Makes a hell of a difference when you are playing for a team that has fans/students that care about you and celebrate with you
@vu72 You make a good point. If Cooper goes back to Wake next year, one would think it’s for half the money—or less—than he got this season. Some of these guys may still have a chance to make similar money after this year, but in All and Coopers case its most likely less, but the real question becomes opportunity.
They can stay where they are and accept a smaller deal with a clearer role, or they can transfer again chasing a paycheck that may not actually be higher—just different—while hoping for more opportunity. That’s where the strategy comes in.
Take Chaney as an example. Does he take something like $200K to stay at Valpo, knowing that his development trajectory and opportunity could put him in position to make $2 million after year two at a high‑major program? That’s the tradeoff: immediate money versus long‑term upside.
As the portal game continues to evolve, I do think we’ll start seeing more decisions like this, where players weigh role, development, and future earning potential just as much as the current NIL number.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cooper stays at Wake for something like $400–500K, or transfers to an A‑10 school for similar money where he can consistently start and play a prominent role, rather than logging spot minutes with limited production. In today’s environment, that might be the smarter long‑term play—especially when you factor in a coach who has proven he can develop guys like Powell. That kind of track record absolutely matters and can raise a player’s overall earning ceiling over the life of their eligibility.
I think the above is really important and will be examples that Valpo will use to hopefully retain these guys. Cooper is a perfect example. Yes he is struggling at the high major level but he made 7 figures because he first stayed 2 years at Valpo. All should have jumped when he did, after the conference tournament that he had. With that being said, All and Coop found perfect landing spots on mediocre teams with holes at their position. They both got a ton of playing time and both have struggled, especially in conference play. Again, great examples for Valpo to show our current guys that the grass isn't always greener. If the goal is to play professionally or optimize your NIL pay, leaving too early and exposing yourself may not be the best idea. I could see All dropping a level, hoping to dominate again, and parlaying that into one last big payday as a senior. Coop only has one year left so I am not sure what he does.
Makes a hell of a difference when you are playing for a team that has fans/students that care about you and celebrate with you
For sure!!!!!! If we have any chance and getting some of these guys to return, this will certainly help. Playing basketball at Valpo is fun right now. With the crowds we had last year (even with improvement in our record), it was near impossible to convince those kids to stay. At least now Valpo has some momentum and a few selling points.
@vu72 You make a good point. If Cooper goes back to Wake next year, one would think it’s for half the money—or less—than he got this season. Some of these guys may still have a chance to make similar money after this year, but in All and Coopers case its most likely less, but the real question becomes opportunity.
They can stay where they are and accept a smaller deal with a clearer role, or they can transfer again chasing a paycheck that may not actually be higher—just different—while hoping for more opportunity. That’s where the strategy comes in.
Take Chaney as an example. Does he take something like $200K to stay at Valpo, knowing that his development trajectory and opportunity could put him in position to make $2 million after year two at a high‑major program? That’s the tradeoff: immediate money versus long‑term upside.
As the portal game continues to evolve, I do think we’ll start seeing more decisions like this, where players weigh role, development, and future earning potential just as much as the current NIL number.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cooper stays at Wake for something like $400–500K, or transfers to an A‑10 school for similar money where he can consistently start and play a prominent role, rather than logging spot minutes with limited production. In today’s environment, that might be the smarter long‑term play—especially when you factor in a coach who has proven he can develop guys like Powell. That kind of track record absolutely matters and can raise a player’s overall earning ceiling over the life of their eligibility.
I think the above is really important and will be examples that Valpo will use to hopefully retain these guys. Cooper is a perfect example. Yes he is struggling at the high major level but he made 7 figures because he first stayed 2 years at Valpo. All should have jumped when he did, after the conference tournament that he had. With that being said, All and Coop found perfect landing spots on mediocre teams with holes at their position. They both got a ton of playing time and both have struggled, especially in conference play. Again, great examples for Valpo to show our current guys that the grass isn't always greener. If the goal is to play professionally or optimize your NIL pay, leaving too early and exposing yourself may not be the best idea. I could see All dropping a level, hoping to dominate again, and parlaying that into one last big payday as a senior. Coop only has one year left so I am not sure what he does.
I'd say Wright has faired better at Xavier and could be a candidate to return. He's filled basically a third guard role fairly well and going into his 3rd collegiate season he probably can be looked at as a candidate to improve his stock right where he is.
I look at Schweiger's season as nothing less than a bust. He's simply overmatched in that league. I'll be surprised if he's not elsewhere next year.
For Valpo I think Pettigrew is going to move for sure and I think he's got a great chance to be a solid contributor wherever he ends up. The rest of the roster I'd think would have limited opportunity to really shine elsewhere.
Reading this thread, I am struck by so many messages with the focus on tentative player retention, especially after such a good win to close the home season. I agree with all that has been written in those posts by forum members, and they reflect the same bittersweet feelings I had at the end of last night's game. I celebrated the success I had hoped would occur, guaranteeing a winning season overall and in conference play. However, like others I also thought about how this situation points out more clearly the damage done to mid-major programs by recent changes in NIL and transfer portals.
In his post-game interview with Todd, Coach Powell declared J.T. as the best freshman in the MVC. When considering this would be the third consecutive year with Valpo placing the conference's finest freshman on the court, and how well Powell is at developing these talents, I can only imagine how great expectations for the team next year could have been, and how prominent the program could have become under previous rules as each of these players grew stronger and better over time the way Bryce, Rowdy, and Alec (among others) once did.
Reading this thread, I am struck by so many messages with the focus on tentative player retention, especially after such a good win to close the home season. I agree with all that has been written in those posts by forum members, and they reflect the same bittersweet feelings I had at the end of last night's game. I celebrated the success I had hoped would occur, guaranteeing a winning season overall and in conference play. However, like others I also thought about how this situation points out more clearly the damage done to mid-major programs by recent changes in NIL and transfer portals.
