VALPARAISO, Ind. — It’s been a trying first year in the Missouri Valley Conference for a Valparaiso men’s basketball team unaccustomed to losing much at all, let alone sitting by itself in last place in its league.
In the 22-year period from 1995-2017 as a member of the Horizon League, Valparaiso earned eight NCAA tournament bids and four NIT appearances, earning 14 championships. They reached the NIT championship game two years ago.
The Valley’s move last spring to replace departing Wichita State with Valpo was universally applauded throughout the conference.
“I don’t think we could’ve found anybody better,” Evansville coach Marty Simmons said in the preseason, speaking for many.