Loyola-Chicago Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Ramblers

By Brian Rauf | Oct 5, 2018

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 24: Clayton Custer #13 of the Loyola Ramblers reacts after a play in the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1 of 5

ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 24: Head coach Porter Moser of the Loyola Ramblers celebrates after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Loyola defeated Kansas State 78-62 to advance to the Final Four. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Loyola-Chicago Basketball etched their name in college basketball lore with last season’s Final Four run. With three starters back, what will they do for an encore?

The Ramblers and Sister Jean were the Cinderella darlings of the college basketball world in March, making the school’s second-ever Final Four and becoming just the fourth No. 11 seed to make it that far.

That run didn’t exactly come out of nowhere, either. Loyola knocked off Florida in Gainesville during the regular season and had one of the country’s most efficient teams all year long.

And they could be even better this year.

Head coach Porter Moser’s squad returns four of their top seven scorers from a season ago, including reigning Missouri Valley Player of the Year Clayton Custer. As such, don’t expect this team’s identity to change much. They’re going to play smart, efficient basketball, they’re going to play excellent defense, and they’re going to rely on their elite execution to make the difference.

The Ramblers made a habit of utilizing four-guard lineups last season, and despite their losses on the wing, a number of newcomers appear poised to step in and keep Loyola playing at a high level.

Expectations have been raised (funny how making a Final Four can do that). Loyola will be ranked when the preseason polls officially come out, is the favorite in The Valley, and is expected to not only make the NCAA Tournament but make to a little noise again.

Will the Ramblers be able to that? What will their season look like? Here’s a full preview for Loyola-Chicago’s season ahead, including a breakdown of their projected rotation and a look at their non-conference schedule.