With a new coach and some new faces on the roster, the Jim Thorpe boys basketball team is turning the page from a one-win season a year ago.

Brian O’Donnell is the new man in charge, but comes to the Olympian courtside with a history of coaching within the town’s limits.

As a former seventh- and eighth-grade coach in the district, O’Donnell was also an assistant varsity coach for five years under former JT coach Jason McElmoyle, before becoming an assistant at Marian last year.

Thorpe will fill out its varsity roster with a number of returnees, along with a few names that are familiar to Olympian fans.

From the gridiron comes senior guard Aaron Curran, who brings leadership and multiple skills to the hardwood.

“Aaron makes good decisions with the ball,” said O’Donnell. “We’ll play him at both the point and shooting guard, and from both positions we will count on him to put the ball in the basket. He can get into the paint and score. He also has a good mid-range pull-up jumper, and is working on his outside game.”

Also transitioning from football and playing guard or a small forward position will be Pierce Gothard.

“He flashes into the lane and can score from three-point range. While Aaron is more of a vocal leader, Pierce sets an example for how we want our team to play the game.”

The rest of the starting lineup has yet to be determined from the eight to 10 players that will dress for varsity games.

Senior Christian Barile is in the mix. “Christian will play the point,” said O’Donnell. “He handles the ball well under pressure.”

Ethan Moore, another pigskin performer, has a strong physique that should help him grab rebounds at both ends. Zachary Zurn, at 6-3, will also be expected to crash the boards and play good defense. “When left alone, Ethan can hit the three,” said O’Donnell.

All-around athlete Cole Lazorick will be an important addition to the basketball style of play O’Donnell intends to infuse into both his offense and defense.

“Cole is very athletic. He hustles, has a good shot and will help us defend the basket.”

Another footballer, Michael Antignani, will be a rebounding force and good defender. Meanwhile, sophomore Brody Schrantz, a baseballer, is still honing his cage skills.

“Brody is well-rounded and will play power forward,” said O’Donnell. “He has a nice mid-range shot, and we would like to see him step up his game and play some important minutes.”

Two others who can fill roles are soccer players Blaze Slyzik and Jaxson Gehris. “Blaze is very coachable, and can beat pressure with the ball. Jaxson has been showing that he has a good shot.”

The Olympians aren’t a big team in stature, and to compete against taller teams, O’Donnell has devised both an offensive and defensive style of play that suits the athleticism and court skills of his players.

“We want to push the ball on offense,” he said, “and get scoring opportunities before defenses can set up. Although we like the up-tempo game with our multiple guards getting up the court, we will focus on the half court to show a different look.”

When they are without the ball, Thorpe will play mostly man defense that will try to force turnovers. It also will employ situational half- and full-court pressure.

O’Donnell understands that not having team size might be a detriment against bigger teams, but their athleticism should maintain their competitiveness in every Colonial League game they compete in.

The goals are to stay focused, and to accent the positive in their efforts to build a winning culture.

“Many teams will have a few rough stretches during the season,” he said. “If we are struggling, we will still try to bring our enthusiasm to every game on the schedule.”

With regard to building a winning culture at Jim Thorpe, O’Donnell had this to say.

“We certainly believe we will be better than a one-win team, and we can go on from there to establish a successful program.”