WATERLOO — Three years ago Justin Gunter wasn't the University of Waterloo's first choice for their vacant men's basketball head coaching job.

But Gunter, who lost out to former head coach Greg Francis in 2012, threw his hat in the ring again along with the 64 or so other applicants for the same post this spring.

And UW is convinced it finally has its man.

"Justin was the clear choice to be the next leader of our men's basketball program," said UW's athletics director Roly Webster.

"Justin understands the priority and importance of engaging our stakeholder groups. These relationships will be key components toward improving the program's success and ultimately the quality of the student-athlete experience."

Gunter's task is monumental. He will endeavour to turn around a struggling program, one that has posted nine consecutive losing seasons.

The 33-year-old Gunter, a former guard and associate coach with conference rivals, the McMaster Marauders, and a first-time head coach in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, was introduced to the media at an on-campus news conference Tuesday.

He wasted little time outlining his vision for the Warriors, who posted a 17-46 (won-lost) record under Francis.

Francis, a former Olympian who left for a job with Canada Basketball, arrived at UW amid much fanfare mere months after he led the University of Alberta men to a national silver medal.

"Hard work. Communication. Accountability. You show up. You work hard no matter what you do," Gunter told his players earlier Tuesday.

His coaching philosophy reflects the tried-and-true program-sustaining approach already in place at Mac, a perennial conference power. Gunter said McMaster coach and former Preston Panthers star Amos Connolly and former Mac coach Joe Raso are his mentors.

Gunter, who lives in Ancaster with his wife and young son, said the Warriors have plenty of talent already in place.

But he will concentrate much of his efforts on adding pieces through aggressive recruiting of only the best and the brightest players.

In the immediate future, he said he hopes to improve the Warriors' defensive play and rebounding — in the McMaster tradition.

"I can't say how long it will take before we will beat (national powerhouse) Carleton. I wish I could. It would make my job a lot easier," he said, adding only patience and persistence will solve what ails the Warriors.

"He's saying and doing all the right things," said third-year Warriors guard Ben Davis, 22, of Mississauga.

"All the guys are ready to work hard. I don't think anything has to be too complicated. The right ingredients will have the proper outcome," Davis added.

The list of former coaches and even a former athletic director who departed the school in recent years because of a perceived lack of support from senior administration is growing longer.

But Gunter said he's convinced he has the support needed.

"I can't wait to get started."

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Gunter signed a multi-year contract. Terms were not released.

Meanwhile, UW intends to give the basketball Warriors' home, the aging Physical Activities Complex, a facelift.

New stands and other improvements are scheduled to be in place later this fall after the athletics department secured $2.4-million for upgrades to be funded equally by the university and students.