Loyola’s Kwiecinski twins splitting for college

The twins will separate soon.

After being born a couple of minutes apart, going to school together since kindergarten and playing high school and AAU basketball together for years, Jordan and Bennett Kwiecinski will be going their own Division I ways next fall.

The Loyola Academy twins are among the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 15 prospects in the Class of 2020 and will sign in November. Bennett committed to Siena on Sunday after Jordan committed to Drake in August.

As the recruiting process played out, there was no mandate to coaches that the brothers had to play together in college.

‘‘It was never a huge deal for us,’’ Bennett said. ‘‘If it happened, great. If it didn’t, that was fine, as well. There really are positives to both. But I think it will be good to separate.’’

Both said they will miss the daily competitiveness with one another. They push each other while also looking out for each other, though Bennett admitted some of their one-on-one battles ‘‘get a little out of hand sometimes.’’

Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times

But Jordan, who said he never wanted having to play with his brother affect his college decision, also sees the positives of moving forward without his twin.

‘‘We won’t be looked at as the same person, which is often the case,’’ Jordan said. ‘‘It’s been a lot of looking at one of us and just seeing the other. This is a chance for some independence.’’

Bennett had taken visits to Siena, Lipscomb and Yale but soon became enamored with Siena, located just outside

Albany, New York, after seeing how engaged and connected the coaching staff and players were with one another.

‘‘It really caught me off-guard how much I enjoyed being around them,’’ Bennett said. ‘‘They are great people and were extremely welcoming. That’s a strong community they are a part of there.’’

For Jordan, it was all about Drake’s coaching staff, which is led by second-year coach Darian DeVries.

‘‘It was 100 percent the coaching staff,’’ Jordan said. ‘‘They are the most genuine coaches and people, open and honest, and I connected with them so well.’’

The brothers are about as identical as you’ll find, both physically and with their games. They grew together as high achievers on the court and in the classroom. The versatility they offer at 6-8 is appealing. They both can dribble, pass and shoot.

With those skills, along with the twins’ size and experience, Loyola’s fortunes will be bright this season. Bennett averaged 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks last season. Jordan, who will be the Ramblers’ best defensive player, averaged 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds.

‘‘This senior year is something I’m really looking forward to,’’ said Bennett, one of several key players returning from a team that won 22 games last season. ‘‘With all the time you put in and everything you work for as a team, you hope it all comes together. But it’s really exciting to think about.’’