VALPARAISO | After enduring a 9-22 season, returning members of the Valparaiso men's basketball team have been doing everything they can to erase the bitter memories of last season from their minds.
From competing in international play all over the world to battling against NBA players in intense pickup games, the returning players, as well as the newcomers, are proving that there is no offseason in college basketball.
"Their work shows that they have a passion to get better in the game of basketball," Valparaiso coach Homer Drew said. "We're thrilled as coaches to know that our players are working hard every day."
Junior forward Michael Rogers won a gold medal with his native Jamaica at the Caribbean Basketball Championships earlier this month. Rogers averaged 3.6 points in five games while playing alongside Louisville star Samardo Samuels and a host of players who have played professionally.
"Being a college student and playing against guys who have played overseas and in Mexico, it gave me confidence," Rogers said. "It was really good preparation to play and it will help when I play against people my own age."
Junior guard Howard Little has spent much of his summer on the court, and he had the opportunity to match up alongside NBA players Carlos Boozer and Jason Williams. Boozer is a dominating big man for the Utah Jazz while Jason Williams is a pass-savvy point guard who is currently a free agent.
"To play with them was an honor," Little said. "They talk and act just like college guys. When you play against them, the NBA guys, they just want you to be normal. They're not taking pictures after the game; they just want to compete with you."
While Boozer is the bigger name, Little raved about the passing ability of Williams and the work ethic that it takes to play in the NBA.
"Playing with them is motivating," Little said. "Seeing what they did best, and that is what got them to the NBA -- that makes me want to work on the things that I need to do to get better."
Australians Cameron Witt and Ryan Broekhoff just finished up competing overseas for their national teams. Witt appeared in two contests at the World University Games before suffering a minor injury that kept him on the bench for the rest of the tournament. Broekhoff, an incoming freshman, averaged 7.0 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game at the FIBA U19 World Championships in New Zealand.
Earlier this summer, junior forward Cory Johnson and sophomore guard Brandon Wood played in Poland and Germany with Athletes in Action.
"Our players are traveling, representing their countries, and they are getting better," Drew said. "The real challenge for us will be to figure out how much time they need off and that becomes a fine line as we get ready for the season."
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Valparaiso summer highlights
Howard Little (Jr., G) -- Competed against NBA players Carlos Boozer and Jason Williams
Michael Rogers (Jr., F) -- Won Gold Medal at the Caribbean Basketball Championships
Cory Johnson (Jr., F) and Brandon Wood (So., G) -- Traveled to Poland and Germany with Athletes in Action
Cameron Witt (So., C) -- Represented Australia at the World University Games
Ryan Broekhoff (Fr., G) -- Represented Australia at the FIBA U19 World Championships
Matt Kenney (Fr., G) -- Indiana All-Star
