Valparaiso University men’s basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Markus Golder, a 6’6” swingman out of North Idaho College, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader men’s basketball program for the 2017-18 season. Golder will be a sophomore for the Crusaders next season and has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

“We are extremely excited to have Markus join the Valparaiso University community,” said Lottich. “He will be a welcomed addition to the academic, social and athletic scene at Valpo. On the court, Markus brings a unique athletic ability combined with a nice outside shooting touch. What we noticed very quickly with Markus is that he has a strong desire to continue to improve and is not afraid to work hard. We can't wait to get Markus on campus and start coaching him. The Valpo basketball faithful will enjoy watching Markus compete.”

As a redshirt freshman last season for the Cardinals, Golder led the team as he averaged 18.9 points per game on 55% shooting from the floor. Golder also hit at a 39% clip from 3-point range and 81% from the foul line, and registered 6.6 rebounds per game as well. He helped lead the way as North Idaho finished the season with a 25-5 record, including a 13-3 mark in Northwest Athletic Conference play, and earned the NWAC East Region title.

Golder redshirted his first year at NIC in 2015-16 after joining the Cardinals program from Clackamas [Ore.] H.S. He earned First Team All-State and All-League accolades as a senior and led the Cavaliers to back-to-back appearances in the state playoffs.

Golder is the fifth newcomer set to join the Crusaders on the court next season. Local prep stars Mileek McMillan (Merrillville) and Parker Hazen (Columbia City) signed their respective NLIs during the early signing period in November and will join the program as freshmen in 2017-18. Transfers Joe Burton (Oklahoma State) and Bakari Evelyn (Nebraska) will be eligible for the first time at Valpo next year after sitting out this season due to NCAA transfer regulations.