The Valpo men's basketball team tips off its exhibition season on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. by hosting the Cap's Basketball Academy All-Stars. The Crusaders (20-11 in 2002-03), defending Mid-Continent Conference regular season champions, will be led by seniors Joaquim Gomes and Roberto Nieves, as well as by junior Ali Berdiel.

Gomes, a 6'8" forward, earned honorable mention All-Mid-Con status last season, while Nieves, a 6'4" swingman, finished 4th in the league in 3-point field goal percentage (.404). Berdiel, a 6'6" point guard, ranked 2nd in the Mid-Con in steals (57) and 3rd in assists (4.7 per game) last season.

Cap's Basketball Academy All-Stars are comprised of former college players. The team features former Valparaiso University stars Anthony Allison and Chris Artis. Also scheduled to play are Damon Frierson of Miami (Ohio), Mike King of UIC, Tavaras Hardy and Jason Burke of Northwestern, Tony Graves of Southwest Missouri, Derick Tillmon of Southern Illinois, Dion Edward of Louisville and Brian Taylor of South Florida.