Experienced Backcourt, Added Depth Fuel Cubs Men’s Basketball Title Aspirations

Loyola High School of Los Angeles enters the 2025–26 season with a clear sense of purpose and a defined identity on the court. The Cubs Men’s Basketball varsity program will be built around an experienced backcourt and improved overall depth, factors that have raised internal expectations for a serious conference title push. With continuity at key positions and an upgraded supporting cast, Loyola anticipates competing at the top of the league from opening tip through postseason play.

The tone for the season will be set by the guards, where the Cubs feature a veteran presence capable of controlling tempo and decision-making. This experienced backcourt is expected to dictate pace, limit turnovers, and create efficient scoring opportunities for both perimeter shooters and frontcourt finishers. The coaching staff views this group as the foundation of the team’s identity: composed under pressure, capable of late-game execution, and versatile enough to adjust to a variety of defensive schemes.

At the center of that backcourt is point guard No. 10 Williams, who returns after earning All-Conference honors last season. Williams’ ability to manage the offense, create off the dribble, and defend opposing guards will be critical to Loyola’s success. His presence provides stability and leadership, allowing the Cubs to run more complex sets and apply consistent on-ball pressure defensively. With another year of experience, Williams is expected to elevate both his statistical impact and his influence in the locker room.

Loyola’s outlook is further strengthened by key additions and returning size in the frontcourt. Forward No. 23 returns to anchor the interior, bringing needed size and rebounding that should help the Cubs control the glass on both ends of the floor. His ability to secure defensive boards and extend possessions with offensive rebounds will complement the guard play and allow Loyola to thrive in both half-court and transition situations. Alongside him, a transfer guard, No. 5, joins the rotation and is expected to add a significant scoring punch. His arrival provides another perimeter threat, balances the floor, and relieves some pressure from Williams as the primary creator.

Improved depth across the roster will allow the Cubs to play with greater intensity, especially on the defensive end. With more reliable options in the rotation, Loyola can extend its defense, apply pressure for longer stretches, and maintain a high pace without a substantial drop-off in performance. That depth should prove valuable during the grind of conference play, where foul trouble, injuries, and quick turnarounds often determine separation between contenders and the rest of the field.

The schedule will offer early tests, including a home matchup against Caruso Hall on January 10 at Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles. That contest will serve as a key measuring stick for the Cubs, providing an opportunity to showcase their experienced backcourt, strengthened frontcourt, and expanded bench against quality opposition. As the season approaches, Loyola’s combination of proven leadership, enhanced depth, and elevated expectations positions the Cubs Men’s Basketball program as a serious candidate in the race for a conference championship.