Twitter: @_Kam_Hay
Men’s Basketball Preview
A year ago, the men’s basketball team made significant strides as a unit. This season, they have a chance to further their progress as a formidable team in their respective conference.
The men’s basketball team will have a different look and feel as compared to years past, with more length, speed, and athleticism on the perimeter. With the influx of freshman and transfers on to the team, Stacy Hollowell, head coach, believes he has the athletes to play an up and down brand of basketball this season.
“I love the group that we brought in, we’ve got six freshman and two transfers, brought some length and athleticism, we’ll be a little bit different than we were last year,” said Hollowell.
Tre’Von Jasmine is one of those athletic freshmen that Hollowell will be depending on this season. Jasmine is a second generation player at Loyola, with his father Yussef Jasmine having played at Loyola and been inducted into the Wolf Pack Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. Jasmine’s main goal is team success. He believes the individual accolades will come later.
“By the end of the season I hope to accomplish our team goal of winning the conference and for us to grow as a better team and family. Also helping to lead my team to a championship,” said Jasmine.
With the graduation of four senior contributors from last season’s team and six freshman joining the team, there is a leadership void left on the team. Junior guard Jalen Gray has stepped up and assumed the leadership role for this coming season.
“I’m definitely being more vocal, especially in practice with the younger guys, just letting them know every day you have to come and work hard so you can produce on the court,” said Gray.
According to Hollowell, the main goal this year is maintaining good health for the team and avoiding injuries.
“Teams win and lose based on who they have healthy late and last year we had 10 guys injured late, so hopefully we can stay healthy and finish strong,” said Hollowell.
If the men’s basketball team’s new faces can mesh and with the returning players, along with staying healthy, they could be primed for a breakout season.
The Pack will take on Gulf Coast opponent Xavier University on the road on Nov. 9.
