Loyola basketball opens new chapter with Drew Valentine as head coach
CHICAGO (BVM) — After another successful year for the Loyola Chicago basketball team, the Ramblers are now forced to adjust with a head coaching change.
Porter Moser was a defining factor for the Ramblers throughout the last 10 years. Due to his excellence, the University of Oklahoma decided he would be a great fit for their program after the retirement of Lon Kruger.聽
However, as the tide shifted and a replacement was needed, the Ramblers were lucky enough to hire an individual who was already a part of the program and understands what it takes to be a winner.
Drew Valentine had previously coached under Porter Moser for the last four seasons. He was a part of the Final Four run in 2018 while also helping the team record a 99-36 record during that four-year span.
Valentine grew up alongside his brother, Denzel, who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls. The family grew up playing basketball in Lansing, Michigan and attended J.W. Sexton High School.聽
After his high school career, Valentine decided to attend Oakland University located in Rochester, Michigan. He excelled in his junior and senior seasons, averaging 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds throughout the two years.聽
Shortly after, Valentine had a great opportunity to coach at Michigan State in a graduate manager position. During his time, the team advanced to the Sweet 16 and the Final Four. He then returned to Oakland University to coach for two years before joining the Loyola Chicago staff.
As he ventured to the staff, Moser enjoyed Valentine鈥檚 approach on the defensive side of the court. Consequently, over the past two seasons, Valentine was marked as the defensive coordinator for the Ramblers.聽
Over that time period, Loyola ranked 21st in the 2019-2020 season and No. 1 in the 2020-2021 season for scoring defense. As most recall, the Ramblers were able to defeat No. 1 seed Illinois in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament due to their defense. They held the Fighting Illini to 58 points, well below their season average of 81.4.
Thanks to his tremendous defensive knowledge and familiarity with the program, Valentine was able to acquire the head coaching position.聽
As the Ramblers head into their first season with a new head coach, there will be questions surrounding the program. The team currently has eight players on their roster that are listed as seniors or graduate students. However, with every coaching change comes slight adjustments, at the very least.聽聽
The only part of the game plan that will not be questioned is the defense. Considering Valentine had previously run the defense, it is safe to assume that the defensive side of the Ramblers will pick up right where it left off.聽
Outside of this current season, Valentine has also made his mark in the recruiting aspect of college basketball. The Ramblers have three commits in the 2022 class including Jalen Quinn, Trevyon Lewis, and Jayden Dawson. As Valentine settles in as the head coach, his ability to recruit should be dependent on the team’s success.聽
There is no doubt they have the roster, experience, and toughness needed to succeed. Rather, it is a question of whether the program can continue to excel and follow in the footsteps of Moser.聽
