The Loyola men’s basketball program looks different from last year’s version. Though the changes have been widespread, the Wolfpack is looking for one result: success.

The changes started at the top of the program. Michael Giorlando was hired in June as Loyola’s athletic director and head men’s basketball coach to replace Jerry Hernandez, who had coached the Wolfpack since 1991 and who had been Loyola’s athletic director since 1999.

Giorlando brings eight years of Division I collegiate experience to Loyola. He was an assistant coach at the University of New Orleans for five seasons and, most recently, he was an assistant coach and director of basketball operations at Louisiana State University.

Through his Division I experience, Giorlando has brought a focus on the fundamentals of offense and defense to Loyola. He said he is making his team aware of what they each can do to make the team better.

“We have long, physically demanding practices that the players are getting used to,” Giorlando said. “It doesn’t matter what level you play on. We’re just trying to keep the players motivated and to be positive with them.”

Jon Creel, forward and history junior, has seen firsthand what Giorlando’s Division I coaching experience has brought to the team.

“He has already improved the team through the one game and exhibition games we have played,” Creel said. “He is treating this team just like a Division I team.”

Motivating players and keeping them positive is a challenge for any new coach. It is an even greater challenge for a new coach with a team that has seven new players.

Three of those new players, Carter Wurts, general business freshman, Luke Zumo, general studies freshman and Mario Faranda, finance freshman, are the recipients of Loyola’s first athletic scholarships since 1972.

“We will still be able to attract the caliber of academic student that we want coupled with the student athlete who will help us to compete at a higher level on the floor,” Giorlando said.

The players returning to the Wolfpack basketball team this year bring on-court experience. The returning players are led by the Wolfpack’s only senior, forward Zach Tyson, marketing, “who is a scoring threat as well as a workhorse on the boards,” Giorlando said. Junior guards James Bunn, management, and Daniel Schmidt, finance, have the ability to make the outside jump shot, Giorlando said.

Giorlando said he knows he has an inexperienced team, and that it will take a little while for his system to click. He stressed the focus of his team is on trying to be successful.

“The constant idealistic approach toward the perfection of fundamental detail is the process that I am stressing to the team,” Giorlando said.

Giorlando also said that the Wolfpack’s 82-53 home victory over Pensacola Christian was positive. He added that the best part of the win is that there is still room for improvement.

He said that he was glad to see the number of students in attendance.

“Next home game, bring a buddy so the team can have a nice following.”

The ‘Pack plays today and Saturday in the Xavier University tournament.

Ryan Saucier can be reached at [email protected].