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Tip-Off Luncheon

10/30/05

John C. Thomas

The Eighth annual Loyola Basketball tip-off luncheon produced a lot of the usual suspects—longtime donors, ancient friends of the program, and the ubiquitous chicken breast. But there was something different this year, and it wasn’t just Pat Schultz as the Master of Ceremonies.

Maybe it was the fact that so many of the attendees were Sox fans, and their favorite team won the World Series for the first time in about 80 years the night before. Nope.

There is really a genuine optimism about the Loyola men’s basketball team this year that’s never been there before. There hasn’t been a Loyola team picked for higher than fourth since the 1980s. And several of Loyola’s chief competitors have suffered key injuries.

“If we were starting play today, maybe two freshmen would be starters,” said Coach Jim Whitesell. “That could change at any time between now and the season.”

Whitesell’s Ramblers were picked third or fourth by most preview magazines. Since then, junior college newcomer Brandon Woods has had his leg scoped. Other than that, most of the players are in good shape.

“Chris Logan is making great progress,” said Whitesell about the injured senior guard. “Darrin Williams has made seven straight practices, and will probably be a factor.”

The Midnight Madness event—a success beyond the wildest dreams of even the most devoted fans--- illustrated the potential for success that the Ramblers have this year. Picked to finish third by the league and several preview magazines, the Ramblers are in a great spot to have the opportunity to reach a tournament.

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