A new skipper has emerged for the California State University, East Bay men’s basketball program for the 2013-2014 season in the form of Head Coach Gus Argenal.

For some of the Pioneers, the last three years haven’t been very kind.  Under the previous Head Coach Will Biggs, the team struggled with losing records (21-57).  For some of the returning players this is their last opportunity to show improvement on a team lacking in the win column—at least with a winning home record.

Another sad note for the Pioneers was the depressing home record.  Of the last three seasons, their best home record was the 2011-2012 season where they posted a 6-6 home record.

Argenal, a University of California, Davis alum, was the assistant coach at Rice University in Texas and found the position was open through the CSUEB website.

“The transition has been truly exciting,” stated Argenal. “I think my best attributes are my ability to communicate with a multitude of different people, ability to lead, and energy for my position and this program.”

The Pioneer’s new coach believes one of the most important things for him is to surround himself with great people. Among his staff are returning assistant coach Tyler Ojanen, with newcomers Jay Flores and Brett Smyth sharing duties to improve the program as Argenal states as the best overall people and coaches he can have.

Argenal brings his own philosophy to the Pioneer hardwood. He admitted to looking at previous season’s stats, but wanted to start fresh with his players.  His philosophy involves improving every aspect of the game by playing fast, defending at a high level and attacking [the rim] on offense.

So far, the improvement has been slow.  Turning around a sinking ship and turning it in to a winning machine does not happen overnight.

There are a few bright spots, however.  The Pioneers have a winning record (6-2) at home with a 6-10 overall record placing ninth in the Conference. Two players are making noise in the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s stat leaders categories for the Pioneers.

Gabe Kindred, starting guard and team scoring leader, is fourth in the conference in points per game (19.6) an improvement from last season’s 11.8 and is second in three point percentage shooting 50 percent from the arc.   He attributes Argenal to his success and the improving training regimen in the Pioneer gymnasium.

“This coaching staff, you can tell they really care,” said Kindred. “At this point last year, we would be in the dumps.  [Argenal] really brings a culture to the court that the players can appreciate.”

Argenal has brought a faster paced game where his players are training to play faster and be able to move more freely on the court to make a play in the paint instead of focusing on cycling the ball around the arc like some offenses.

Kindred also noted that the coaches this year are spending extra time with the players from weight training, to shooting practice to encourage them to be the best players they can be.

The change is happening slowly but surely, Kindred feels that it is quite different now.

“That cloud that’s been hanging over the Pioneer gymnasium is on its way out.  Everyone wants to win,” said Kindred. “This new ball culture is on the rise.”

The players are happier and it shows in their numbers and for now, their home record. Time can only tell what’s in store for men’s basketball, but Kindred’s message for the younger players on the team is simple: “be patient and accept the challenge.  Be comfortable being uncomfortable because they’re going to get the most out of you.”