By Kevin Sweeney

One of the most fascinating storylines of the offseason has just been resolved, as Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports is reporting that star forward Alec Peters will return to Valparaiso for his senior season. 

After concluding a junior season in which he averaged over 18 points per game while being on track to graduate in the spring, Peters was left with plenty of options for next season. He could enter the draft, graduate and transfer, or return to Valparaiso. He entered the draft without an agent and waited until the latest possible date to announce his decision to return to school. However, he still had the option to transfer to play his final season at a larger school. Many floated the idea that he could follow former Valparaiso head coach Bryce Drew to Vanderbilt. However, Peters chose to return to Valparaiso, immediately making the Crusaders the favorite in the Horizon League. 

For Valparaiso, Peters’ decision is huge for their NCAA Tournament hopes. Valparaiso is looking to replace 4 out of their top 6 scorers from last year’s team, as well as their head coach. Peters gives the Crusaders a leader to help a young team, as well as an absolute superstar. Peters’ versatile game makes him a matchup nightmare, especially at the mid-major level. Valparaiso will look to bounce back from being upset in last year’s Horizon League Tournament and return to the NCAA Tournament for the 3rd time in 5 years.