The jury is still out on Whitesell in a number of areas. It’s unknown as to whether he can keep players from transferring as they learn and improve. It’s unknown as to whether he will be able to adjust to the poaching of his assistants as word spreads that this program is very solid. It’s unknown as to whether Coach Whitesell will be able to counter when other coaches and teams inevitably adjust to his coaching principles and philosophy. It’s unknown as to whether his first, ostensibly excellent recruiting class represents one fortunate effort or whether it can be sustained from year to year. It’s still a question as to how long Loyola might be able to keep him if he continues on the present successful track. And there are always injuries, unexpected circumstances, rebuilding years, incidents of bad luck, etc.

These are all questions for the future. But for right now, Loyola fans are able to command respect and hold their heads higher at every venue around the league than at any time in nearly a generation. Coach Whitesell has almost singlehandedly turned the Ramblers from a punch line into a powerhouse.