Valparaiso Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Crusaders

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 28: Cheikh Mbacke Diong #34 of the UNLV Rebels blocks a shot by Bakari Evelyn #4 of the Valparaiso Crusaders during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center on November 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Crusaders defeated the Rebels 72-64. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Bench Players

Donovan Clay (Freshman – G/F)

An impressive get for Valpo, Clay is a young phenom who slipped through the cracks to the Crusaders and could contribute greatly to this team from day one. He put up a ton of points in high school career and will get a chance to show off his scoring ability this season.

Emil Freese-Vilien (Freshman – C)

Admittedly a project for Valpo, Freese-Vilien is a big man who saw time in Denmark’s best professional league last season. The Crusaders have had success with foreign big men in the past and Freese-Vilien could develop into a solid option down low in a few seasons.

Eron Gordon (Junior – G)

Following two seasons as a bench player at Seton Hall, Gordon transferred to Valpo and is eligible to play starting this season. He’s proven he can score when given the opportunity and comes from a pretty impressive basketball family. He should be a key part of this rotation.

John Kiser (Senior – G/F)

Certainly a unique player, Kiser has gone from walk-on to a key part of this team’s rotation. The energetic forward doesn’t exactly contribute on the offensive end but gives it his all every second he’s on the court.

Ben Krikke (Freshman – F)

A native of Canada, Krikke seems to be very familiar to Fazekas in that he can shoot from the outside while also grabbing a fair share of rebounds; will be interesting to see how he fares at the college level.

Sigurd Lorange (Freshman – G)

Lorange put up a ton of points and assists playing in Norway’s top basketball league, but expect an adjustment to the American basketball scene. He could be a really solid get for Valpo though he probably won’t get big minutes this season.

Zion Morgan (Junior – G)

Morgan begins his career at Valpo after spending a season at UNLV and another at Wabash Valley College. He put up solid numbers last season, but struggled previously with UNLV. He was a high school teammate of starter Nick Robinson and will fit greatly onto this team.