Valpo All Decade Team 2000-2010

For my first post I thought I would get into my selection for Valpo's All Decade team for the 2000's. The decade started out with Valpo's normal dominance in the Mid-Con and would see the Crusaders switch conferences and go through some tough rebuilding years, but ultimately set themselves back oncourse by the end of the decade.

The ground rules I set for myself in picking this team are that they had to play at least 2 years within the decade (2000-01 to 2009-10), stats, and intangibles such as team success and leadership values. Next I picked by position ( 1 center, 2 forwards, and 2 guards) and I also picked a sixth man as they are as valuable to the team as any starter. I had the privilege of watching 4 out of the 6 during my undergrad days (03-07).

Guard - Brandon McPherson(2005-10): Brandon provided Valpo a steady hand during his career. He has played in more games for Valpo than any other player and his steadiness and timely 3 point shots made him a valuable asset for Valpo's transition into the Horizon League. He helped the team go 22-14 and a surprising 9-9 in conference play during his junior year and Valpo's first in the Horizon. Brandon ranks 10th in assists, 9th in 3 point field goal percentage, and 8th in 3 point shots made for his career.

Guard - Ali Berdiel(2001-2006): Another great floor general for Valpo during the mid decade Ali was my favorite player during my freshman year at Valpo. His defensive prowess and skill at setting up the offense was no doubt a key to Valpo's 20 and 18 win seasons in 02-03 and 03-04. Ali was even honored with 2nd team all Mid-Con honors for his work during the 03-04 season in which the Crusaders won the regular season title, but lost in a heartbreaker in the conference tournament title game. Ali finished his career with the Crusaders ranked 3rd in career assists, 5th in total games played, and 3rd in steals.

Forward - Dan Oppland(2002-2006): Dan was the anchor of the the Valpo team during some of the lean years of the mid decade. His offensive skills allowed him to keep Valpo in games on a nightly basis. Those skills allowed him to post 21 pts against Duke during the 04-05 season and 16 pts later that year against the eventual national runner up in Illinois. Dan was recognized for his abilities by being named to the Mid-Con all conference 2nd team his sophomore year and 1st team selections his junior and senior years. He ranks 3rd in career points, 3rd in total rebounds, and 7th in field goal percentage at Valpo.

Forward - Lubos Barton(1998-2002): Perhaps one of the greatest players to ever play for Valpo Lubos helped guide Valpo to 24 and 25 win seasons during his junior and senior years. He was a standout on what were some truly talented teams. He capped off his career by not only helping guide Valpo to the NCAA tournament, but also by being named Mid-Con player of the year. He produced from the beginning by not only being named to the conference All-Newcomer team, but also by making 1st team all conference as a freshman. He made second team all conference during his sophomore and junior years. He truly was an all around player as he finished his career at Valpo ranked 1st in career steals, 2nd in 3 point shots made, 4th in points scored, 4th in rebounds, 6th in assists, 7th in blocked shots, 8th in field goals, and 8th in free throws made.

Center - Raitis Grafs(1999-2003): A teammate of Lubos, Raitis was also able to distinguish himself in the first part of the decade. As a top prospect out of Latvia Raitis contributed immediately during his freshman year and was named to the Mid-Con newcomer team. He would follow that up by being named 1st team all conference during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He also helped guide Valpo to 3 straight 20 win seasons during that stretch. He undoubtedly was a mentor to Oppland during his senior year. Raitis ranks 1st in career blocked shots at Valpo, 2nd in free throws made, 2nd in games played, 2nd in rebounds, 3rd in field goal percentage, 5th in points, 6th in field goals, and 8th in steals. He is arguably the MVP during the 2000's for Valpo.

6th Man - Jake Diebler(2005-2009): Energy, toughness, and the willingness to do what it takes for the team to win are the traits of the perfect sixth man and just happen to be the traits Diebler exhibited on the court. Perhaps my favorite player from my time at Valpo Jake provided invaluable leardership to the Crusaders. He helped McPherson lead the Crusaders to 22 wins his junior year and which was the first in the Horizon League. What he may lack in statistics he made up for in will and determination. He finished his career ranked 17th in assists and 10th in steals. He continues to serve Valpo as the Director of Basketball Operations.

Let me know what you think about the selections, as with any list such as this there are bound to be some controversial choices. Feel free to let us know who is on your all decade team.

More on me and pay for play in the NCAA later this week.

A complete look at all Valpo records can be found here. Other information also retrieved from ESPN.com, the Valpo Athletic site, and my own personal memories.