Loyola Chicago Endures Frustrating Season with Resilience

Despite injuries and losses, the Ramblers refuse to call this a 'miserable' year

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Even as Loyola Chicago's men's basketball team struggles through a 5-17 season marked by injuries to key players, head coach Drew Valentine refuses to describe the year as "miserable." Instead, Valentine emphasizes the team's strong culture and positive attitudes, noting that the current roster's "personalities are definitely ones that we like to be around." The Ramblers are focused on getting healthy and finishing the season strong, with veteran Caleb Reese providing leadership after finally earning a starting role.

Why it matters

Loyola Chicago has been a successful mid-major program in recent years, making the NIT in 2024-25 with 25 wins. This season's struggles are a stark contrast, but the team is determined not to let the losses define them or their culture. Their resilience and commitment to their program's values could pay dividends down the line, even if an NCAA Tournament berth proves elusive this year.

The details

Loyola has dealt with a rash of injuries, forcing the team to use at least 12 different starting lineups. Three of the Ramblers' most important players - Justin Moore, Kymany Houinsou and Kayde Dotson - recently returned to the starting lineup after missing time. The absence of Moore, the team's starting point guard and top offensive weapon, has been particularly difficult to overcome. Coach Valentine compared Moore's situation to that of NBA star Derrick Rose, saying the "fear of what could happen" has impacted his play.

  • Loyola went 10-21 in its first season as an Atlantic-10 team in 2024-25.
  • In the past four years, Loyola has won 20 games in three of those seasons, including 25 wins in 2024-25.
  • Loyola's three key injured players - Justin Moore, Kymany Houinsou and Kayde Dotson - returned to the starting lineup on January 24, 2026.

The players

Drew Valentine

The head coach of the Loyola Chicago men's basketball team.

Caleb Reese

A Loyola Chicago player who has been with the program since its first season in the Atlantic-10 conference.

Justin Moore

Loyola Chicago's starting point guard and one of the team's top offensive weapons.

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What they’re saying

“These guys are good human beings. It hasn't been miserable.”

— Drew Valentine, Head Coach (fox32chicago.com)

“Our guy D-Rose is the perfect example of it, the fear of what could happen. It can really get in the way of what could happen. That's kind of what he's dealing with right now.”

— Drew Valentine, Head Coach (fox32chicago.com)

“Knowing that I was helping the team out, doing scout work and that type of stuff, and then finally getting the opportunity seeing like all the work that I had put in the payoff. That's just an amazing experience.”

— Caleb Reese, Player (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

Loyola will look to get its full starting lineup healthy and build momentum in February, as the Ramblers aim to finish the season strong despite their disappointing record.

The takeaway

Loyola Chicago's resilience and commitment to their program's positive culture during a frustrating season is a testament to the leadership of Coach Drew Valentine and the character of his players. Even without making the NCAA Tournament, the Ramblers' ability to weather adversity could pay dividends in the future as they look to return to their recent success.