CHICAGO – Loyola Chicago Athletics and the men's basketball program mourn the loss of former Rambler Alfredrick Hughes. Hughes passed away Friday, May 1 at the age of 63.
 
Hughes was a member of Loyola's basketball team from 1981-85 where he was an AP All-American in 1985 and a three-time Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year selection.
 
"Alfredrick and I were more than teammates. He was my brother for over 45 years, and we go back to our high school days where we played together on several all-star teams," said former teammate Carl Golston. "He was the main reason I transferred to Loyola in 1982. From there, we accomplished many things on the basketball court. He will truly be missed by all of Rambler Nation. Alfredrick has stamped his name on Loyola basketball forever. We will never forget him, Alfredrick The Great!"
 
Hughes stamped his mark in Loyola's record book during his time as a Rambler. He's the program's all-time leading scorer with a staggering 2,914 career points, which ranks 11^th in NCAA history. Hughes holds the program records in field goals made (1,222), field goals attempted (2,656), and free throws attempted (701). He's tied fourth in career rebounds (982) and ranks 10^th in career steals (140).
 
"Not only was Alfredrick an all-time great on one of the best Loyola Basketball teams in program history, but he was a great guy who continued to support the Ramblers long after his playing days," said athletic director Steve Watson. "I really enjoyed getting to know Alfredrick, and our hearts go out to his family and friends."
 
The single-season charts are also no stranger to his name, featuring his excellence across several categories. Hughes holds spots one and two in both points scored and scoring average. He scored 868 points in the 1984-85 season for the single season record, while his 26.3 average ranks second. His 800 points scored in 1983-84 sits second, while the average of 27.6 points per game holds the record. Both seasons also hold the top two spots for field goals made.
 
"Today is a sad day for Loyola. The loss of Alfredrick Hughes touches all former Loyola players, administrators, coaches, and fans," stated former Rambler assistant coach Doug Bruno. "Alfredrick led a Loyola men's basketball resurgence that rekindled the excellent standard set by the 1963 national champions."
 
That resurgence Hughes helped rekindle saw a NCAA Sweet 16 run in 1984-85 during his senior season. His standard on the court led to his third MCC Player of the Year and lone All-American nod.
 
"It's a really tough day for our program," said head coach Drew Valentine. "No one could score it like Alfredrick. He is a true Loyola legend and made such a huge impact on Rambler basketball, both past and present."
 
After his time at Loyola, Hughes went on to be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 1985 NBA Draft. He appeared in 68 games during his rookie season, averaging 5.2 points per game. Loyola later retired his jersey, and his number 21 is hanging from the rafters with some of the program's all-time greats. He is also a member of Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
Hughes' impact on Loyola continued after his playing days. There wasn't a season that went by without a visit to the locker room, a cheer from the stands, or advice for our coaches and players as they faced the highs and lows of the game.
 
Loyola's Tom Hitcho says it best – "In the true spirit of Loyola Athletics, Alfredrick was a teammate for others on and off the court. May he rest in peace."