The Valparaiso University men's basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of 6-foot-7 forward JT Pettigrew (Lisle, Ill. / Bolingbrook), who has signed to continue his basketball career at Valpo as an incoming freshman for the 2025-26 season.
 
"What made me want to come to Valpo is that the coaching staff was great," Pettigrew said. "The team was a family. I love the campus and the style that they play. It's also not far from home. Those were all factors in my decision."
 
Pettigrew averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game as a high school junior last season. He recorded a triple-double (points/rebounds/blocks), only the second in school history.
 
"Coach Powell was telling me that he played just like me in high school and college," Pettigrew said. "He can help me become a better basketball player. Every one of the coaches at Valpo is very qualified and I look forward to working with the staff."
 
Pettigrew was named the MVP of the Decatur Turkey Tournament, earned first team all-tournament honors at the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic and garnered first team all-conference honors. He was also tabbed a second-team all-state performer by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and second-team all-state media (formerly AP). His long list of honors also includes first team Joliet Herald News, Illinois Hoop Prospects All-Junior Team and Illinois Hoop Prospects All-Defensive Team.
 
"Valpo is getting one of the best I have ever coached in JT Pettigrew," Bolingbrook High School coach Rob Brost said. "He sets the standard for our program in all areas. On top of his basketball exploits, he is one of the best human beings I know."
 
JT's mother Bonnie Bremner-Pettigrew was an All-American, the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year during her volleyball career at Penn State, where she was the setter for a national championship team. His father Titcus Pettigrew played football and basketball for the Nittany Lions. His brother Trey plays collegiately at Eastern Michigan after stops at Nevada and Bradley.
 
"My older brother used to go to Bradley, so I know that there are a ton of good teams in the Missouri Valley Conference," Pettigrew said. "It's going to be fun and super competitive. I've worked hard for this my whole life. It's refreshing that I've found a great home that is a perfect fit for me. Signing with Valpo is a surreal moment."
 
Pettigrew, who plans to major in business, had a good talk with one of the professors during his visit to campus. Away from the court, he enjoys golfing, cooking and traveling. He used to be a good snowboarder, but gave up that hobby. On the court, he prides himself on versatility.
 
"I'm a versatile player," Pettigrew said. "I can pop out and shoot it. I'm aggressive on the boards and can guard all five positions."
 
Pettigrew is an honor roll student with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.
 
"He's an unbelievable kid," Powell said. "It's great to get another Bolingbrook kid. We've got a great pipeline there. He's a versatile, long, rangy forward who will help in the future with rebounding, scoring and versatility on defense. JT is a great gift for us from Bolingbrook."