Valparaiso men’s basketball head coach Bryce Drew has finalized his staff for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.  Jake Diebler is now an assistant coach, joining Roger Powell Jr. and Luke Gore as full-time assistants on the Crusaders’ staff, while Will Phipps has joined the Valpo men’s basketball program as the team’s director of basketball operations.

Diebler moves into his new role as a full-time assistant in his third year on the Crusaders’ bench.  He served last season as the program’s director of basketball operations, helping Valpo to 23 wins and a postseason berth, after opening his tenure as a student assistant during the 2009-2010 campaign.  Prior to joining the coaching staff, Diebler played from 2005-2009 for the Crusaders, setting a new program Division I record by starting 98 consecutive games over the final three seasons of his career.

“Jake has been a great example of what hard work and determination can do,” said Drew.  “He is a relentless worker who absolutely loves being on the floor working with players.  He has a great intensity and passion in everything he does in life, which are great attributes for a coach to have.  We look forward to increasing his role in the Valpo basketball program this year.”

Phipps comes to Valpo from Georgia Tech, where he worked as video coordinator for the Yellow Jackets for the last two seasons.  During his tenure, Phipps helped Georgia Tech to the second round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, as well as the 2010 ACC Tournament finals, and helped produce three NBA draft picks.  Prior to his time at Georgia Tech, Phipps spent four years as a manager at Baylor, including serving as head manager for the Bears as a senior.

“We are very excited to have Will join Valparaiso University and our basketball program,” said Drew.  “He brings some quality years of college basketball experience with him, having been part of the Baylor and Georgia Tech programs.  Our program will benefit from him tremendously, as he has a great work ethic and passion for the game.”