Men's Basketball Preview, Part 6: Loyola
Oct. 31, 2007
A year removed from the team's first 20-win season since 1984-85, Loyola University Chicago looks to continue the forward progress it has made over the past three seasons under the direction of head coach Jim Whitesell. The 2007-08 edition of the Ramblers will be different than last season as the team looks to replace four starters, including its top two scorers, Blake Schilb (17.0 ppg) and Majak Kou (12.9 ppg).
"We are going to be a much different team than we were last year because we lost so much firepower and some good chemistry guys," Whitesell said. "This year, we need some guys to emerge and take that next step as players. We've also got to stay healthy, but overall, I'm happy with the progression of the program. We want to try to keep getting better and we're going to have to do a lot of the little things to be successful."
Whitesell will be able to call upon a stable of players with plenty of valuable game experience, including junior guard J.R. Blount, who was the only Rambler to start all 32 contests a year ago. A proven winner and a starter since the day he set foot on campus, Blount tied for second on the team with 12.9 points per game in 2006-07 and chipped in 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Despite his 6-foot-1 frame, Blount is not afraid to take the ball to the hole, as evidenced by his 175 free throw attempts last season.
"J.R. leads by example and is a very tough player," Whitesell said. "We need to improve his playmaking ability. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be one of the better guards in the Horizon League this year. He is a winner."
Fellow junior Leon Young looks to bounce back from an injury plagued sophomore campaign, although he still managed to contribute 8.7 ppg and 5.6 rpg despite missing six games due to various ailments. The 6-foot-6 forward, who started 14 contests a year ago, posted a pair of double-doubles last season and continued to be solid at the foul line, hitting 81 percent (70 for 86) of his tries.
"Leon had a tough year with injuries and missed a lot of basketball last season," Whitesell said. "When healthy however, he has shown that he is one of the better rebounders in the League. We're working hard to improve his face-up game this year."
Another bruising forward, sophomore Andy Polka, gives the Ramblers formidable size on the front line. The 6-foot-7 Polka, who ranked third in the Horizon League with 7.2 rpg as a rookie, started 14 contests and also kicked in 6.3 ppg and 1.6 apg, showing off his skills as one of the top passing big men in the Horizon League. In Loyola's final two games at the Horizon League Championship, Polka averaged 7.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg and 2.0 apg.
"Last year, Andy surpassed my expectations defensively and proved that he is a great passer," Whitesell said. "We want him to play a bigger role for us offensively this season. He had a great offseason and added some muscle. We're hopeful he can have a breakout season."
Versatile senior Tracy Robinson returns and should see an increased role this season after contributing 4.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 1.2 apg last season. The 6-foot-7 forward displayed an ability to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. Robinson has excelled both as a starter and as a sixth man, and averaged 8.0 ppg in three starts last season.
"Tracy has made a lot of strides with his defensive play and we are hoping that he can fill a bigger role for us at the offensive end of the floor," Whitesell said.
Senior captain Tom Levin filled a variety of roles last season and like Young, is looking to rebound from an injury riddled 2006-07 campaign. The 6-foot-8 forward posted 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg and shot the ball well from long range toward the latter stages of the season.
"Tom is like a good relief pitcher in that when you need him in certain spots, he can fill that need and give the team a lift," Whitesell said. "Last season, he really helped us with his perimeter shooting and defensively he is very aware of what we are trying to do. Both on and off the court, he handles himself in a professional manner."
Darrin Williams, who has had to overcome his own injury obstacles in his career, seems to have recovered from knee surgery and saw limited action last season. Throughout the year, he continued to improve and make the physical progress necessary to warrant playing time.
"Darrin was one of our most improved players last year even though it may not have showed in his minutes played," Whitesell said. "If he continues to develop the way he has so far, he is going to force us to play him more minutes."
Three returnees will battle for minutes in the backcourt - seniors Cortney Horton and Dave Telander and sophomore Aric Van Weelden. Horton was another of the injured Ramblers who missed parts of the 2006-07 season. Known for his prowess at the defensive end of the floor, Horton is looking to make a bigger contribution this winter.
"Cortney just couldn't get on the floor on a consistent basis last year because of some injuries which is unfortunate because he was really coming along before getting hurt," Whitesell said. "I like his toughness and hard-nosed mentality. We need him to become a better jump shooter."
Telander rebounded from a sophomore slump to regain his shooting touch and contribute 2.1 ppg, while finishing the season with a flourish. Loyola went 7-2 last season when he hit a three-point field goal.
"Toward the end of the season, when Dave got into the game, our team played better. We're expecting him to help us with shooting the three and counting on him to give us some poise on the floor," Whitesell said.
Van Weelden played sparingly, but did see important minutes in a January stretch in which Schilb was out with an injury. Despite being a freshman, he played smart and with poise when called upon last season.
"Aric has really impressed our coaching staff and has worked hard to improve his shooting," Whitesell said. "He is versatile enough to play both guard spots."
Whitesell welcomes four newcomers to the fold, including transfers Justin Cerasoli and Ross Forman. Cerasoli was a top 100 prospect coming out of West Aurora High School in suburban Aurora, Ill., before playing at Seton Hall and Mississippi. He will be eligible to play for the Ramblers at the completion of the first semester. "Justin is a really intriguing player that has great size for a point guard," Whitesell said. "He has good passing skills and should be an immediate contributor once he becomes eligible."
Forman acclimated himself to the Loyola program and campus last season after transferring from the University of Wyoming. At 6-foot-8, he has the ability to play both inside and on the perimeter. "Ross gives us some size and can shoot the ball," Whitesell said. "He is a good team guy and I'm glad he got a chance to learn the system last year. He will provide us with a perimeter shooting threat."
A trio of freshmen joins the mix and will vie for immediate playing time. Six-foot-eight forward Kyle Thomas had a strong senior season at Folsom High School in California and should play both inside and outside at Loyola. "We really like Kyle's size and skill level. He needs to improve his strength in his adjustment to college basketball," Whitesell said.
Guard Geoff McCammon was a classic late bloomer and was one of the most sought-after guards in the Chicago area last season. "Geoff is very raw and very athletic and really burst onto the scene as a senior," Whitesell said. "He is a good three-point shooter who also is a typical gym-rat. We need to find ways to utilize his athleticism." Ryan Sterling, a sharpshooting guard, also will vie for playing time as a walk-on.
Despite the loss of several key players from last season, Loyola's blend of youth and experience should provide a nice mixture to keep the team in contention for the Horizon League title in 2007-08.
Story provided by Loyola Office of Sports Information
