There was a huge change at Loyola this season.

Loyola had & used a big man in the middle -
6'9" 260 pound, 1st team ISHA All-state, Center Cam Krutwig, the MVC’s Freshman of the Year

And in addition to coach Moser, there were 2 men responsible for his development:

Our first experienced big man (Drew Valentine) to be the big man coach in a long time. He has been to the NCAA tournament numerous times, both as a coach & as a player.

The other is Carson Shanks, an experienced 7' 245 pound center, a graduate transfer from from North Dakota ( had red-shirted his freshman year) who played in the NCAA Tournament last year.

A team player who did not complain about a lack of playing time, but who was there at practice every day to prepare Krutwig to play against big men.

Krutwig has no fear of big men, he practices against an experienced one every day.

As we go to the Final 4 to play against big centers & power forwards & back up big centers & power forwards, we may see a few minutes of a Shanks’ surprise.

Last year in the NCAA tournament against Arizona, Shanks replaced ND’s starting center, who was shut out, going 0-5 from the field. Shanks came in & hit 2-3 FGs, with a free throw, 2 rebounds, a block, & an assist.

Rambler fans should give thanks to the loyal team big man, Carson Shanks, who was an important part of making Cam Krutwig & the Ramblers great this year.