The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro (La Salle, Quebec, Canada / Orangeville Prep [Western Michigan]), a 6-foot-4 guard who joins the program as a transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.

“The biggest factor in my decision to come to Valpo was the coaching staff,” De La Cruz Monegro said. “Coach Powell and I have a connection because of our faith. He played my position and was similar to me. He’s done it as a player and he’s done it as a coach. He’s been able to coach and develop big guards, so I felt comfortable joining the program with hopes of turning the program around and bringing Valpo back to the top.”

De La Cruz Monegro played in 63 games and made 61 starts over two seasons at Western Michigan, so he brings significant experience as a Division-I starter to the Beacons.

“Jefferson is a huge addition to our program,” Powell said. “I was looking to add size at the guard spot as well as experience with someone who has done it at the Division-I level. He’s another person with amazing character and faith. He’s going to be an awesome representative of Valparaiso University and will help mentor some of the great young guards that we’ve signed.”

De La Cruz Monegro averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game this past season for the Broncos. During his freshman season in 2022-23, he was one of two players on the team to start all 31 games. He over doubled his scoring average from his freshman to his sophomore season.

“I’m a leader and a great facilitator,” De La Cruz Monegro said. “I play defense and I play with a lot of energy and pace. I played a lot at Western Michigan and got thrown into the fire as a freshman. Sophomore year, I got a better feel for the college game and was able to play better. I’m going to use my experience to help the young guys, not only on the court, but as a teammate.”

The newest Canadian-born Beacon spent his final two high school years at Orangeville Prep, where he averaged 18.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. As a senior, he was a BioSteel All-Canadian selection and Second Team All-Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association honoree. He received the OSBA Sportsmanship Award. One of his favorite memories was winning the division championship and being the best school in the providence of Quebec.

De La Cruz Monegro, who will reunite with prep teammate Darius DeAveiro at Valpo, is well aware of Valpo’s tradition of successful Canadian-born players. He is connected with former Valpo standout Tevonn Walker, and the two are from the same area.

“My family has been a big support system in my career,” De La Cruz Monegro said. “Once I decided I wanted to be a basketball player, they were really supportive of that and molded me into what I am today. My parents and school instilled values in me and helped me become a leader.”

De La Cruz Monegro, who is pursuing a degree in communication, enjoys nature and fishing. He is laid back and keeps to himself, but also enjoys helping the community and being nice to people.

“If I can make a kid or anyone smile that day, that’s a good thing,” he said. “I want to get involved in the community and get to know the people in Valpo.”

The connection with Powell and Valpo as an institution comes back to his faith and values.

“I felt Coach’s energy and I felt really wanted by him and the staff,” De La Cruz Monegro said. “The more I talked with him, the more he explained why he wanted me. He had learned how big my faith was and he knew I was the type of guy he wanted leading his team. We built our relationship on faith. He mentioned that I’m a piece the team needs to get Valpo back on top. It was special that he mentioned that I’m the last piece to the puzzle.”