Event Information
Valparaiso University will host a virtual panel featuring Valpo Basketball legends on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. Central Time in advance of that evening’s 5 p.m. game against Indiana State at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
With a $25 gift to “Victory for Valpo,” participants will receive a customized ticket stub that will be distributed via email along with a private Zoom link to join the conversation. The panel will feature Ryan Broekhoff ’13, Erik Buggs ’13 and Vashil Fernandez ’14, ’15 M.S., ’16 M.S. It will be moderated by longtime play-by-play broadcaster Todd Ickow ‘18H.
Fans will have the opportunity to pre-submit questions in advance of the event or ask their questions live during the session.
One of the most decorated players in the program’s storied history, Broekhoff was the 2011-12 Horizon League Player of the Year as a junior and was selected by the Associated Press as an Honorable Mention All-American that season. A two-time First Team All-Horizon League selection, Broekhoff ranks seventh in program history in points scored (1,591), tied for third in rebounds (841), third in 3-pointers made (252) and fifth in blocked shots (100). Broekhoff has played professionally since his Valpo career concluded, most notably playing in 59 NBA games for the Dallas Mavericks over two seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20).
After being a part of the memorable 2013 senior class that led Valpo to an NCAA Tournament berth during its senior season, Buggs went on to play professionally overseas. He owns the program record for games played, having appeared in 138 contests during his Valpo tenure. The Memphis native was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 Horizon League Tournament after scoring 22 points in the championship game against Wright State. He also ranks among Valpo’s all-time leaders in assists (425, fourth) and steals (157, t-sixth).
Like Broekhoff and Buggs, Fernandez has gone on to play professionally following his time on Valpo’s campus. The Kingston, Jamaica native was a fan favorite during his time at Valpo while evolving into one of the best defensive players in the nation. He was named the Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com as a senior after leading the nation at 3.31 blocks per game. A two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, Fernandez owns the top two single-season block totals in Valpo history including a program-record 119 rejections as a senior.
Ickow is in his 30th year calling Valpo Athletics and his 29th as the Voice of Valpo Basketball. He will moderate the session prior to handling ESPN3/ESPN+ play-by-play duties for that evening’s home finale against instate foe Indiana State.
Learn more about this benefit event and register at alumni.valpo.edu/v4v227.