From the upper level of the Rec Plex, Michael Giorlando watches his eight returning players scrimmaging on the court below. It’s been a month since their season ended, but the Loyola men’s basketball team has already started focusing on 2008-2009.
“This is their life,” Giorlando said. “Basketball and school.”
The season never really ends for the ‘Pack. Scrimmaging started after their return from spring break, and they will begin weight training this week.
After winning 16 games for the first time since 1971, the team fell to the nationally ranked cross-town rival Xavier University, 61-66, in the first round of the conference tournament March 5. But throughout the season the ‘Pack competed with some of the best teams in the nation and defeated teams like the University of Mobile, who ended the season ranked No. 16.
Next season the team will have to overcome the loss of this season’s three seniors: Mario Faranda, finance senior; Luke Zumo, psychology senior; and Carter “Bear” Wurts, marketing senior.
Although the league allowed all players an extra year of eligibility, all three seniors decided to pursue further education or career opportunities beyond Loyola.
“We really try to prepare our players for the next 40 years. When they finish, we try to lay a foundation for them and their future,” Giorlando said.
Filling the seniors’ spots will not be easy for Giorlando. Zumo, who was recently named an National Association Intercollegiate Athletics All-America Honorable Mention, has led the team in scoring for the last three seasons. In close games his sharp-shooting and ability to drive kept opponents’ defenses on their toes.
Faranda led the team in rebounds and averaged 12 points a game this season. At the high post position his decisions often set the tone for the offense. Wurts provided a solid presence off the bench and contributed to the tough defense that helped keep opponents’ scores so low.
Aside from being a major source of points, the seniors filled leadership positions for the team. All three made the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes list for the last two seasons.
Zumo expressed confidence in the team going into next season, especially with Torry Beaulieu, history sophomore, as point guard.
“I think a great team chemistry was built this year that will carry into next season. The guys will be confident going in and will have gone through the pre-season preparation to carry them through a successful year,” Zumo said.
Giorlando said this July he and his staff will be attending several scouting events and American Athletic Union Tournaments for recruitments. He said in the following weeks the department will be announcing several signings – one from an Indiana recruit and the others from the local area.
Steve Heath can be reached at [email protected].
