Save for Derrik Smits, Valparaiso should be intact for its trip to Oregon and Oregon State.
But the Crusaders will not have the freshman center for this season.
Smits tore two ligaments in his right ankle, and will undergo surgery next week, with an expected recovery of four months. The Indiana All-Star will redshirt this season.
“He had a great preseason, he was really playing well, played well in our exhibition game,” coach Bryce Drew said after Valparaiso beat NAIA Division II opponent Indiana-Kokomo 78-40 Wednesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. “Though it’s a setback for now, for his long-term future and for our program, his ankle will be healed and it won’t be an issue for his career.”
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Smits, who has a history of ankle sprains and tore one of those ligaments as a sophomore at Zionsville High School, sought several medical opinions. He was making significant progress, including competing against Vashil Fernandez in practice, before suffering the injury before the season opener.
“It’s pretty frustrating for me going from last year having to sit and watch games and be so excited to play with these guys, especially the seniors,” Smits said. “Not to have it taken away from me, but to not have that opportunity to play with these seniors and the rest of these guys is pretty frustrating. But it will help me in the long run.”
Smits, who has been wearing a walking boot, was one of four Valparaiso players not in uniform against IU Kokomo, after the Crusaders’ emotional win at Rhode Island Tuesday morning. David Skara sprained his left ankle against Iona, Darien Walker sprained his left ankle at Rhode Island, and Shane Hammink was serving the first of a two-game suspension after his alcohol-related arrest last December.
Skara should be available for Sunday’s game at No. 25 Oregon and Walker was considered a game-time decision for Thursday night against Trinity Christian, when Hammink will complete his suspension.
The Crusaders (4-0) got back to campus around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. They used eight players against IU Kokomo (0-4), with Vashil Fernandez and Keith Carter in uniform but not going to play unless absolutely necessary.
Andrean graduate Nick Davidson had a career-high 13 points in 32 minutes, and Jubril Adekoya had a career-high 20 points in 33 minutes.
“Just blessed, thankful for the opportunity,” Davidson said. “Any time you get a chance to play, you want to play as hard as you can and help the team as best you can.”
Lexus Williams, who missed all of last season with a torn left ACL, played 34 minutes.
“For him to get a lot of minutes and get some feel back is valuable,” Drew said.
E. Victor Nickerson, still recovering from offseason wrist surgery, played 35 minutes, as did Max Joseph. Walk-on Chandler Levingston Simon made his Crusaders debut before fouling out with 11:30 left in the game after playing 11 minutes.
“It was great from a coaching standpoint to play a lot of guys,” Drew said.
Joseph, Williams and Davidson all played the entire second half, with the Crusaders using six players after halftime.
Alec Peters had 18 points in 12 first-half minutes.
Peters, Tevonn Walker, Adekoya, Nickerson and Joseph started the game. Davidson and Williams started the second half in place of the two regulars, Peters and Walker, with neither playing after halftime.
Earlier on Wednesday, the end of the early period, Micah Bradford signed his letter of intent with Valparaiso. The 6-foot point guard averaged 21 points as a junior at Bradley-Bourbonnais.
“We’re really excited about Micah,” Drew said. “He’s a player we’ve been following for a while. He’s gifted offensively. He’s an excellent shooter, can make a lot of plays on the offensive end.”
Bradford was the only signee for the Crusaders, who should have three more scholarships available for the Class of 2016. Drew expected to fill those spots, with the late signing period beginning April 13.
Purdue rolls past Incarnate Word: Isaac Haas had 17 points and A.J. Hammons scored eight in his season debut as Purdue coasted past Incarnate Word 96-61 in West Lafayette. Rapheal Davis added 14 points for the Boilermakers (3-0), who led 53-24 at halftime. Vince Edwards (13 points), Kendall Stephens (12) and Caleb Swanigan (10) also reached double figures in scoring for Purdue.
Calumet men beat PUC: Josh Freeman scored 19 points to lead Calumet College past visiting Purdue Calumet 84-69 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference opener for both men’s basketball teams. The Crimson Wave (5-2 overall) led 46-36 at halftime. LaBradford Sebree scored a game-high 21 for PUC (4-2 overall).
PUC women defeat Calumet: Purdue Calumet opened a 16-point lead after one quarter and coasted to a 77-51 CCAC win over host Calumet. Katie Wampler had career highs with 13 points and six steals to go along with eight rebounds for PUC (5-1, 1-0). Patrice McBee added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Peregrines. Samirah Ali led Calumet (0-5, 0-2) with a game-high 17 points.
Yankees sign former RailCat, Crusader: The New York Yankees have purchased the contract of infielder Spencer Mahoney from the RailCats, making him the 22nd Gary player to move on to affiliated baseball. Mahoney, who batted .295 in four seasons at Valparaiso University, hit .267 with five RBIs for the RailCats after being acquired in a trade with Schaumburg of the Frontier League.
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The Associated Press and Post-Tribune staff contributed to this story.