Jaxson Terry to Loyola Chicago
CATS Academy senior Jaxson Terry made a major decision in his basketball journey, committing to join Coach Drew Valentine and the Loyola Chicago program. Terry’s blend of size, skill, and steady development has made him one of the more intriguing prospects in his class, and his commitment signals a promising addition for a Ramblers team that continues to build momentum under Valentine’s leadership.
His arrival aligns perfectly with Loyola Chicago’s emphasis on toughness, versatility, and high-IQ play—traits Terry has steadily showcased throughout his high school career.
When discussing his decision, Terry emphasized that the biggest factor was Coach Valentine’s unwavering loyalty throughout the recruiting process.
During the spring season, Terry played through an injury that led to a clear drop in production. As his performance dipped, several programs that had been actively recruiting him began to look elsewhere, distancing themselves from a player they once prioritized. The lone exception was Valentine, who remained committed and continued to make Terry feel valued. That consistency left a lasting impact. As Terry explained, “Loyola continued to show their support for me and how much of a priority I was for them.”
Terry is a true Swiss-army knife on the court, impacting the game on both ends with versatility and maturity. He defends multiple positions, competes on the glass, and contributes as a scorer, connector, and playmaker.
When discussing his playstyle, Terry noted that while he takes pride in doing a bit of everything, he especially values his shooting ability — a skill he considers one of the strongest and most reliable aspects of his game.
When breaking down how he’ll fit into the Ramblers’ system, Terry immediately circles back to the shooting aspect of his game. Coach Valentine’s offense relies heavily on actions designed to free up his best shooters, and Terry believes he meshes perfectly with that approach. He moves intelligently without the ball, reads screens well, and excels at the small details—whether it’s cutting with purpose, setting up defenders, or creating separation—that lead to open looks for himself or clean opportunities for his teammates.
His off-ball instincts and shooting touch make him an ideal fit for the structure Loyola Chicago runs.
This summer at Peach Jam with Expressions, Terry delivered efficient and reliable scoring throughout the team’s seven-game run. He averaged 11.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.2% from the field and a strong 40% from three, showcasing his ability to score within the flow of the offense and stretch the floor at a high level. His production was steady, efficient, and impactful—further reinforcing why his shooting is such a key part of his value heading into the next level.
Terry’s decision to join Loyola Chicago ultimately feels like the start of a partnership built on trust, fit, and shared vision. His blend of shooting, versatility, and detail-oriented play makes him an ideal match for the style Coach Valentine has established, and the loyalty shown throughout his recruitment gives Terry a strong foundation of belief as he steps into the next chapter of his career.
With his skill set continuing to expand and his confidence growing, Terry has a real opportunity to make an early impact in Chicago. More importantly, he seems poised to develop into the type of multi-dimensional, dependable contributor that can elevate a program’s ceiling—making his commitment a meaningful addition for the Ramblers and a promising step forward for his own future.
Jaxson Terry