I remember watching Loyola Chicago's magical 2018 NCAA tournament run like it was yesterday. That team captured the nation's heart with Sister Jean and their incredible underdog story, making it all the way to the Final Four as an 11-seed. Now, as we're deep into another college basketball season, I can't help but wonder if the Ramblers have what it takes to create another Cinderella story. The pieces seem to be there - experienced players, solid coaching, and that intangible team chemistry that can make all the difference in March.
Looking at their current roster, I'm particularly impressed by how this team handles adversity. Just last week, we saw guard Braden Norris playing through what appeared to be a nasty flu, yet he still managed to dish out eight assists in their crucial conference win. It reminds me of that reference I came across recently about Alarcon playing through illness for UP, avoiding what would've been a dismal 1-3 standing in their title defense. That kind of commitment speaks volumes about a team's character. When players push through physical limitations for the team's success, it creates a bond that's hard to break. I've noticed the Ramblers have developed that same gritty mentality this season, winning three of their last five games by five points or less.
The analytics tell an interesting story too. Loyola currently ranks 47th in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing just 64.3 points per game. Their defensive field goal percentage sits at 41.2%, which puts them in the top quarter of Division I teams. Offensively, they're shooting 36.8% from three-point range, good enough for 89th nationally. These numbers might not jump off the page, but they indicate a balanced team that can win in different ways. What really catches my eye is their experience - the starting lineup features three seniors and two juniors, giving them that crucial veteran presence that often makes the difference in tournament settings.
Having covered college basketball for over a decade, I've learned that March success often comes down to guard play and coaching. Head coach Drew Valentine, at just 32 years old, brings an energy that's palpable even through the television screen. His defensive schemes have evolved throughout the season, and I've noticed they're switching more effectively on screens while maintaining their defensive integrity. The backcourt duo of Norris and Philip Alston gives them multiple ball handlers who can create their own shots - something that becomes invaluable when the shot clock winds down in tight tournament games.
Their conference schedule has prepared them well for postseason pressure. The Atlantic 10 is tougher than many casual fans realize, featuring several potential tournament teams. Loyola has already faced challenging road environments at Dayton and VCU, splitting those two games. Those experiences matter when you're playing in unfamiliar arenas during tournament time. I recall their recent game against Richmond where they overcame a 12-point second-half deficit, showing the kind of resilience that separates good teams from great ones.
The comparison to that 2018 team is inevitable, but this year's squad is different in important ways. They're more methodical offensively, ranking 214th in tempo compared to the 2018 team that played much faster. While they might not have a singular star like Clayton Custer was during that Final Four run, they have better depth with nine players averaging at least 15 minutes per game. In tournament settings, where foul trouble and fatigue become factors, that depth could be their secret weapon.
Watching them develop throughout the season, I've noticed their half-court offense has become more sophisticated. They're running more off-ball screens and using dribble hand-offs effectively to create open looks. Their assist-to-field-goal ratio of 58.7% indicates good ball movement, though I'd like to see them attack the rim more consistently. They're attempting only 18.2 free throws per game, which ranks them in the bottom half of Division I. Getting to the line more often would add another dimension to their offense come tournament time.
The biggest question mark for me remains their rebounding. They're grabbing just 34.1 boards per game, which puts them near the bottom of the Atlantic 10. Against bigger, more physical teams in the tournament, that could become problematic. However, they've shown improvement in this area recently, outrebounding their last two opponents by an average of five boards per game. If they can maintain that trend, it would address my primary concern about their tournament viability.
What really excites me about this team is their mental toughness. They've won close games in different ways - sometimes with defense, other times with clutch shooting. That versatility will serve them well in single-elimination scenarios. Their NET ranking of 68 might not look impressive now, but with several quality win opportunities remaining in conference play, they have a path to improving their resume significantly before Selection Sunday.
I genuinely believe this team has the potential to make some noise in March. They might not have the raw talent of some power conference teams, but they have the ingredients that often produce tournament surprises - experienced guards, good coaching, and the ability to win close games. While another Final Four run might be asking too much, I could absolutely see them winning a couple of tournament games and making that magical second weekend appearance. The Ramblers have that special quality that makes March Madness the most compelling event in sports, and I for one can't wait to see if they can recapture that magic.
