[1]Interim coach Ryan Barbeau stands on the sidelines with Zach Marcelline (35) Pat Kalala (33) Steven Bailey (23) and Cameron James-Hughes. Photo by Taylor Renkema.
By Taylor Renkema
There’s still a long way to go, but interim coach Ryan Barbeau said he definitely sees a change in his team.
“I think the guys are having fun now, the atmosphere is positive now, not negative,” he said.
Barbeau replaced former head coach Rich Whitfield, who was fired on Nov. 21st.
Athletic director Jim Buck said he and Whitfield had differing philosophies on how to run the team.
The Loyalist men’s basketball team is now 2-1 with Barbeau, after winning 102-88 over Fleming on Nov. 27. The women also played, trumping the Knights 72-66.
The men are just the fifth team so far this season to break the 100-point barrier, joining Durham, Cambrian, La Cité and Centennial.
Buck said he likes the direction Barbeau is going with his players.
“The kids are more relaxed playing for Ryan than they were for Rich, they’re not afraid to make mistakes anymore,” Buck said.
Barbeau said despite Whitfield getting fired for being too intense there isn’t any pressure to be a ‘nice guy’.
[2]Loyalist’s Jordan Marlowe puts up a layup with heavy contact from Fleming defender Brandon Chambers. Photo by Taylor Renkema.
“I’m intense too, I want guys to work hard for me, and if they don’t there are going to be consequences,” he said. “But overall I like to have a positive environment. I think that’s the only way guys are going to get better.”
Veteran guard Pat Kalala said Barbeau’s coaching style has improved the team.
“I think he has a system now where everyone can show what they can do, and at the same time it’s fast-paced so everyone is going to get a shot,” he said.
Buck said the team needs to work on its defensive game, particularly in the second half.
“When we play better teams, you’re not going to be able to defend like that and pull out a win.
Kalala said it’s important to not get distracted by the coaching changes.
“We’re trying not to think about things in the past, it’s about right now,” he said. “We’re trying to seize the moment.”
Teammate Steven Bailey agreed.
“The management side is beyond our control, so it’s basketball as usual for us, we get on the court and work hard,” he said. “Coaches don’t play the game, we play.”