Look out for the Ramblers!

Very impressive Rambler win over a solid Bradley side,
coached by ex-Brave Jim Les, last night. Natalie
called this morningt to say that she woke up to a
blanket of snow outside, so probably a good thing I
didn't make the trip with the bad knee.

The two Loyola freshmen, J.R. Blount & Leon Young, are
really making an impact. Check coach Jim Whitesell's
comments in the attached story, it is a great
mid-major selling point, as these kids came come into
a place like Loyola, play at the outset, and have a
chance to win, instead of sitting on the bench at a
big conference hoop factory and perhaps never getting
their shot. Whitesell could end up being another Phil
Martelli if the Ramblers can hold on to him in the
next few years. Something tells me this guy could
outcoach Tommy Amaker in his sleep, and only a matter
of time before the Michigans of the college hoop world
begin to take notice.

Loyola's backcourt is dynamic, with the 6-7 Schilb one
of the region's best players, Blount obviously
dynamic, and 6-2 sr. Chris Logan providing veteran
leadership and stability. With 6-5 Majak Kou off the
bench, Whitesell has a heckuva rotation in the
backcourt. Up front, there are still questions, but
Young's addition has obviously added an element of
interior toughness that last year's team lacked.
Ramblers have now won 10 of 11 since Whitesell turned
them around late last season. This guy can coach, and
Ramblers are a definite mid-major to watch. If they
can prevail at a very solid Northern Iowa on Saturday,
they could go unbeaten in pre-league play, because
Purdue is way down and will be a definite underdog
when it visits Gentile Center Dec. 11, and Ramblers can
certainly play with USD and UCI on their Calfiornia
swing before Christmas...