Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell received a contract extension through the 2012 season

May 21, 2007

CHICAGO - After guiding the Loyola University Chicago men's basketball program to the first 20-win season since 1984-85, head coach Jim Whitesell had his contract with the school extended through the 2012 season, it was announced today. In three seasons, Whitesell has steered the Ramblers to 53 total victories and consecutive winning campaigns for the first time since 1983-84 and 1984-85.

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue as the head coach at Loyola," Whitesell said. "This extension definitely will help us in terms of recruiting since kids know that we will be around for the foreseeable future. Loyola is where my wife, Connie, and I want to be. We love the school. Our program has made progress the last few years and with the university leadership we have in place, we can continue to make strides."

In 2006-07, Whitesell and the Ramblers recorded their best season since going 27-6 and advancing to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 1984-85. With a 75-71 victory at No. 15 Butler on Feb. 22, Loyola posted its first win over a nationally ranked opponent since an 83-82 decision over No. 9 Illinois on Dec. 27, 1986.

Under Whitesell and his staff's tutelage, Blake Schilb blossomed into one of the top players in the region, earning First Team All-Horizon League honors for the third consecutive year and was tabbed First Team National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 11. He also competed at the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational, the NABC All-Star Game and is scheduled to participate at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp later this month.

"Jim's accomplishments and track record speaks for itself," Loyola Director of Athletics John Planek said. "Extending his contract is a sign of our confidence in his ability to lead our program now and in the years to come."

Whitesell is the first Loyola bench boss in school history to win eight or more Horizon League games in each of his first three seasons on the job. With 40 wins over the last two seasons, Loyola has won more games than any Horizon League school other than Butler and in allowing only 64.8 points per game this year, the Ramblers turned in their best defensive effort for a season since 1950-51.