Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that Crusader men’s basketball head coach Bryce Drew has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to continue his tenure as head coach of the Valpo men’s basketball program.

“Valparaiso University is committed to building a high-quality, competitive basketball program,” said university president Mark A. Heckler. “Bryce Drew has proven himself to be a leader of character and integrity, dedicated to upholding the University’s values while striving for success, both on and off the basketball court. Coach Drew represents college basketball as it should be, and we proudly claim him as a Valpo alumnus who lives out our mission of leadership and service.”

Under Drew’s leadership in 2011-2012, the Valpo men’s basketball program captured its first Horizon League regular season championship, winning the league by two full games. Along the way, Drew was named the Horizon League Coach of the Year and guided the Crusaders to 22 victories and a berth in the postseason NIT. He also coached Valpo’s first Horizon League Player of the Year, as well as another First Team All-League selection.

“Over the last season, Bryce Drew has demonstrated that he is one of the outstanding young coaches in college basketball,” said LaBarbera. “Our Horizon League championship clearly shows his ability to lead and motivate student-athletes and do so in a way which is consistent with Valparaiso University’s values. We are excited that we’ve been able to partner with Bryce on a new contract which will keep him in a leadership role here at Valpo for the foreseeable future.”

Drew ascended to the position of head coach in May 2011 after serving for six seasons previously on the Valparaiso coaching staff, including five years as an associate head coach. A 1998 graduate of Valparaiso University, Drew was a four-year starter on the basketball court for the Crusaders and helped lead Valpo to the Sweet 16 of the 1998 NCAA Tournament. He spent six seasons in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls and Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets and played one year professionally overseas before joining the Valpo coaching staff.

“I am very appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to continue coaching at Valparaiso University,” said Drew. “We are blessed at Valpo to have outstanding vision and leadership from President Heckler and Mark LaBarbera. I am very excited to get back on the court with our team and start to prepare for next season.”