New Crusaders 2011-2012

The Crusaders had four scholarships available (and potentially a fifth with the possiblity of Brandon Wood being on the move) with which to improve upon a team that finished the season 23-12 and a disappointing fourth in the Horizon League.  The Crusader coaching staff have had the difficult challenge of finding guys to fill the void left by Cory Johnson, Howard Little, and Michael Rogers.  So far, so good.

Dino Jakolis

Today, Coach Drew inked LaLumiere guard/forward Dino Jakolis as his third recruit of the season to go along with JUCO transfer Richie Edwards and Virginia Tech transfer Ben Boggs.  Lets take a look at what each player brings to the table and how/if they can be an immediate help to the 2011-2012 Crusader team.

Dino Jakolis is a 6'7'', 215 pound, kid from Croatia who spent last year playing for the 17-9 LaLumiere Lakes.   Jakolis is a small forward who can score and rebound.  He averaged over 12 points per game and 4 rebounds this past season for the Lakers.  Hopefully he can put on a few pounds of muscle and lend the Crusaders a much needed hand inside both defending the other team's big guys and rebounding.  Jakolis has range up to 22 feet and has a nice pull up jumper off the dribble.  Jakolis has played on the Croatian national team so he has big game experience.  He is ranked 86th at his position according to ESPN.

Richie Edwards

Justin "Richie" Edwards comes in as JUCO transfer from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.  He is built similarly to Jakolis at 6'8'' 215 pounds.  Edwards averaged 15.6ppg and 7.7rpg this past season and hit 40% of his three point attempts.  "Richie is a high post four-man who is very offensive minded," Hillsborough coach Byron Samuels said. "He is working on being more of a complete player and to become a better rebounder, but he'll be able to help Valparaiso right away."  Sounds like he will be able to step in and fill the void left by Johnson, and probably be a more potent outside shooter then Johnson ever was.  I'm hearing he will also lead the Crusaders in tatoo's as he is well inked.  Edwards was ranked 28th at his position coming out of high school by ESPN.

Ben Boggs

Ben Boggs is the third recruit and another transfer.  Boggs comes to Valpo from Virginia Tech.  He is a 6'3'' shooting guard who was ranked 56th at his position coming out of high school by ESPN.  Boggs will look to step into a already crowded backcourt and look to stretch the opposing defense.

So far this has been a solid recruiting class for Coach Drew.  He has brought in several guys with collegiate playing experience as well as a third guy who has played in national competitions.  With one more recruit to go, lets hope Coach Drew and his staff can find another big body to play in the paint.  Let's also hope they get lucky and Brandon Wood decides it is in his best interest to return to Valparaiso.

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