Tom Welch to Loyola
Loyola did it again! This MVC program who is coming off a Final Four appearance has done a tremendous job of identifying talent early that are slightly under the radar and landing them! Thursday night they did that again by securing a commitment from Naperville North 2019 power forward Tom Welch. He told PHI why they were his choice.
“Just the culture and family feeling that the staff showed me. They do a lot of winning and do it the right way. I want to do big things with a great program and Loyola is that place. Plus the benefit of being close to home and allowing the people I grew up with to continue to watch is a huge bonus.”
Welch exploded on the scene after a big spring and summer for the Illinois Wolves. Playing in the UAA he went against some of the best competition in the country and more than succeeded. He thrived! Took his game to new heights. College coaches took notice and he became one of the most coveted post prospects in the Midwest at the mid-major level. He even earned an offer from an SEC school, but Welch decided to stay home and play for Loyola.
What does he bring to the table as a prospect? Welch is a 6’8” power forward that has gotten considerably stronger in his upper body since we saw him during the high school season. The four man has quality athleticism along with toughness around the hoop. Finishes with a soft touch. Solid area rebounder. The rising senior has a nice combination of skill and toughness. Also can handle it some as a face up four man even initiating the offense at times.
The Naperville North standout is the #8 overall prospect in the 2019 class.