Loyola Chicago Basketball: 3 takeaways from Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament

Jacob Hutson playing well inside

Drew Valentine and Jacob Hutson have big shoes to fill. Valentine is replacing the iconic Porter Moser as the Ramblers’ head coach and Hutson is taking over the post for MVC Player of the Year Cameron Krutwig.

Valentine’s abilities will be proven over a much longer period of time than the Ramblers’ first 7 games, but Hutson has already taken the job by the horns and after an uneven beginning, the Battle 4 Atlantis demonstrated that he will be just fine.

Through four games Hutson had produced nominal results. The 6’10 center had scored 26 points and grabbed only five rebounds during LUC’s four, pre-Atlantis games. All that changed when the Ramblers stepped up in competition.

Nine points and four rebounds against Michigan State were adequate, but still, Hutson’s shots seemed rushed and seemingly lacked confidence. Though he scored just six points and did not collect a rebound against Auburn, the Minnesota native looked more comfortable.

During LUC’s first six games, Hutson hadn’t played more than 19 minutes. While facing the Sun Devils, Hutson logged 24 minutes and scored 26 points, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded his first three-pointers of the season.

As Valentine continued to run the offense through ‘Hutty’ and he responded with confidence and a willingness to shoulder the load. Hutson was nine of thirteen from the field and perfect from long distance (3/3).

Hutson is bigger and stronger than last season and now seems comfortable in a leading man role.