Valparaiso Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Crusaders

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EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 17: Chris Boucher #25 of the Oregon Ducks grabs a rebound in front of Derrik Smits #21 of the Valparaiso Crusaders in the first half of the game at Matthew Knight Arena on November 17, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Projected Starters

Bakari Evelyn (Junior – G)

Valpo’s best returning player, the junior forward should play a significant part in Valpo’s offense for the next two seasons. Evelyn returns as the only double-digit scorer (12.6 ppg) and led the Crusaders in assists (2.9 apg), though he’ll need to cut down on the turnovers, averaging nearly 3 a game last season.

Javon Freeman (Freshman – G)

The highly touted freshman shooting guard from Whitney Young in Chicago might just slide his way into the starting lineup from day one and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him scoring in droves for the Crusaders.

Ryan Fazekas (Junior – G/F)

The Providence transfer and three-point specialist should provide a significant boost for a Valpo team that struggled offensively last season, especially behind the arc. Whether or not Fazekas actually starts, he’ll also make an impact on this team with his 6’8 frame, able to put up those long shots that Valpo’s shorter guards constantly missed last season.

Mileek McMillan (Sophomore – F)

After struggling for most of last season, the 6’8 McMillan will look to take a step forward in his second year, improving his pedestrian rebounding (1.4 rpg). The forward did shoot 36% from 3 and remains a threat from outside the arc; though the additions of Fazekas and Freeman might decrease the necessity of McMillan taking those shots.

Derek Smits (Junior – C)

Son of the Dunking Dutchman, Smits is looking for a much more consistent junior year. His offense shined in streaks, but foul trouble and inconsistent play doomed him for longer stretches.