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The USD ViSTa ◆ NoVember 10, 2022 Steve Lavin joins men’s basketball

As new head coach, Lavin creates brand new roster

SAVANNAH ALARCON SPORTS EDITOR

USD men’s basketball is looking for a fresh start with a majority new team and a brand new coach. Steve Lavin was named the head coach of the men’s basketball team in April 2022. Lavin was a very important addition to the team, due to his success in guiding both the UCLA and St. John’s basketball teams to eight NCAA tournaments. Lavin’s extensive experience may be what the team needs to make it to this year’s NCAA tournament. He is hoping to make a big impact on this team. With that said, the men’s basketball team has a fairly new roster consisting of five returning players and 12 new players. With a mix of transfers and new recruits, the team is looking to improve from the past seasons. The team has not won the WCC tournament since 2008 — the same year they made it to the NCAA tournament. USD sophomore Wayne McKinney commented on the team’s renewed determination, now that Levin is head coach. “This season is different from last season obviously, due to the whole new team we have gotten and the new coaching staff we have gotten as well. It feels like a new energy has been built in the gym and everyone is invested in our one goal... which is making it to the NCAA tournament,” he explained. The men’s basketball Team is hoping to change the narrative for the Torero basketball program by winning a tournament. Eric Williams Jr., a USD graduate transfer from the University of Oregon, stated his goals for the season. “I want to help make strides for the program, so winning games is at the top of my priority.” With this being a brand new team, it will be interesting to see where they will go and how they will succeed. Creating a new roster can pose challenges to a team’s dynamics, which may make it difficult for the players to work together and find their balance. However, learning a team’s strengths and weaknesses can also motivate each player — and the team’s coach — to form new plays and strategies that other teams might not expect. McKinney holds a similar attitude, as he expressed his enthusiasm in getting to know his fellow teammates and coach. “I’m excited to see how we gel and how we do in conference play. The chemistry has been great... I think we are [going to] shock a lot of people,” McKinney said.

In this new era of the men’s basketball team, there will be a lot to talk about and watch. USD students and the San Diego community will have the opportunity to learn who the new men’s basketball team is this month by attending their games. Their next game will be against New Jersey Institute of Technology this Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. in the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

Toreros are excited for the upcoming basketball season with head coach Steve Lavin.

Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com