Center Gives Unwritten Commitment to Loyola

Ken Hotopp, a 6-foot-10, 200-pound center from Sandwich High in Illinois, has given an unwritten commitment to play basketball for Loyola Marymount.

Hotopp said he committed to Loyola on Tuesday after visiting the campus last weekend. He plans to sign a national letter of intent Nov. 11, the first day of the weeklong, early signing period for prep seniors.

“I like the coaches and I like the educational program,” Hotopp said of Loyola. “I like the players. I thought I got along well with them.”

Hotopp’s only other recruiting visit was to Montana State. He said other schools interested in him included Marquette, Maine, Colorado State, Boston College and Missouri.

Entering his third year as a varsity starter, Hotopp averaged 13 points, 8.5 rebounds and three blocked shots a game last season to lead Sandwich to a 20-6 record and the Interstate Eight Conference title. Sandwich competes on the Class A level for small schools in Illinois.

Hotopp is the third high school player to give an unwritten commitment to Loyola. Also expected to sign Nov. 11 are 6-5 shooting guard Michael O’Quinn of Pius X High in Downey and 6-foot point guard Jim Harris of Ocean View High in Huntington Beach.