by his upside and versatility. We are excited to welcome him to the Cajun family and our fans will admire his style of play for years to come.”

Louisiana, which finished 21-12 overall last season, will officially tip off its season on Friday against Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss.