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Larkin's Negron commits to Loyola

When it came to making his college decision, Larkin senior Christian Negron ultimately opted for a local program with forward momentum.

The 6-foot-6 forward announced via Twitter Tuesday evening he will play for coach Porter Moser and the Loyola Ramblers. Negron took an official visit to Loyola the weekend of Sept. 23.

Moser is a Naperville native who played high school ball at Benet Academy. A 1990 Creighton graduate, he enters his fifth season with the Ramblers. His 2014-15 team won 24 games, the school's highest total since 1985. Loyola finished 15-17 a year ago.

"I just feel real confident in Moser and his staff, just everything with how they're turning the program around," Negron said. "They've won about 40 games in the last two years, so I just really like the direction their program is going. I feel like I can help contribute to the success they've had."

A three-time Daily Herald All-Area selection and the reigning Upstate Eight Conference Player of the Year, last season Negron averaged 16.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He also blocked 110 shots and surpassed 1,000 career points.

Negron will miss his senior season due to a torn ACL suffered the day after his visit to Loyola. Moser and his staff never wavered in their interest, said the Larkin star, who sees Loyola as the right place for his long-term rehabilitation from his knee surgery, scheduled for Thursday.

"Loyola medical is world class, the best in the medical field," he said. "They have great doctors, the right people. You can definitely trust their reputation and I know they'll handle my situation well."

Negron holds a 3.2 grade-point average at Larkin. He plans to study business finance at Loyola.

"I think he found a good combination of fit as far as how he felt on the campus," Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. "Obviously, the academics there are phenomenal. It's a place he can go in and contribute right away and be part of the reason they have success."

Negron had offers from nine schools. In September he narrowed the field to five finalists: Loyola, DePaul, Alabama-Birmingham, Oregon State and Bradley. Though he said playing close to home so his mother, Lisa, and 11-year-old brother, Isaac, can see him play is a bonus, it wasn't the main factor in his college choice after a protracted recruitment.

"Playing at home is important, but I wasn't afraid to go away," he said. "I'm glad it's finally over with. It had its ups and downs, but I feel like I picked the right spot. I'm confident in my decision. I can kind of take a breath of fresh air."

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