Loyola keeps twins together
Simeon’s Rubin brothers staying home to play for Ramblers
Rising prospects, meet rising program. Miles and Wes Rubin, Simeon’s literal ‘‘twin towers,’’ are headed to Loyola.
The 6-9 twins have committed to coach Drew Valentine in what is a recruiting coup for a red-hot program moving to the Atlantic 10 Conference.
The proximity, coaching staff and winning pedigree of Loyola won out over a growing list of suitors. But that the Rubin brothers could play their college basketball together — and that the Ramblers wanted them to play together — also was paramount.
‘‘It was definitely a big deal for us,’’ Wes said. ‘‘We have been playing together our whole lives. We are close off the court, but we have great chemistry playing together on it, so it was a big part of this decision process.’’
Playing in front of family and friends was important, too, so the proximity of Loyola was a big plus.
‘‘It’s close to home, so we are excited about our friends and family being there to see us play,’’ Wes said.
The coaching staff also impressed the brothers.
‘‘The staff recruited us both very hard,’’ Miles said. ‘‘They understood us, understood what we were looking for and as players.’’
Both said the recruiting process was difficult at times, partly because of the close bond they share and wanting that to continue at the next level. That’s why it was so important to be able to play together in college.
The brothers waitdc for a program that was as excited about them as they were about it, and the Ramblers’ coaching staff won them over.
‘‘We loved the coaching staff,’’ Wes said. ‘‘It’s the youngest staff in the country, so it’s not hard to connect with them.’’
The Rubins’ rise has been noticeable in the last year. There is a lot to like. They’ve made vast improvements in their games and productivity and helped Simeon to 28 victories and a fourth-place finish in Class 3A as double-figure scorers last season.
Miles has been a top-10 fixture in the City/ Suburban Hoops Report’s Class of 2023 rankings for the last year, and Wes is pushing his way toward top-10 status.
The brothers complement each other well. Miles is a long, active and athletic player who can run the floor and finish. He’s a hardnosed, defensive-minded center who brings versatility to that end of the floor. Plus, his offensive game continues to grow.
Wes has the potential to be a valuable power forward with skill and versatility. He shows hints of shooting range out to the three-point line and occasionally can put the ball on the floor.
Both still are growing and have enormous upside, which is exciting for any college program to see a year from them setting foot on campus.
Loyola has been on a meteoric rise in the last five years, first under Porter Moser and now under Valentine.
‘‘Their winning culture really mattered,’’ Wes said.
The Ramblers, who went to the Final Four in 2018, have averaged 25 victories in the last five seasons while playing in the Missouri Valley Conference. Now Loyola is taking a big step up in joining the Atlantic 10.
‘‘I feel like the move to that conference is good for us and the program,’’ Miles said. ‘‘It’s a better conference, better players, more competitive.’’