In his post-game interview with Todd, Coach Powell declared J.T. as the best freshman in the MVC. When considering this would be the third consecutive year with Valpo placing the conference's finest freshman on the court, and how well Powell is at developing these talents, I can only imagine how great expectations for the team next year could have been, and how prominent the program could have become under previous rules as each of these players grew stronger and better over time the way Bryce, Rowdy, and Alec (among others) once did.
To continue the topic, I don’t want to lose this perspective: how much the portal has helped Valpo this year compared to last season.
A big reason is Roger Powell. He’s proven to be a strong talent evaluator, but just as importantly, he’s created a culture built on trust, selflessness, and belief. He’s a likable coach who players want to play for, and that matters more than ever in the portal era.
Look at Shon. Powell found him at the NAIA level when others didn’t believe in him. Quietly, he’s become one of the better defensive bigs in the conference—athletic, active on the offensive glass, and surprisingly disciplined in staying out of foul trouble. If he continues to develop offensively, there’s no reason he couldn’t be a high‑major player.
Then there’s Brody, coming from the D‑II level. He’s outplaying most guards in the conference collectively and has provided unbelievable leadership and experienced stability to a very young team. Again, Powell identified him when others passed.
Owen Dease is another example. He came from a low‑major program and has turned into one of Valpo’s best offensive performers. I honestly don’t know what his market was at the time, but I had never heard of him before this season—and now he’s a major reason for our success.
Valpo isn’t the most attractive destination on paper, and it never will be. But Powell has “won” in the transfer portal for the same reason he’s excelled at developing Freshman of the Year winners: he sees players others overlook, puts them in positions to succeed, and gives them trust and opportunity.
If Powell can retain even a specific core of this group for one more year and fill in with incoming transfers, it could slingshot this program toward the front of the league. That’s why this offseason is so critical. Given how this season has played out, what happens next could define the trajectory of Valpo basketball under Powell.
Many good points on this board. You could argue, statistically speaking, Cooper has been a bust. Either he's being used wrong, he's lost confidence or he's in the wrong system. Would his stats be different somewhere else, improved. Who knows. It does suck that Pettigrew is likely gone after this year unless they come up with 500-800K. Even if they could, likely a better offer than that somewhere else. If they returned him and return many of the core guys, and only loose Whitaker, Dease. This team would be a favorite to finish in the top 3 next year. I didn't read into Chaney's comments as much. They are speaking in the moment fresh of a good ending. It's clear they love playing for Powell. I found the MVC message boards very interesting. Lengthy convo on the best coaches in the league and a couple of posters had a debate comparing Schertz at Indiana State and Powell. VERY GOOD Thread. Basically, summarizing, Powell is good at identifying good young talent with a place with little resources, but unsure of his coaching abilities because players don't stay. I think most fans and teams around the league definetly see the good job Powell is doing and questioning how long will he stay at Valpo. Bitter sweet is definitely the best way to describe it at the moment. Look forward to the tournament and the Ford Center will be a library on Saturday. Ragland is gone after their first round exit in St. Louis, fans are apathetic in Ace country now.
P.S. Dease is due for a few breakout games.
Many Would his stats be different somewhere else, . Lengthy convo on the best coaches in the league and a couple of posters had a debate comparing Schertz at Indiana State and Powell. VERY GOOD Thread. Basically, summarizing, Powell is good at identifying good young talent with a place with little resources, but unsure of his coaching abilities because players don't stay. I think most fans and teams around the league definetly see the good job Powell is doing and questioning how long will he stay at Valpo.
Look...all I said was that I value powell more than I value ISU shertz because, although not a head coach, Powell was a core recruiter for Gonzaga (a national powerhouse) and helped them get more than a few key players that turned into great athletes.....
If memory serves he was the primary portal pounder for them once the portal became a staple
I will first say we need to enjoy this season for what it is! Powell had a vision of what he needed to compete in the Valley and set out and accomplished that. He has embraced this new era more than most College Basketball Coaches. We also need to remember, last year he too frequently talked about not having the right players to compete. As much as last players loved him, they still heard that constantly. That has to way on a bunch 19 to 21 year old kids. You don’t hear any of that this year. You just hear about us being young and growing and developing. Also, recall that he talked about a 2 year plan for his best players. So, hopefully retention is possible. I think more of the freshman will stay this year, because there is obvious upside to there development. Only time will tell, for now, let’s just WIN!
I will first say we need to enjoy this season for what it is! Powell had a vision of what he needed to compete in the Valley and set out and accomplished that. He has embraced this new era more than most College Basketball Coaches. We also need to remember, last year he too frequently talked about not having the right players to compete. As much as last players loved him, they still heard that constantly. That has to way on a bunch 19 to 21 year old kids. You don’t hear any of that this year. You just hear about us being young and growing and developing. Also, recall that he talked about a 2 year plan for his best players. So, hopefully retention is possible. I think more of the freshman will stay this year, because there is obvious upside to there development. Only time will tell, for now, let’s just WIN!
Great post. So much unknown the minute this and every season ends. What we do know is the present reality, which has Valpo in the midst of the best MVC season in history, 9 wins in their last 12 games (I think), and a team that nobody wants to play next week. Regardless of how the crapshoot that is Arch Madness shakes out, I think TJ is correct........ we just need to enjoy this season while we have it. In year 1 and 2, Powell kept saying "Stick with us Valpo, it is going to be special." We got a few days of "special" at Arch Madness last year and this year has proven to be special thus far. Just enjoy it before we worry about next year.
