Loyola Chicago Basketball: 3 takeaways from Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament

We learned a lot about Loyola Chicago basketball during its murderous Battle 4 Atlantis weekend in the Bahamas. The Ramblers dropped two of three contests and head coach Drew Valentine gained valuable lessons, matching wits with hall-of-fame coaches.

LUC plays one, isolated Missouri Valley Conference game this week before continuing non-conference play next weekend.

Loyola’s trip to the Bahamas was anything but an easy draw. Sister Jean’s favorite team drew Michigan State and hall-of-fame coach Tom Izzo in the Battle’s first game and dropped an entertaining, two-point loss. 63-61 was the final.

Moving to the losers’ bracket the Ramblers were served Auburn and their mentor Bruce Pearl. In another tight game with a ‘power conference’ team, the Ramblers came up short 62-53.

Izzo and Pearl have won more than 1,100 Division 1 games. Valentine has won five. A daunting task for America’s youngest D1 coach.

After narrow defeats to elite-level competition, the Ramblers faced Arizona State (Pac 12). Three power five conference teams in four days. LUC Handled the Sun Devils 77-59.

College teams play in the multi-team events to fight for championships, play teams they can’t get on their typical schedule and to learn valuable lessons about their players, and to grow team chemistry.

The Ramblers gained respect from their opponents and valuable lessons about tight game situations. Valentine, his coaches, and players returned to Chicago with greater knowledge of what they need to do to be successful.

What are the three major lessons learned?