Valparaiso Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Crusaders

5 of 5

COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 20: Evan Smotrycz #1 of the Maryland Terrapins and Darien Walker #5 of the Valparaiso Crusaders battle for a loose ball during the second round of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 20, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Expectations

Depending on the status of suspended forward Milik Yarbrough, Illinois State should fight Loyola for the crown in the MVC, with Bradley and Southern Illinois as two more experienced and tough teams at the top. With Drake, Evansville, and Missouri State all rebuilding with new coaches, another last-place finish would be an utter disappointment for the Crusaders. If Valpo can take their first big step forward in MVC play, then a fifth-placed finish is well within their grasp.

Time will tell if Bakari Evelyn will stand out as the team’s new top scorer, or if incoming freshmen Freeman and Sackey will make a considerable difference in their first seasons of college ball. Much of Valpo’s success will also depend on the development of their junior centers, both of whom seem to have the height but not the scoring or defending ability halfway through their college careers.

There may be a lot of uncertainty for this team, but this is a junior-heavy lineup ready to make a big push in the MVC. With only one contributing senior on the roster, this team is going to be battle-tested and in a position to contend very soon for an MVC crown, leaving 2020 as a potentially special year for the Crusaders.

Next. MVC Preseason Rankings: 2018-19. dark

As for 2019, expect a middle of the pack finish and an invitation to a tournament like the CBI or CIT. This team could surprise despite low expectations, but this isn’t the Horizon League anymore. Last season’s growing pains weren’t anticipated and they could linger into year two just as easily.