Max Joseph couldn’t get it out of his head for a prolonged period of time.
The way last season ended dominated the thoughts of Valparaiso’s senior guard. It still does, to a degree, serving as a source of motivation.
Joseph realizes various factors outside the Crusaders’ control played a major role. But he was more concerned about the parts within his grasp.
“I didn’t really want to see anybody, I kept to myself more,” Joseph said. “It was a quick depression.
“Before you go to sleep and when you wake up, you think about all the little things you missed. Watching film, you see all the little things — I should’ve done this, I should’ve done that. The small details, you want to make sure you take care of those this year so we can go further.”
Valparaiso coach Matt Lottich vividly recalls his exit meeting with Joseph.
“Max has fully embodied Valpo basketball,” Lottich said. “He had a sour taste in his mouth at the end of last year and he came into my office and said, ‘I don’t want a repeat of that.’
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s leading on the court. When there’s a loose ball to get, he’s going to get it. He’s going to make big, timely shots. He’s going to play within himself and be a team guy, most importantly.”
In the offseason and preseason, Lottich took every opportunity available to praise Joseph and the effort he had been investing.
The Montreal native earned such plaudits by attempting to leave no stone unturned. He worked on enhancing his strengths and minimizing his weaknesses.
“It’s really important to advance as a team for everybody to work on something they’re not comfortable doing,” Joseph said. “Even things you’re good at, you have to keep improving.
“Just all the basic stuff.”
Joseph has become more comfortable driving left. He refined his shooting, from free throws to 3-pointers.
Also, especially given the composition of the team, Joseph has gone out of his way to use his communication skills more. He’s always set an example with his energy and physicality at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.
“I’m being vocal, I have to provide that vocal leadership this year,” Joseph said. “Obviously being one of the veterans, I take that to heart.”
Joseph emerged last season as a solid contributor, firmly in the Crusaders’ rotation after playing comparatively sparingly his first two seasons. He averaged 5.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 22.0 minutes as a junior.
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It’s far from simply about numbers as a measurement of Joseph’s contribution, though they figure to increase.
“Max has made a big jump,” Lottich said. “He’s just looking like a better version of last year.”
Joseph started Friday’s 88-46 season-opening win against Division III North Park, scoring 10 points. He also should start Monday night’s game at the Athletics-Recreation Center against NAIA Division II Trinity Christian, with Joe Burton completing his two-game suspension.
“I still have last year on my mind, but we have to make sure we put everything aside this year and achieve our goals,” Joseph said.
“It’s a good environment. We started off electrifying, dunking, the fans love it. Everybody’s asking questions. It’s exciting because everybody’s just intrigued.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff