Valparaiso University has been picked to finish sixth in the Horizon League for the 2008-2009 season according to the preseason poll selected by the league’s head coaches, sports information directors, and media members.

            The Crusaders garnered 179 points in the balloting, while 10-time defending champion Green Bay was picked to win the title again with 284 points.  Wright State was selected to finish second, one point ahead of third place pick Milwaukee.  Cleveland State and Butler were selected ahead of the Crusaders while UIC, Loyola, Youngstown State, and Detroit rounded out the poll respectively.

            Head coach Keith Freeman’s squad returns 11 letterwinners, including all five starters, from last year’s team which finished 14-16 overall and 9-9 in the conference placing sixth in its inaugural Horizon League campaign.

            The Crusaders will kick off the 2008-2009 season with Valpo Hoops Mania at the Athletics-Recreation Center.  Doors open at 9:15 p.m. with the main event beginning at 10 p.m.  Valpo opens exhibition play on November 1 at home against Concordia (Wis.) at 1:35 p.m. before the regular season opens on November 19 when the Crusaders host Bowling Green.