An eventful offseason for Valparaiso resulted in the dawn of a new era and set the stage for the fitting conclusion of a historic career.
Matt Lottich is the Crusaders’ first coach not named Drew since 1987-88 as Bryce’s departure for Vanderbilt ended an iconic run of 28 seasons for the family.
As Lottich debuts, he will rely on Alec Peters for a final season. The star forward was an early entrant for the NBA draft, withdrew at the wire and eschewed the option to leave Valparaiso as a graduate transfer to return as a senior.
Lottich, who was an assistant at Valpo for three seasons, has settled into the position.
More Top Picks Best Ddr5 Ram For Gaming
“The biggest adjustment’s been the amount of decisions I have to make on a daily basis,” he said. “The perceived start of my day isn’t always the same as the reality. I could get in and have 10 people who want to talk to me.
“But as far as coaching, having great familiarity with this team and having a relationship with the guys, the transition’s been pretty smooth.”
Despite any tumult, Valparaiso remains the favorite in the Horizon League, largely because of the presence of Peters, who’s on track to become the school’s all-time leader in scoring and rebounding.
The conference’s preseason player of the year is considered perhaps the nation’s best outside the power conferences. Peters was named a preseason third team All-American by various outlets, and is consistently on NBA draft boards.
“If possible, he’s a much better player than he was last year,” Lottich said. “He’s quicker, he’s more athletic, he’s stronger, he’s shooting the ball at a higher clip. He’s put in the work to have a fantastic year, and I’m expecting nothing less from him.”
Peters has taken any accolades in stride.
“I’ve been trying to keep my head down and keep doing what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m trying to work as hard as I can every day and let the results take care of themselves.”
Peters, who played in the NCAA Tournament as a sophomore and spearheaded last season’s journey to the NIT championship game, has been focused on team goals.
“We’ve climbed a rung on the ladder each year,” he said. “It can only go one way and that’s up. Our last year, we want to do better than we’ve ever done before.”
That could include getting back to the NCAA Tournament and winning at least a game, something the program accomplished only during its memorable trip to the Sweet 16 in 1998.
There were significant departures from last season’s 30-win team, including center Vashil Fernandez and point guard Keith Carter.
Fernandez, the two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, is Valparaiso’s record-holder for blocked shots in a game, season and career.
In addition to likely playing at a faster pace, Lottich will continue to put a premium on defense. But the Crusaders will have to approach it differently without Fernandez as the anchor.
The NCAA denied Carter a fifth season of eligibility.
But the Crusaders still have the personnel to achieve their goals. That group includes athletic senior Shane Hammink, a preseason second team all-conference selection, and Tevonn Walker, who has that type of all-conference talent if he can avoid the nagging injuries that have hampered him.
Jubril Adekoya, undersized at center, is a senior who provides a more versatile dynamic. He has taken over at the position after two seasons primarily off the bench. Lexus Williams has gotten the nod at the point after two seasons dealing with knee injuries.
Valparaiso has two young centers with potential in redshirt freshman Derrik Smits, who missed all of last season with a right ankle injury, and freshman Jaume Sorolla. Lottich has shown an inclination to play them together in a double-post look, with Smits also comfortable on the perimeter and Sorolla more of a traditional center.
The Crusaders are also excited about freshman point guard Micah Bradford, who’s shown an ability to score in bunches. Max Joseph also figures into the mix at both backcourt spots.
Andrean graduate Nick Davidson is the fourth member of a senior class trying to lead the Crusaders to their desired heights.
“It’s all up to us,” Adekoya said. “We just have to stay focused and remain humble.”
More Top Picks Best Working Pants With Multiple Pockets
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff