NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing JaKobe Coles’ final six

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

Loyola-Chicago is hoping to continue its run of success after their Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2018. And while the Ramblers are not traditionally known as one of the top recruiting programs in the nation, it is important to note that making this final six is a big step. This is especially true considering they are a mid-major program that only offered Coles back in early June. It seems as though head coach Porter Moser has made a strong first impression on the top-150 power forward and that could go a long way.

The Ramblers were the only mid-major to make the cut for Coles and the program could pitch him on being a leader for the future of the program. Loyola-Chicago is already entering a new era after reaching the Final Four two years ago and they are in the market for a new star to carry the torch in the Missouri Valley. Coach Moser was able to add three 2019 commits to his roster for this coming season but none of them are ranked inside the top-200, although one does play power forward.

If Coles was to commit to Loyola-Chicago, he would easily become the highest-rated player to join the program (in the 247Sports database). This should not come as a major surprise considering the Ramblers have made just two NCAA Tournament appearances in the past 51 years but it is still significant. Coles would have the opportunity to be a go-to player with Loyola-Chicago but would not compete in a power conference league and would have a harder time reaching the Big Dance.