Head coach Jason McElmoyle speaks with enthusiasm and confidence about his 2017 edition of Jim Thorpe boys basketball.

And he can say it is truly his team.In his third year at the helm of the red, white, and blue, McElmoyle has constructed a successful program from the hardwood up to the rim, evidenced by an increase in turnout from 19 in 2015 to 42 this fall."We came in to change the culture for Jim Thorpe basketball, and we are taking care of business," he said.Look around and you will see that the Olympian roster will be a bit different from last year's team that finished with a 14-10 record. Graduated is 6-7 Rayan Green, who threw down 14 points and grabbed 14 boards a game last season. Defensive specialist Jordan McElmoyle, long shot artist Adam Laur and sparkplug Mike Jefferson also have left, but coach McElmoyle believes his current group can compete with the best in the Schuylkill League."We don't have the post up presence that Rayan gave us last year, but overall we have decent size and accomplished athleticism," he said.Instead of throwing passes on the gridiron, senior Brendan Carroll will be tossing up jump shots from beyond the three-point circle. Chris Micciche returns with his solid defensive play, and his quick penetration to the hoop should spark JT's transition game."We've got Matt Elmore back at forward and Aaron Joyce at guard, so altogether, our experience will certainly help us," said McElmoyle.Newcomers should add depth to spell the starters. Junior Nick Rosahac, his sophomore brother Nate, Rudy Forman, Justin Marykwas, Andre Samuel and John Fickentscher should all get some quality minutes off the bench.The Olympians are poised to play a variety of styles, depending upon the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Offensively, their tall guards will look for the open shot and attack the rim when the lanes are open. The forwards can play up-tempo or the half court game as well."We will be very unselfish and spread the ball around," said McElmoyle. "In the summer league, our guards worked on motion offense while our forwards improved their shooting. This is a team that is jelling right now."Multiple defenses will be deployed, again depending upon the opponent."On D, communication will be the key," McElmoyle said. "When help side is the call, they will have each other's back. We are always stressing defensive communication at practices."In fact, McElmoyle, whose role model was Lou Holtz from Notre Dame football, likes this group because they are learning to coach each other on the court. This is an important feature of his team's philosophy."Just like we coaches do with ourselves, we hold each of our players accountable," he said. "We don't favor anyone. We expect every player to contribute. Last year, this program made the playoffs and won a first round game for the first time in several years. This year, the goals are the same. Compete. Win."The culture has changed for Jim Thorpe basketball, and so has the number of wins, which just might be on the rise again this year.