After falling to Washington University this past weekend, the Augustana men’s basketball team is looking to win big games this week, while taking the court with five new starters from the year before.
After with starting the season with four straight wins, head coach Grey Giovanine is optimistic about his team’s growth after the first few games.
“We had five new starters and all new role players. We have made progress through the first few games and I’m very encouraged they can continue in the future,” said Giovanine.
This growth has come after a new teaching approach from the veteran head coach. Giovanine said he is focused on the building the team with a focus on teaching the new players.
“The last few years, we could focus on coaching the big picture, but with all new guys we have to step back and teach details and fundamentals to be successful,” said Giovanine.
Sophomore forward Pierson Wofford said the team has come together to make sure they are successful this season.
“We are now being thrown in the fire together, and all these games matter. It is a whole different level of intensity out there, said Wofford.
Dylan Sortillo, a junior shooting guard, added that for the team to be successful they must come together and bond as a team. Sortillo said the team has went bowling and tried to “mesh” on and off the court.
According to Giovanine, the Vikings’ two games next week against two CCIW teams, Wheaton College on Wednesday and Carthage College on Saturday are essential to seeing what this young team can really do.
The Vikings will take on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and CCIW conference opponent North Park University at home in the Carver Center this week.
Giovanine said the Vikings will look for help from the “Carver Crazies” as they fight in these next few games.
“Carver has been such a great place to play because of the students” Said Giovanine.
The Carver Center is beloved by several of the players on the team.
“The environment the fans produce is unprecedented. It’s a product of the way we play,” said Wofford.