PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — A new era has begun for Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball as new head coach Jason Crafton was introduced to the Hawk family on Tuesday morning during his opening press conference.

"There is are going to be a new energy, commitment, focus, work ethic, camaraderie, passion and style of play," Crafton said. "These are the types of things we are going to implement as we embark on this new era of Maryland Eastern Shore basketball."

The 16-year coaching veteran addressed the media, students, fans and supporters about his plans for the program. Words like family, tenacity and community will be the core of Crafton's mission at Eastern Shore.

Crafton takes over a squad that is coming off a 7-25 record and first round exit in the MEAC Tournament in the 2018-19 season. The Hawks are losing just one player to graduation off of that squad – guard Ryan Andino – and look to begin a turnaround in 2019-20.

"I think a great first season for us is building a foundation of family," Crafton said. "If we come out of this season and you can see that we play for each other, we're active in the community and we play with some edge, that's a win."

The Hawks will open the regular season in November.