Delgado Community College Athletics

Clifford Barthe’ is in his twelth season as the Head Coach of the Delgado Men’s Basketball program.

On the court, that success is based to three fundamental principles: aggressive man to man defense; an offense that creates high percentage scoring opportunities and players dedicated to the concept of team.  

Defensively, the goal is to place so much pressure on the opponent that they become frustrated. Barthe says, “Frustration leads to mistakes. If you can force a team out of their comfort zone than they must play at a level they are not use too.” 

On the offensive end, play fast and keep the defense on their heels. Force them to react to a constant barrage of attacks on their basket from all parts of the floor. Barthe thinks, “This requires everyone be engaged and looking for their scoring opportunity.”  

None of this will work, unless the players adopt an attitude of selflessness and buy into the idea of team first. Barthe feels, “Players have to understand that individual success cannot be achieved unless the team succeeds.”  

The system works and the players have to believe that over time they will prevail. 

Proof of this fact is the success that Barthe’ had as head coach at St. Augustine High in School in New Orleans, LA from 2006 – 2012. His teams compiled an impressive 170 – 50 record which included the State 5A Championship in 2011 and the State 4A Runner Up in 2012. In addition, he led the Purple Knights to four straight quarterfinal appearances in the state playoffs and also won several district championships. In 2012, Barthe’ was recognized as the Metro New Orleans Coach of the Year. He was also named the All – Catholic Schools Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2012. 

More importantly to Barthe, are the things that his former players have achieved.   In his six years as a high school head coach he placed six players in D1 programs and 5 more at the Div. II and NAIA levels. He is very proud of his numerous contacts with collegiate coaches across the country. “Coaches know what they are getting when they sign one of my guys,” says Barthe. “My players understand high expectations and they are not afraid to work hard.” 

Barthe brings a wealth of experience to his position at Delgado. He was an assistant coach at St. Augustine from 1986 – 2003.  In the spring of 2003, he accepted the position of Athletic Director at Dillard University. During the 2004 basketball season he took over the men’s team when the head coach was relieved of his duties. After Hurricane Katrina Barthe returned to St. Augustine as Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach. Under his leadership the Purple Knights’ athletic program was restarted in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Immediately prior to coming to Delgado, Barthe spent one year as the Director of Basketball Operations at Tulane University. 

Barthe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Science from Carnegie – Mellon University. He has on daughter, Angele (married to Justin Taylor) and two grandsons, Justin Jr. and Noah.