Ramblers, Krutwig poised for new chapter
It will be a long time before Loyola Chicago and its basketball program are discussed without referencing the school’s memorable trip to the 2018 NCAA Final Four.
The Ramblers captivated the nation with their dramatic run. That underdog team defined the cliche of ‘survive-and-advance’ by winning its first three NCAA tourney games by a combined four points.
Now, with program-defining standouts Marques Townes and Clayton Custer gone, the question is whether Loyola’s March magic is also gone. Or, if it may be time for another Ramblers run.
“We are new, and there’s uncertainty with that. But it’s refreshing,” said head coach Porter Moser.
He squeezed out another good season in 2018-19 with Custer and Townes paving the way. The Ramblers went 20-14, and 12-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference to share the league title with Drake.
Loyola was the top seed at Arch Madness, and won their opening game in the Valley tourney, 67-54, over Valparaiso. But they fell to Bradley, 53-51, in the semifinals. The Ramblers went on to lose to Creighton in the NIT.
Loyola is fourth in this season’s Preseason MVC Poll.
“We absolutely could not care less about preseason predictions. Right now, no one has any idea,” Moser said. “There are a lot of guys you’ll be talking about in February that no one is even talking about.”
Moser, in his ninth season, has two experienced players serving as his team’s foundation.
Junior 6-9 center Cameron Krutwig was chosen as the Preseason Valley Player of the Year. He’s aiming to become the Ramblers’ third straight player to claim that coveted Larry Bird Trophy, following Custer and Townes.
Krutwig started all 34 games last season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.2 rebounds. He was also third on the team with 83 assists and shot 62.9 percent.
One area that needs improvement, like many big men, is his 57.8 percent free-throw shooting. Oh, and he made only a single 3 last season, which was brought up jokingly at the MVC Media Day in St. Louis.
Though Moser insists he’s a capable perimeter shooter. “He’s got a great touch, and has that kind of range.”
Krutwig is 98 points from 1,000 for his career, and his 477 rebounds are the most of any current Valley player.
The center’s sidekick is junior Lucas Williamson. The sharp-shooting 6-4 guard missed 18 games last season.
“I learned that things can be taken away from you, and you have to value the time you have now,” said Williamson. “It’s definitely going to be a leadership year for me. I need to keep helping the young guys get accustomed to our culture.”
Williamson averaged 8.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals and went 26-for-63 from 3-point range (41.3 percent).
“I think we’re wired the right way, and it starts with these two guys and their leadership. For several years, we’ve had good leadership,” Moser said.
Krutwig said: “People don’t know much about us, but we are hungry and ready to go.”
Moser’s emphasis on defense is very clear, and he said it’s the “key to winning in the Valley.” Williamson will help anchor a defense that was the league’s best last season, allowing only 60.8 points per game.
The Ramblers won all five Valley games in which Williamson started.
Junior forward Aher Uguak started 28 games (5.8 ppg) last season. He’s the cousin of long-time NBA player and ex-Duke star Luol Deng. Senior guard Bruno Skokna has played in 102 career games, the most in the Valley.
Freshman guard Marquise Kennedy, along with junior transfers Tate Hall and Jalon Pipkins, are expected to make an immediate impact in Loyola’s backcourt. The 6-6 Tate has showcased impressive shooting ability.
“Our new guards are adding speed. I definitely think we’re faster than we’ve ever been,” Moser said.
Expectations are high for junior transfer guard Keith Clemons. However, he’ll miss the team’s first month following October knee surgery. The Ramblers will be without sophomore guard Cooper Kaifes all season because of his hip surgery. Kaifes shot 53-for-114 from 3-point range last season.
Moser is 141-125 at Loyola. He was the associate head coach under Rick Majerus at Saint Louis before taking the Loyola position. He also coached at Illinois State from 2003 to 2007.
The Ramblers’ schedule begins Nov. 5 when they host UC Davis at Gentile Arena. They open MVC play on Dec. 30 at Valparaiso.
(Writer and MVC Contributor Brian Doolittle can be reached at briandoolittle1973@gmail.com)