After past seasons of losing records, the Penn State Altoona Basketball team began the search this past spring, for a head coach who could bring about an overdue turnaround.

The Penn State Altoona Athletic Department announced their opening for head varsity basketball coach and received over 125 applicants with a wide range of qualifications and credentials.

However, one resume stood out.

After playing for such teams as the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks for 13 years, Armon Gilliam has first hand experience with men's basketball and was just what the department was looking for.

"The knowledge I have is what I am going to be implementing and I have had the opportunity to train under some great coaches like Chuck Daily and Jerry Tarkanian," Gilliam said.

Gilliam's resume also included 19 years of coaching summer basketball teams and playing for the Division I All-American Basketball Team in 1987.

"We were looking for someone to give us a real jump start because we have struggled in the past years," said Brett Baird, Penn State Altoona's sports information director.

The Penn State Altoona basketball team, last season rustled up a disappointing record of 4 and 21.

"The program is in shambles but I welcome the challenge," Gilliam said.

The athletic department is looking to Gilliam to combine veteran players with new recruits and make the team his own.

"This year is wide open for making the team," Gilliam said.

Gilliam is setting out to recruit fresh young talent and holding open tryouts.

He feels that the turn around will take time but is definitely possible and forms the base of his goal for the team.

"We want a good showing and to build a good foundation for him to work with," Baird said. "But we don't expect him to do it all in his first year."

Gilliam begins more than the appeal of his experience.

The athletic staff felt Gilliam held the most potential and would combine the right amount of compassion and knowledge of how to deal with the players.

"He will be able to really mentor some players and he is very able to explain what he wants," Baird said, "We really want to put together a strong fundamental team."

The athletic department also is hoping to get some press with the welcoming of Gilliam because of his professional standing in sports.

"He is going to bring some attention to the program," Baird said. "We're real excited about having him here."

Baird's not the only one with expectations -- Gilliam is putting equally real pressure on himself to perform in his new role.

"I've learned a lot and I want to share it with my players," Gilliam said.

"I think we're expected to do great things."