Valparaiso Basketball: 2017-18 preview for the Crusaders

Starters

SR Tevonn Walker

The best returning player from last year, Walker averaged 11.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg, an impressive number for a guard. He’ll have the ball in his hands this season and comes in as one of the better athletes in the Missouri Valley. If he can shoot better than 30% from deep, then he could step in a potential contender for MVC Player of the Year.

SR Max Joseph

The Canadian should get the start in his final year of eligibility. His numbers of 5.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 22 minutes will need to improve to make up for the abundance of offense gone from a year ago. He’s a good enough as a shooter to warrant more minutes.

JR Joe Burton

The 6’6 wing sat out last year after transferring from Oklahoma State. He only averaged 4.7 ppg during his time there, but his 40% shooting from distance and his multiple 16 point games against West Virginia should have fans excited to see what he does in extended minutes.

FR Marten Linseen

He’s played professional basketball with his stint in the Pro League in Germany. He was an all-star player for the youth team, nearly averaging a double double. His coach was also the same man who had second year Valpo head coach Matt Lottich, and that connection was what led to the commitment. With the United States playing more and more like Europe, the transition for these types of players should be easier these days.

SO Jaume Sorolla

The defensive anchor of the program, Sorolla was in the top ten in blocks in the Horizon. His 5.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg in limited minutes will rise up with more experience.