Though Valparaiso’s game against Hillsdale on Saturday night was just an exhibition, it was meaningful for Lexus Williams.
The junior point guard started the Crusaders’ 78-63 win at the Athletics-Recreation and played 28 minutes, matching the team high.
He missed all of the 2014-15 season because of a left knee injury and played sparingly last season.
But as the Crusaders began a new era under coach Matt Lottich, Williams was back in the lineup, a spot he occupied for most of his freshman season. He had six points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
After all of the rehabilitation, Williams believes his knee is stronger than it was before the injury.
“I just feel good,” he said. “I’m happy I’m finally all the way healthy, and I’m glad I was out there with the guys and contributing. It’s been a long two years.”
In the summer of 2014, Williams tore his ACL during a workout. He then fractured his kneecap during warmups before the Crusaders’ game at Green Bay on Jan. 23, 2015.
Last season, he played 92 minutes, appearing in 16 of 37 games.
It was a far cry from when Williams made the Horizon League All-Freshman Team. He started 23 of 34 games, including 15 of 16 during conference play, not in the lineup only on senior day. In 23.4 minutes, he averaged 6.5 points and 2.4 assists, second on the team; and had a team-high 35 steals.
Senior forward Alec Peters now sees that version of Williams.
“He doesn’t skip a beat,” Peters said. “He’s been with me four years. My last year I get with him, and we’re just trying to enjoy every moment of it. He knows what’s expected of him. He may have another year of eligibility, but he’s playing like a senior and that’s what you want in your point guard.”
Williams emerged after the NCAA did not grant Keith Carter a fifth year of eligibility. Lottich expressed confidence in Williams.
“I love seeing his energy,” Lottich said. “I love seeing him deal with adversity and overcoming it.”
The Crusaders overcame early adversity against Hillsdale. They trailed 15-12 with 11:28 left in a foul-plagued first half before leading by as many as 23 points midway though the second.
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In part because it was an exhibition and in part because of foul trouble, the Crusaders used all 10 of their available scholarship players by the 13:37 mark.
That group included freshmen Jaume Sorolla and Micah Bradford making their debuts. Sorolla had five points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes.
Sorolla even played stretches with fellow center Derrik Smits, who missed last season with two torn ligaments in his right ankle after playing in the team’s exhibition against Indianapolis. Smits had five points and five rebounds in 17 minutes.
Peters had 24 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes, shooting 10-for-11 from the foul line and making both of his 3-pointers.
Jubril Adekoya had 13 points, and Tevonn Walker had 10 and eight rebounds. Shane Hammink added nine points and six rebounds in 28 minutes.
Lottich liked Valparaiso’s effort in his debut as coach, succeeding Bryce Drew after three seasons as an assistant.
“It’s been pretty calm,” Lottich said. “I’ve been with this team, this is my fourth year, so I’m pretty comfortable with these guys. But I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t extremely nervous walking out there three minutes before tip.
“This is what I love to do. I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. I’m just excited to finally get out there. But it’s the first step in a long journey.”
Valparaiso opens the regular season against Southern Utah on Friday at the ARC, the first of three games in four days. Peters believes Lottich and the Crusaders are prepared.
“He’s ready for it, he showed it,” Peters said. “He could’ve lost his temper a number of times in the first half with all the whistles. But he’s composed, he’s ready for this job. He’s been here as long as I have. He knows our guys, and we’re just ready to be underway.”
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