Loyola, Moserwork on deal

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Loyola athletic director Steve Watson said Monday that contract negotiations on a long- term deal with coach PorterMoser are ongoing.

The Ramblers’ end- of- the- year banquet is at 6: 30 p. m. Thursday at Gentile Arena. The event will feature speeches fromMoser and seniors Donte Ingram, Ben Richardson, Aundre Jackson, Carson Shanks, Nick DiNardi and Tyson Smith.

During last year’s banquet, Moser broke the news of his newly signed five- year extension that tied him to Loyola through the 202122 season. But Watson doesn’t think a similar announcement will take place this year as the parties are still working on some details.

Last month before the Sweet 16, Watson said Loyola and Moser had talked about a new contract in recent weeks and that a raise had been discussed.

“We started talking about an extension and ripping up the old contract and doing something a little different,” Watson said.

“I can tell you this: We want Porter to be our coach for a long, long time.”

Moser’s value increased astronomically after Loyola’s historic season, which included its first Final Four appearance since 1963.

While it’s not uncommon for coaches to jump ship for a Power Five conference team after leading a lower seed to success in the NCAA Tournament, the market for Moser might not be there at this time.

Moser’s options have dwindled with only a few college vacancies left. Most of the available jobs are downgrades from Loyola and include Chicago State, Delaware State, Detroit and Siena.

NOTE: Sophomore Cameron Satterwhite and junior Adarius Avery announced their decisions to transfer from Loyola on social media last week.

Loyola is expected to return eight of its 15 players next season, and three- star recruit Franklin Agunanne will join the team. The rosterwill be headlined byMVCPlayer of the Year Clayton Custer and MVC Freshman of the Year Cameron Krutwig along with guard MarquesTownes.