Brandon Newman Back With Valparaiso For Upcoming Season
The state of Indiana has been consistently losing a player or two over the last half decade to out-of-state programs, prep school powerhouses, but in a turn of events, they got one back on Sunday as Valparaiso native Brandon Newman will be heading back to his hometown program instead of attending Montverde Academy (FL) this coming season.
Newman, a 6’4 wing shooter, announced earlier this summer that he would be leaving Valparaiso (IN) and was going to head down to Florida to attend well-known powerhouse Montverde Academy. However, with a situation looming with his family, Newman is heading back to give Valparaiso a serious talent and put them back in the conversation for one of the top teams in the state. It wasn’t a well kept secret this summer that Newman could be on the way out, looking to possible get some more seasoning against a higher level of competition and that was the main driving factor behind his decision. He found his footing this summer on the circuit playing with Meanstreets and his stock was soaring all spring and summer long.
Newman has picked up offers from IPFW, Toledo, North Dakota, Miami (OH), Valparaiso, IUPUI, Xavier, UW-Milwaukee, Loyola (IL), Rhode Island, Creighton, Florida State, Illinois State, Kansas State, Purdue, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State. His recruitment, had gone national and many schools were interested. However, the word surrounding him was that things could always bring him back home, one way or another. Now, at least for the time being, he will stay in-state to finish out his high school career.
For Valparaiso, they have a really good group of talent coming back with Newman leading the way. Bethel College commit Nathan Aerts also had a big summer and should really find some more room in his game with pressure being directed more at Newman now. Colton Jones and Cooper Jones are two sophomores that had an impact a year ago and should see more playing time. They also have a pair of freshman coming in that could ultimately factor into this teams success too.
This also puts Newman in position to vie for the Mr. Basketball award. After Keion Brooks Jr. left the state, only really Trayce Jackson-Davis was really in position to take the award home. However, Brandon is a good enough player, on a good 4A team, and has the ability to put up big numbers, all of that could make him a major factor once we get into the season.