Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos has enjoyed a great honeymoon, after taking over a team two years ago that went 1-27 before leading them to a 15-13 record last year.
Today, Loyola appears to still be moving forward, but is also dealing with its first case of adversity since the former Maryland assistant joined the program in 2004. Patsos? squad experienced a double whammy earlier this month when two key players ? forwards Brad Farrell and Freddie Stanback ? left the team. Loyola also most likely must replace guard Andre Collins, who averaged 26.1 points per game last year. Collins is awaiting word on whether he will be granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.
“Brad had some personal issues to take care of, but Freddie leaving was a total shock,” Patsos said. “He was going to be the first guy off our bench. I don?t know who he?s listening to, but he got some bad advice.”
Four newcomers, including two transfers, are expected to fill the void left by the departing players. Guard Gerald Brown (Douglass) transferred from Providence last year and can play right away while Notre Dame transfer Omari Isreal (Good Counsel) will not be available until December.
Patsos will also have two freshmen in guards Tony Lewis (Blue Ridge School, Fredericksburg, Va.) and Brett Harvey (Clarkstown North HS/ New City, N.Y.). Harvey orally committed to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rival Manhattan, but signed with Loyola after Jaspers coach Bobby Gonzalez left for Seton Hall.
Patsos said he is pleased with the progress made at Loyola, but knows more work needs to be done.
“We can be happy with our improvement, but we can?t be satisfied,” he said.
LOYOLA NOTES
» Loyola opens its season against Navy Nov. 9 at St. John?s in New York as part of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer. Maryland is also among the 16 teams set to participate in the event.
» Other non-conference games on the Greyhounds? schedule include home games against Delaware (Nov. 29), Mount St. Mary?s (Dec. 2) andTowson (Jan. 15) and road contests at UMBC (Nov. 14), American (Nov. 20), High Point (Dec. 22), Northwestern (Dec. 27) and Michigan State (Dec. 30).
» Andre Collins accounted for more than one-third of Loyola?s offense last year. Michael Tuck is the team?s top returning scorer at 9.1 points per game. He also led the squad with a 6.2 rebounds a contest.
