Ramblers on the rebound: Men’s basketball looks strong for new season in exhibition games

Loyola men’s basketball played two exhibition games for their preseason, losing 72-65 to DePaul University Oct. 18 but picking up a win against Calumet College 110-49 Oct. 26. The Ramblers officially open their season against The Citadel Nov. 2 in Gentile Arena at 7 p.m.

While the Ramblers fell short against DePaul, their defense was strong. The team snagged 37 rebounds — 27 of which were defensive — eight steals and six blocks. 

But the shooting fell flat. The Ramblers shot 32.7% from the field against the Blue Demons, and only made five of the 22 3-pointer attempts. They redeemed themselves at the free throw line, sinking 70.6% of shots.

The Red Line Rivalry was overall a close and well-played game, but the Ramblers’ shooting and 24 personal fouls were their downfall. 

Loyola showed up the next week with a strong win against Calumet. Their defense improved, with 58 rebounds and 18 steals. Going 50% in the field, their shooting was stronger as well. The Ramblers may have gone 9-28 on 3-pointers, but they got 35 points off turnovers and shot 84% from the free throw line. 

The Ramblers looked good against Calumet. The team seemed cohesive, and there were smooth transitions between defense and offense to maximize any attempts for points. 

During both games, Loyola showed their diamonds of the season — fourth-year guard Guillaume Grotzinger and third-year guard Dayan Nessah. 

Grotzinger comes to Loyola from Dessenheim, France, where he played for Champagne in the France-ELITE 2 League. He put up 20 points against DePaul and 17 against Calumet. 

And he’s quick. Once he gets the ball, he’s down the court, hard to track. His speed, agility and knowledge are part of what Loyola has been missing. 

Head Coach Drew Valentine said Grotzinger surprised him on the court these past two weeks, and he wants the guard to maximize his time and ability with Loyola. 

“You don’t know until you get out there on the floor just exactly how good your players are, and he’s definitely an all-league caliber guard,” Valentine said. 

Nessah hails from Geneva, Switzerland, but spent his past two years at Cleveland State University and Atlantic 10 competitor George Washington University. He put up 14 points against DePaul and nine points against Calumet, along with three rebounds. 

Nessah’s height helps Loyola’s defense, and his shooting accuracy from the field and line are necessary additions for the team.

Nessah played in Gentile while on the roster at Cleveland State and George Washington, but he said it doesn’t compare to playing in Gentile as a Rambler. 

“I think Gentile is a special place because the culture here is really different,” Nessah said. “When I was at GW last year and at Cleveland State, you couldn’t feel the energy in the gym like you can at Gentile.”

While Grotzinger and Nessah are the standout players from the exhibitions, Loyola has built a roster that has already proved they play well together, which Valentine said is partly because of their bonding off the court. 

Last season, the Ramblers lacked cohesion, and the communication on the court fell short. 

“They seem to all really get along, be really connected,” Valentine said. “[It’s] a lot of guys that really just care about winning and aren’t as worried about their own individual glory, and also a lot of guys that love the game.”

The effect is clear on the court. They communicate well, and they’re all clearly passionate about the game and about winning. 

Nessah also noted how much the team embraced him when he got to Loyola, and how he’s happy to be playing for a winning program at Loyola. 

“I think we have a great squad,” Nessah said. “Everybody can give you 20 every night because we start to have a diverse group, and everybody can score. Hopefully we have a great season.”

Second-year guard Nic Anderson was one of Loyola’s two returning players this season, and he put up 13 points against Calumet. Having seen the exodus of players — five graduates and eight transfers — from Loyola, Anderson’s also seen the changes the team has to make in order to win this season. 

Anderson said preparing for every single game is going to be the key to Loyola’s success.  

“Last year one of our biggest problems was that we couldn’t prepare the right way, so that’s going to be the difference maker between this year and last year,” Anderson said.

Aside from winning, Valentine and the team said the goal this year is to continue to grow and improve every single day. Valentine said if the team focuses on that, the accomplishments and trophies are going to come with it. 

This season marks Valentine’s sixth year as head coach of men’s basketball. Valentine is known for pushing his players to “Respect the Script,” referring to the Loyola cursive on their jersey. The slogan is a reminder for players to live the Rambler culture and remember who they’re playing for.

Anderson said Valentine hasn’t changed his message. 

“He’s been the same exact guy,” Anderson said. “I think the guys last year really cared about the culture, but I think the guys this year are bought in even more to the culture, and Drew continues to harp on that, and he’s going to continue to harp on the culture. We all try to make sure that our minds are on that at all times to know who we’re playing for, which is Loyola. I think that’s helped us throughout this year.”

Loyola could win this season through sheer ambition and determination alone, but they also have the skills to back it up. 

Their shooting game is clearly improving, their defense is top-notch and the team — consisting of 14 new players — is seemingly already meshing. Valentine continues to push the winning culture of Loyola, and the team is soaking it in.