Mike Loughnane’s path to Northeastern isn’t just a story about a transfer-it’s a full-circle moment, decades in the making. The 6-foot-4 guard grew up hearing stories about Jim Calhoun, watching old photos of his dad in a Huskies uniform, and soaking in every detail of his father’s playing days.
Now, he’s wearing the same jersey his father, Bill Loughnane, once wore as a captain under Calhoun from 1976 to 1980. For Mike, this isn’t just a homecoming-it’s a legacy continued.
“This was always the dream,” Loughnane said. “To play where my dad did, to walk where he walked-it’s something I’ve wanted since I was a kid.”
Mike’s decision to transfer from Davidson last April wasn’t drawn out. Once he entered the portal after his sophomore season, Northeastern head coach Bill Coen reached out almost immediately. The connection was already there-Coen had recruited Mike out of high school, where he starred at BC High under none other than his father, who’s a coaching legend in the Massachusetts high school scene with over 500 career wins.
Mike’s high school career was nothing short of special. He became BC High’s all-time leading scorer and helped lead the Eagles to an undefeated season and a Division 1 state championship in 2022.
That father-son duo wasn’t just successful-they were dominant. And now, Coen wasn’t about to miss a second chance to bring Mike into the Huskies program.
“I just love the story,” Coen said. “It brought everything full circle.
Mike is a high-character, high-talent guy who fits our locker room perfectly. And honestly, he’s exceeded every expectation we had.”
Despite the deep family ties to Northeastern, Bill Loughnane made a point to stay out of his son’s recruitment. He didn’t want to sway the decision. But Mike, like any good point guard reading a defense, could see through the poker face.
“He tried not to show it,” Mike said, “but I could tell he was really, really happy when I picked Northeastern.”
The move also meant more family in the stands. With Northeastern just a short drive from Quincy, Mike’s friends, relatives, and even his dad-despite his own coaching obligations-can now catch him in person at the Cabot Center. That proximity has only deepened a bond that’s already been central to Mike’s basketball life.
Growing up, Mike didn’t just admire his dad-he idolized him. The teams his father coached were his Celtics.
And even during his two-year stint at Davidson, Mike never felt like he was stepping out of his father’s shadow. If anything, he embraced it.
“I never wanted to get out of it,” he said. “I’ve always been proud to be associated with him. I think what he’s built in the high school ranks is really special.”
And while Bill Loughnane is quick to credit his son’s work ethic and ownership of his journey, he’s also enjoying the ride as a proud dad watching his son carve out his own legacy.
“The success he’s had is because of his own hard work and diligence,” Bill said. “It’s his journey, and I’m proud of that.”
That journey hasn’t been without bumps. Mike struggled early this season, shooting just 30.5% from the field over his first seven games.
But he didn’t flinch. He kept grinding, and the breakthrough came in early December with a 15-point performance against Holy Cross.
When senior point guard LA Pratt went down with an injury, Loughnane stepped into the starting role-and hasn’t looked back.
He’s now Northeastern’s floor general, logging 30-plus minutes in each of the last five games. He posted a career-high nine assists in a win over Elon and dropped 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting against Campbell in what felt like a true breakout moment.
“When LA went down, we needed someone to drive the bus,” Coen said. “Mike’s got all the intangibles-leadership, competitiveness, perseverance. He’s been tremendous.”
And if distributing the ball runs in the family, it’s no coincidence. Mike leads the Huskies in assists per game. Meanwhile, his dad still holds the Northeastern single-game record with 15 assists-a number he’s not shy about reminding Mike of.
“After every win-only after wins-he’ll say something like, ‘You still don’t have it. You’re still this many short.
You’ll never get it,’” Mike said with a smile. “Just jokes.”
But deep down, Bill is rooting for his son to break that record-and break it big.
“If his teammates get hot, he might have a shot at it,” Bill said. “I hope he destroys it. I hope it’s in a Northeastern win.”
For Mike Loughnane, this season is about more than stats or minutes. It’s about honoring the past, embracing the present, and building something of his own-on the same hardwood where his father once led the way.