The Valparaiso University men's basketball program has announced the addition of Bruno Alocen (Barcelona, Spain / Manresa [Indiana State]), a 6-foot-6 guard who will join the Beacons as a junior in 2026-2027 after spending his first two collegiate campaigns in the Missouri Valley Conference at Indiana State.
 
"I was sold on Valpo when Coach Jesse [McClung] started talking to me and explaining the culture," Alocen said. "I knew how Valpo was because I played them twice last season and three times this season. Seeing all of the guys who they were returning combined with the fact that Owen Dease and Brody Whitaker were graduating, I knew there would be a big opportunity for me. It was great vibes between me and the coaching staff. Seeing all of the good things that they're doing including all of the returning players means something to me."
 
Alocen played in 64 games and made 24 starts over his two seasons in Terre Haute, averaging 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game as a sophomore this season. He scored in double figures seven times this season including four of the season's final eight contests. Alocen registered a career-high 17 points on Feb. 9 vs. Southern Illinois.
 
"I'm a super energetic guy," Alocen said. "I love to win. I'm someone who wants to make his teammates better; I'm not a selfish person. I love to put my teammates in the right position for them to succeed. I'm a 3-point threat, I have length on defense and I'm a guy who can do it all when I have confidence."
 
An 80 percent free-throw shooter (40-of-50 in 2025-26), Alocen dropped in 37 made 3s this season, the third most on his team. He grabbed a season-high seven rebounds on Feb. 3 against Evansville and had a personal-best seven assists on Feb. 21 against Belmont. Alocen made 15 starts as a true freshman before earning his way back into the starting lineup for the final nine games of his sophomore campaign.
 
"I think Coach Powell is a winner," Alocen said. "He develops players at a high level. He played at a high level in the United States and overseas. He can teach me how to take the next step in my basketball career, plus he's a really good human being. I look forward to being around good people, and I know Coach Powell is one of those."
 
Alocen has experience representing his country as he has played for the Spanish national team. He plans to arrive in Valpo in early June before leaving to start Spanish national team training camp on June 16 prior to the U20 European Championship in Slovenia from July 10-21.
 
"Having the opportunity to play with the national team is super cool," Alocen said. "I've made really good friendships through the national team, and I'm looking forward to having that opportunity again this summer."
 
Alocen began playing basketball at age 4 and was coached by his father until age 12. He comes from a basketball family as his grandfather, father and mother all played the sport.
 
"Adapting to the college game was a little bit different at the beginning as I had to adapt to a different physicality," Alocen said. "The Missouri Valley Conference is a good league, so I came straight into a good league. Although it was difficult at first, I've been able to make the adjustment."
 
Alocen is majoring in sport management and wants to eventually become a sports agent when his basketball career is over. In his free time, he enjoys being social and talking to people.
 
"I'm really excited about Bruno's experience, not only in college basketball, but also in our conference," Valpo head coach Roger Powell Jr. said. "He made big plays against us each of the three times we played Indiana State, so we know he has the ability to make big plays in Valley games. We're excited about his addition."