Valpo is Building on Success

Three Returners So Far … No Wait! Four!

(St. Louis, MO) – Roger Powell Jr has Valparaiso’s basketball program trending the right direction. His Missouri Valley Conference wins have climbed from three, to six and this past season to eleven. Now three of his top players have declared they’re returning next season. Valpo is building on success.

The Beacons’ NET numbers under Powell have improved from 303, to 203 and currently they sit at 156. During his three seasons in Northwest Indiana three different players have been named to the all-freshmen team and two received ‘Freshman of the Year’ honors.

There has been no question that the former Fighting Illini forward could recruit and motivate, but would he be able to retain the talented players he recruits? After last year’s semifinal run at Arch Madness, the Valley’s last two top freshmen left for wealthier programs.

Seemingly, he had to start over again. Powell’s ability to find the right kind of players was tested again and he excelled once again. The 2025-26 season was an unmitigated success. Powell says the community is coming together, donors are plugging in and fans are returning.

He knew the rebuild of the great Valpo tradition wouldn’t be easy, but believed it could be done.

Powell Jr’s goals involve helping his players enjoy the amazing experiences of winning championships, cutting down nets and personal growth. He’s motivated by their life-desires rather than his own.

Building on Success – Trio Return

Monday and Tuesday’s social media announcements rolled out that all-freshman team member J.T. Pettigrew, fellow freshman Rakim Chaney and all-bench team member Justus McNair would be returning for another season.

Energy, excitement and expectation went through the roof for Beacon fans and Valley watchers.

Powell says his ‘heart-to-heart’ conversations with his three foundational players prevailed. Generous donors have helped the ‘bottom line’ and Pettigrew, Chaney and McNair chose to return. They’re returning for less money than they could have received elsewhere.

Powell’s ability to connect at a deep personal level with his players is an obvious plus. He says the returning trio ‘special people’. He brags on their inner character and humility. His pitch to his stars was simple. He talked about the experience they had enjoyed with one another and about his commitment to them.

 

Powell Jr and his players understood that they are building something unique and special at Valpo.

 

Other possible returners that enjoyed extensive playing time include second leading rebounder Shon Tupuola, Carter Hopoi and Sader Servilus. Three top flight high school players are on the way.

Before we could post this story, another Beacon committed! Sader Servilus made it official today too.

Four-star recruit Rajan Roberts, Justin Curry II and Hudson Scroggins are highly rated. Roberts is a 6’ point guard from Arizona and Scroggins is a 6’8 forward from Lake Bluff, Illinois. Scurry sustained a knee injury, but the Noblesville, Indiana is the fourth highest rated player coming out of the Hoosier State.

You can watch our entire interview on YouTube or listen to an audio only version at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.

Roger Powell Jr is building on success. Don’t be surprised if the Beacons are one of the favorites to contend for a Valley title next season.

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