2021-22 outlook for Valparaiso basketball
The Beacons are beaming with confidence and they have a veterans on their team like never before during their Missouri Valley Conference history. However, most of those veterans have never been the prime players on their teams. How they adjust to being team leaders and playing heavy minutes is one of critical questions to be answered.
Ben Krikke is a known commodity and should have a very good junior season. During Valop’s first exhibition game Krikke sprained his ankle. If he has a lingering ankle problem that could pose big problems for the Beacons’ opportunity for success.
If Anderson can be the distributor that Lottich and others believe him to be, then proven scorers like King and Taylor could become dangerous offensive players.
Edwards might be something of an ‘X-factor’. He has the athleticism and big play potential to be a game-breaker. During Valpo’s opening exhibition, the Florida native exploded for 32 points and buried seven three pointers.
Valpo has a large number of new players that are yet to prove to be starting caliber players. If Krikke’s ankle proves to be an insignificant issue and two or three of the newcomers prove they belong in significant roles at the Division 1 level, the Beacons could be a team to be reckoned with come conference play.
If not, Valpo could find itself near the bottom of the Valley race.