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Loyola Chicago Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Ramblers

By Harry Schroeder

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Lucas Williamson #1 of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers celebrates a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Lucas Williamson #1 of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers celebrates a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2021-22 outlook for Loyola Chicago basketball

Loyola is definitely the most seasoned and deepest team in the Missouri Valley Conference. Valentine’s team has a championship pedigree, and they know how to win big games. Drake, Missouri State, and Northern Iowa will have plenty to say about who finishes on top of this gauntlet of outstanding teams, but LUC will be in the mix.

How the first-year coach handles the ‘head coach’ duties could be the most important detail of the Ramblers’ season. Valentine has known success everywhere he’s been and was mentored by wildly successful head coaches in Tom Izzo and Porter Moser, but running his own program, coaching in big moments, and handling disgruntled players all lie before the 30-year-old Valentine.

No other significant Moser staff member remained at Loyola. They went to Oklahoma with the head coach. So maintaining that Loyola culture is on Valentine and veterans like Lucas Williamson, Aher Uguak, and Keith Clemons.

Two of the Ramblers’ last three games are against Drake and Northern Iowa, and there will be a lot riding on those contests. This Valley season may be one for the ages.

From 1999 through 2007 the Missouri Valley Conference sent multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament. Four teams went dancing in 2006 with two reaching the Sweet Sixteen. Last year Loyola and Drake participated in March Madness.

Next. Preseason MVC rankings for 2021-22 season. dark

The Ramblers and maybe other MVC teams could be back in that national conversation this year.