Mid-Continent report | NCAA Tournament report

SportsLine.com Report
March 16, 2000

A Glance at 2001

Valpo has the potential to field its strongest team yet.

Not only will point guard Greg Tonagel return from ACL surgery, the Crusaders don't lose much by way of the seniors. Only Ivan Vujic was a double-digit scorer and his production will most certainly be picked up by freshman Raitis Grafs.

The key components of this team are sophomores and juniors. Another year of maturity should do wonders, plus the Crusaders have shown in the past that they are good at filling their needs in the offseason.

The Coach

Homer Drew is the best coach in the Mid-Con, repeatedly able to take a team that is unsure of its identity early in the season and making the necessary personnel moves to have the team running smoothly come tourney time. Some coaches might not have had the guts to do what Drew did this season -- bench two career starters and put a walk-on in the lineup -- but the results are a fifth consecutive NCAA appearance. Drew could probably go elsewhere, but has spurned offers from other D-I programs to stay put.

Who'll Be Back

Valpo will return five starters next year, led by forwards Lubos Barton and Jason Jenkins, and center Raitis Grafs. Jared Nuness and Dwayne Toatley will also be back at the guard spots, but look for more competition at that position based on the other returners.

Milo Stovall will no doubt want to play his way back into the starting lineup, as will Greg Tonagel, who works hard in the offseason and has shown marked improvement each year from one season to the next.

Who's Gone

The only major loss in Vujic, who is a double-digit scorer and solid rebounder, but does have a tendency to make too many turnovers.

Valpo also loses Tarrance Price, who had a disappointing senior year, as well as Aaron Thomason and seldom-used guard Chris Sparks.

Key Newcomers

Valpo again has gone international to grab a potential star. As is customary, the biggest hurdle is making sure he finds his way to campus.

• F Jaoquin Gomes (6-8, Fr.): Gomes is the top junior player in Africa, according to most scouting services. He could have played this season for the Crusaders, but didn't pass his SAT until mid-January. Now it's just a matter of cross-checking his transcript and getting the Angolan on a flight. An explosive athlete, Gomes has the potential to do things in a Crusader uniform never seen before.
• PG Mike Nelke (5-11, 160, Fr.): Nelke signed last fall and the coaching staff has rave reviews about his passing and shooting skills, as well as his toughness. Nelke is the type of player who makes those around him better, and can ease into a role -- if need be -- because of the crowded situation at guard.