Busting Brackets
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Missouri Valley Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

By TJ Miller

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Porter Moser of the Loyola (Il) Ramblers is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on December 13, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Loyola-Chicago 81-61. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Porter Moser of the Loyola (Il) Ramblers is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on December 13, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Loyola-Chicago 81-61. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

2017-18 season: 32-6 (15-3)

Does it really need to be said that all eyes will be on the Ramblers in 2018-19? Loyola-Chicago caught  America by surprise with their 2018 NCAA Tournament Run to the Final Four. But, the 2017-18 team proved all year-long it was for real.

First, they went to Gainsville and beat #5 Florida. After a 1-2 hiccup to start MVC play, they proceeded to go 14-1 to steamroll their way to both a league and tournament championship.

Balance is a great word to describe Porter Moser’s team last season. 5 players averaged over 10 ppg, a stat that reflects the Ramblers selfless mindset. They also displayed consistent and tireless defense ranking in the top-25 for adjusted defense per KenPom.

This season’s squad will lose Donte Ingram and Aundre Jackson as well as Ben Richardson. All three were big time contributors on both ends and won’t be replaced easily. However, reigning player of the year Clayton Custer (13.2ppg, 4.1 apg) and Marques Townes (11.1 ppg) are back. Lucas Williamson will also be back with an increased role after contributing tons his freshman year.

The loveable big man Cameron Krutwig also returns after a fantastic freshman season and should receive some help from a solid recruit 6’9 Franklin Agunanne.

Loyola-Chicago won’t have the same kind of depth it had this past season. But there’s surely enough quality to compete for another MVC title. The pressure will be there for Loyola-Chicago. Porter Moser must embrace this while also creating a new narrative this season.