JOURNAL SPORTS
Centenary Assistant AD/Strategic Communications Patrick Meehan sat down recently with the two first-year basketball coaches whose offices are in the Gold Dome – men’s coach J.A. Anglin, a Shreveport native, and women’s coach Rennie Bailey, from Minden — for some “Q and A” during the Christmas break.
This is part 1 – more will be shared next Wednesday as the teams ramp up for 2026.
ABOUT THE GENTS
You are nine games into the season with a conference game under your belt; What have you seen so far?
(Coach Anglin) “Our schedule has been incredibly challenging with five of our nine games either on the road or at a neutral site against very good opponents. As a staff, we knew there would be bumps and bruises along the way early in the year.
“Our group has been through an unusual number of injuries, but we have taken a next man up mentality. Our focus has been on the process of getting better every game. It starts with how we practice every day. There has been some inconsistency there and we know that is an area where we can improve. We have been in a lot of one-possession games up to this point.
“We came up one point short against a very good LeTourneau team in our first conference game. We were able to grow and break through in the next game and win on the road at ETBU. My goal for this team is to be playing our best basketball in late January and February.”
So far, the record (1-8 overall, 0-1 in the Southern Athletics Collegiate Conference) is not what you or the team wanted, but what are some positive things you have seen?
“I have seen a lot of progress since the Thanksgiving break. We have made improvements in our shot selection and getting back in defensive transition. We have been a good team defensively when we make teams play in the half court. That is something we will have to continue to build on as we progress into conference play after the Christmas break.”
How important is this period around the holidays when you do not have as many games in terms of recruiting, breaking down film, etc.?
“Recruiting never stops. We have been recruiting for our 2026-27 class since I took the job in July. I have a better idea of what we need to address in recruiting now that I have been around our team for a few months. We will get out and see some games over the break, but we have already been out and about in Texas and Louisiana.
“As coaches, we watch and break down film daily. Our guys get to see practice clips and game clips every week. We have a clear picture of where we need to improve as a group. Now it is all about cleaning up the details.
“Once we return from the break, our season will be moving quickly. We will be playing two games a week. The break gives our entire program an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and refocus on our goals that we mapped out together in August.”
ABOUT THE LADIES
You’ve been coaching on the NCAA Division I level in the men’s game. What’s your impression of Division III competition, and the Ladies’ current status with a record of 2-7 overall, 1-0 in conference?
(Coach Bailey) “There are a lot of good players and coaches at the Division lll level. I am happy to have opened league play with a win on the road earlier this month against LeTourneau. The league will be a grind the rest of the way as there are a lot of good teams.”
What appeals to you about coaching at Centenary?
“Every day I come to work and step inside the Gold Dome, I am excited and happy for the opportunity to coach at Centenary College. Growing up only 30 miles from Centenary in Minden, I am aware of the rich tradition and history of its basketball programs.
“There have been some amazing players here — Robert Parish, George Lett (who is my favorite Gent of all time), Bob White, Cherokee Rhone and Willie Jackson, who I had the opportunity to compete against from middle school through college. And last but not least Elinor Griffin. So, I am honored to be the women’s head coach at Centenary College.”
How important is this period around the holidays when you do not have as many games in terms of recruiting to build the Ladies program?
“This period is very important. Considering that we have played nine games, I have a better idea of the type of players it takes to compete at this level. I can see multiple teams play at one site because of the holiday tournaments. Crucial!”
You’ve made the unconventional move over from being a men’s assistant coach, so how is that transition to the women’s game going for you, and your players?
“It is a transition coming from the men’s side to the women’s, but at the end of the day, it is about winning. The experience so far has been great. The ladies have been very coachable and receptive to verbal instruction and buying into our system — both on and off the court. My goals for the remainder of the season are competing for the regular SCAC season and conference tournament championship.”
Next Wednesday we’ll share more from Coach Anglin.