Loyola Ramblers could be the next big Chicago CBB story
By Ian Blum
It was only about a year ago that the Northwestern Wildcats captured the hearts of America by making it to their first NCAA Tournament. This year the Ramblers of Loyola look to be the next Chicago based college hoops program to play the role of Cinderella.
Loyola is off to one the best starts the program has had in a while and it feels like nobody knows about it. The Ramblers actually won the NCAA Tournament back in 1963 but have not been back there since 1985 so it has been awhile but this team may give us something to cheer for in 2018.
Coach Porter Moser has been with the Ramblers since 2011 and has been stuck in the same spot since. His best season was in 2014 when he lead Loyola to the CBI (College Basketball Invitation) Championship. Since then they have been in the middle of the pack in the Missouri Valley Conference almost every season.
What’s different this season?
First, Wichita State has left the Valley and moved onto the American Athletic Conference. The Shockers have been to the NCAA Tournament every season since 2011 and have had a stranglehold on the Valley. With them out of the picture the conference is up for grabs, making a Loyola return to the NCAA Tournament a possibility.
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The second thing is the fast start. Loyola cruised through their non-confenerce schedule and has yet to lose a home game. They currently sit at 11-3 (1-1) as league play begins to gather momentum.
The roster is an experienced one, featuring Chicago product Donte Ingram out of Simeon Career Academy. He was named to the all MVC third team and was recognized on the MVC most improved team after a breakout season in 2016-17. Another local product getting minutes is Cameron Krutwig. The freshman center from Algonquin Illinois is well over 300 minutes played and is currently averaging 8.8 points per game. Senior forward Aundre Jackson is the teams leading scorer with 186 points scored and is averaging a team-high 13.3 points per game.
The Ramblers will continue the quest to make a return to the big dance on Wednesday when they take on Indiana State. While no one can be certain that they will be able to succeed in getting to the tournament the resume already looks good. They have a quality win which game vs the Florida Gators and are in prime position to keep up in conference play.
As Chicago fans wait for the Bears to find a new coach, endure the struggles of the Blackhawks and watch the rebuilding Bulls, they all should find time to take a look at what could be College Basketball’s next Cinderella story.