With the hiring of new men’s basketball head coach Jayson Gee, many people around campus and in the town of Farmville have spoken out, pleased to see a new era in Longwood basketball come to pass.
But the thoughts and views that are most important come from the people who had ties to the former coaching staff and who Gee will be working with on a daily basis: the players.
“I thought it was a great fit for us because he is the type of guy that wants to come in and win right away,” said rising senior guard and co-captain Tristan Carey when asked about his thoughts on Gee’s hiring.
“I feel like everyone is ready for this new movement. I think the style that Coach Gee has in mind will be very beneficial for everyone in the program,” Carey later added.
Director of Athletics Troy Austin worked closely with the players to make the best decision for the school, and provide a new coach to take the baton that the former staff has passed on.
“We had a chance to meet with some of the candidates and Troy had the chance to get input from us, since it’s our coach. I think that was really beneficial,” said Carey’s teammate, guard and co- captain David Robinson.
Gee plans to hit the ground running and emphasize a defensive-minded team. Though learning a new offense and defense often takes a while, Robinson is optimistic that they can get the job done.
“I believe we will pick up right where we left off last season. I think even with a new coach and a new system, because we are familiar with each other, we will be able to learn quickly and make a move to the top,” Robinson said. The Lancers have struggled with defense in the past, giving up 81 points per-game last season and being outscored by an average of 12 points a night. With Gee’s defensive mindset coming in, it sets the Lancers up for a much better chance for future success.
“Defense is what wins games. We obviously want to win a championship at the end of the season. So a defensive mindset will definitely be a huge plus for us,” said redshirt rising junior Jeylani Dublin. According to an article in the Richmond Times- Dispatch last week, Gee plans to approach his new job in Farmville with a “Three R” process that includes becoming relevant in the Big South Conference, getting respect, and being highly regarded.
“We want to be those things that he has in mind,” said Carey. “It’s something that [my teammates and I] are definitely looking forward to.” Dublin said, “[Gee] told us that he wants us to work hard, and that he wants to instill mental toughness in our minds.”
Robinson also commented, saying, “With everyone returning and building on the steps we made last year, I feel like we can obtain those three R’s very quickly. I think it will be a lot of hard work, but the end payoff will be tremendous.”
With the departure of Mike Gillian last month, it was initially thought that some players might possibly jet to other schools and opportunities elsewhere, but with the recent and timely hiring of Gee, the consensus seems to be that most players that are here will stay here.
“What Coach Gee brings to the table should make players want to stay, because he wants to come here and win championships,” said Carey. “I know everyone who came here wanted to win a championship, so why not stay and enjoy this ride that we will endure next year, as a team, and ultimately win a championship?”
“Some of my teammates were on the fence about possibly leaving, but in the end it is about what is best for them and this team, and I think you will find that most of them will end up staying,” said Robinson.
With a new head coach in town, an experienced team and everyone on board, the 2013-14 season should be exciting for everyone.
