It is hard to walk through the Athletics-Recreation Center—the "ARC," as everyone calls it—and not feel the weight of those old banners. You know the ones. 1998. The Shot. Bryce Drew diving onto the floor after sinking a miracle three-pointer to stun Ole Miss. For a generation of hoops fans, Valparaiso University men's basketball was the gold standard for mid-major magic.
But honestly? That feels like a lifetime ago.
If you’re looking at the current state of the program in early 2026, the vibe is different. It’s gritty. It’s a rebuild in the truest, most exhausting sense of the word. Under head coach Roger Powell Jr., now in his third season at the helm, the Beacons are trying to find their footing in a Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) that has become a absolute gauntlet.
The 2025-2026 Grind: By the Numbers
People keep asking if the program is "back." The short answer is: they’re getting there, but the bruises are real. As of mid-January 2026, Valparaiso sits at an 8-9 overall record. They’ve gone 2-4 in MVC play. On paper, that doesn't scream "dominance," but if you've actually watched the games, you know the record doesn't tell the whole story.
They just knocked off Illinois State, who was the preseason favorite to win the league. That wasn't a fluke. It was a 77-71 statement win where the Beacons looked like the team Powell promised they would be—fast, relentless, and smart.
✨ Don't miss: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
Who’s actually carrying the load?
You can’t talk about this roster without mentioning Owen Dease. He’s a senior forward who basically does everything. He’s averaging 13.5 points and has become the emotional heartbeat of the team. Then there’s the freshman sensation, JT Pettigrew. This kid is 6'8", 220 pounds, and plays like he’s been in the Valley for a decade. He’s already putting up nearly 12 points and 6 rebounds a night.
The rotation is a mix of veteran "portal" guys and raw, high-upside freshmen:
- Rakim Chaney: A freshman guard from Rockford who is a pure spark plug.
- Shon Tupuola: The big man in the middle. He’s averaging nearly 7 rebounds and gives them a much-needed interior presence.
- Brody Whitaker: Another senior who provides that steady veteran hand when things get chaotic in the second half.
Why the "Crusader" to "Beacon" Shift Still Matters
Some fans still haven't moved on from the name change. It’s a thing. You'll still hear "Go Crusaders" in the stands sometimes, despite the official rebranding to the Valparaiso Beacons back in 2021.
Why does this matter for the basketball team? Because it represents a total identity shift. The program isn't trying to be the 1998 version of itself anymore. The Missouri Valley is a much bigger playground than the old Mid-Continent Conference or even the Horizon League. You’re playing against Murray State, Belmont, and Drake every single week. There are no "easy" Tuesday nights in this league.
🔗 Read more: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
What Most People Get Wrong About Roger Powell Jr.
There was this idea when Powell was hired that he’d just bring "The Rev" energy and overnight success. He was part of that legendary Illinois team that went to the title game in 2005, so the pedigree is there. But the MVC is a coaching graveyard for people who think they can out-talent everyone.
Powell’s real work has been in the trenches of recruiting and culture. He’s leaning heavily into faith and family—it's his brand. He recently signed a trio of freshmen for the 2026-27 class that has the local media buzzing. He’s playing the long game.
The Marquette Heartbreak
If you want to see what this team is capable of, look at the game against Marquette back in December. They took a Top-25 caliber team to overtime in Milwaukee before falling 75-72. They out-rebounded them. They out-hustled them. It showed that when the Beacons are "on," they can play with anyone in the country. The problem, as any Valpo fan will tell you, is consistency.
The ARC Advantage: Is It Still There?
The Athletics-Recreation Center is weird. It’s small, it’s old, and the seating is basically on top of the court. When it’s loud, it’s one of the most underrated home-court advantages in college basketball.
💡 You might also like: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
But attendance has been spotty. A Tuesday night against Nicholls doesn't draw like the old days against Butler or Milwaukee. Winning the Illinois State game helped, though. You could feel the electricity coming back. To rank in the top half of the MVC, Valpo must defend the ARC. You can't go 1-6 on the road (their current away record) and expect to make a run in Arch Madness without being perfect at home.
Valparaiso Basketball’s Biggest Hurdle
It’s the "NET" problem. The NCAA’s evaluation tool hates the Beacons right now because their non-conference strength of schedule was a bit of a rollercoaster. They lost a head-scratcher to Southern Indiana (56-64) that really tanked their metrics.
In the modern era of Valparaiso University men's basketball, every single possession matters for the computer rankings. You can't just win; you have to win "correctly."
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you’re following the Beacons through the rest of the 2026 season, here is what you need to keep an eye on to see if they’re actually turning the corner:
- Watch the Pettigrew/Dease dynamic: If these two can combine for 30+ points a night consistently, Valpo is a dark horse for a deep run in the MVC tournament.
- Road Woes: They need to steal a couple of wins in places like Nashville (Belmont) or Des Moines (Drake). A 1-6 road record won't cut it.
- The Three-Point Line: Currently, they're shooting around 31%. In the Valley, that’s death. If Whitaker and Chaney can get that team average up to 35%, the floor opens up for Tupuola inside.
- Recruiting Momentum: Keep an eye on the 2026 commits. If Powell keeps stacking talent, the "rebuild" label might finally be dropped by next November.
Valparaiso isn't a "mid-major darling" right now. They’re a blue-collar team trying to survive the most competitive era of conference basketball they've ever seen. It’s not always pretty, and the 1998 magic isn't walking through that door. But for the first time in about five years, there’s a clear plan.
Next Steps for Fans:
The most immediate way to support the turnaround is hitting the ARC for the upcoming home stand against Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois. These are the "pivot" games. If the Beacons sweep that home stretch, they move into the middle of the pack and suddenly, Arch Madness looks a lot more interesting. Check the official Valpo Athletics site for the updated 2026 broadcast schedule on ESPN+ if you can't make it to Indiana in person.