News and Notes: Chicago College Basketball Luncheon

CHICAGO, IL. — Coaches and select players of Chicago-area schools gathered in the city on Friday to preview the season with the media at the annual Chicago College Basketball Luncheon.

Here’s what representatives from the city’s mid-majors had to say:

Chicago State

• Head coach Tracy Didly has a chance to become the coach with the most wins in Chicago State basketball history this season. He is looking forward to facing the challenge and coaching his players.
• In the face of a school budget crisis and low expectations for his team, Didly asked for a chance and for people to believe in their program and their school.

UIC

• Head coach Steve McClain is excited about his team’s non-conference schedule. Though not particularly challenging by national standards, the Flames play local rivals DePaul, Chicago State, Northern Illinois, and Eastern Illinois.
• McClain says Illinois teams are doing a great job recruiting players. A lot of competition is developing in the state and it is great to play the teams in the non-conference.

Loyola-Chicago

• Coach Porter Moser said he has a young roster with newcomers, but gave credit to fifth-year senior Milton Doyle, the most decorated player at Loyola and a Chicago product for his hard work.
• He said Doyle will have to take leadership role on the team.
• Moser is excited for Clayton Custer, who was teammates with Ben Richardson in high school. He transferred from Iowa State.
• He said Custer is a true point guard that can shoot.
• Moser on Matt Chastain: “[He is] ultra-athletic and just makes plays.”
• He said Chastain plays all over the floor and he knows how to make plays.
• Moser is proud of players that Chicago teams are recruiting and noted the increase in talent overall.