Core Players Opt for Transfer Portal

This is a developing story and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

The men’s and women’s college basketball transfer portal opened March 24 and will be accessible until April 22, allowing student-athletes to connect with coaches at other schools to discuss playing at different universities. 

While opening communication with other schools, student-athletes who enter the transfer portal still have the ability to return to their current team if they choose to.

The men’s basketball portal is experiencing a record number of active transfers, with more than 700 players entering on opening day — a massive increase compared to the previous record of 291 in 2024, according to 247Sports analyst Travis Barnham.

Loyola’s recent ventures into the transfer portal have brought good returns, turning players — such as Sheldon Edwards Jr., Des Watson and Philip Alston — into Ramblers. 

In a series of social media posts, Loyola Athletics confirmed second-year center Miles Rubin, third-year guard Kymany Houinsou, third-year guard Justin Moore and first-year guard Daniil Glazkov will return to Rogers Park next season. It’s unclear as of publication whether the remainder of the roster is returning to Loyola next season. 

After the conclusion of the men’s basketball season April 1, third-year guards Jayden Dawson and Jalen Quinn announced they were entering the transfer portal. First-year guard Seifeldin Hendawy entered the portal April 7.

Dawson, who averaged 13.9 points this season, committed to the University of Kansas April 4, as confirmed by Joe Tipton of On3 Sports. 

Quinn remains in the portal and has yet to decide where he’ll spend his last year of eligibility.

While Loyola hasn’t made any official moves in the portal, sports news outlets on X, formerly known as Twitter, confirm they’ve reached out to various players from across the country.

University of Maryland’s 7-foot first-year center Braden Pierce, College of Charleston’s second-year guard Deywilk Tavarez, Southern Illinois University’s leading scorer, fourth-year guard Ali Dibba and Chattanooga’s third-year guard Honor Huff — who’s the leading three-point shooter in the nation — have all been on Loyola’s radar. 

The women’s team has also seen some activity, as third-year guard and forward Emma Theodorsson entered the portal March 25, according to insider X user Trilly Donovan, but hasn’t yet announced where she’ll land next season.

On the recruiting front, Bowling Green State University first-year guard Brook Simpson formally announced her transfer to Loyola over social media, while Pepperdine University’s fourth-year guard Ella Brubaker has received interest from the Ramblers.

Saturday, April 12: College of Charleston second-year guard Deywilk Tavarez went on an official visit to Loyola’s campus yesterday, confirmed by PortalUpdates on X.

Sunday, April 13: University of Wisconsin forward Xavier Amos signed with Loyola, confirmed by PortalUpdates on X. He played in all 37 games for the Badgers last season and averaged 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds.

College of Charleston second-year guard Deywilk Tavarez confirmed his commitment to Loyola in an Instagram post. Taverez averaged 12.9 points per game last season in 27 games played.