The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program continues to welcome local talent into the fold, as head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Ryan Fazekas, a native of Chesterton and 2015 graduate of Marquette Catholic H.S., has signed to join the Crusaders as a transfer from Providence. Fazekas will have to sit out next season and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining starting with the 2018-19 campaign.

“We are extremely excited to add Ryan to our men’s basketball program,” said Lottich. “Ryan is an elite shooter who has worked extremely hard to expand his offensive game. At his size and with his ability to make shots, he can really be an extraordinary scorer. I know Ryan is excited about joining our team and having the ability to play his collegiate basketball in front of his hometown and high school fans. Ryan is a great player and an even better person, and the Valparaiso basketball community will love watching Ryan compete and win.”

Fazekas, a 6’8”, 215 lb. swingman, appeared in 58 games in his two years with the Friars, making 19 starts. He scored 232 points over the last two years, including 56 3-pointers, and also grabbed 100 rebounds. Fazekas scored in double figures seven times for the Friars, including a career-best 17 points on five 3-pointers as a freshman against Brown.

Fazekas was a prep standout at nearby Marquette Catholic H.S., helping to lead the Blazers to the 1A state championship in 2014 – where he scored 34 points, including a title-game record seven 3-pointers – and a repeat appearance in the state title game in 2015. He averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game as a senior for the Blazers. Coming out of high school, Fazekas was named an Indiana All-Star, was nominated for the 2015 McDonald’s All-American team and was ranked the fourth best prospect in Indiana by ESPN.com.

With the addition of Fazekas, the Crusaders will boast five natives of the Hoosier State on their roster next season. He joins returnees Derrik Smits (Zionsville H.S.) and John Kiser (Noblesville H.S.) and incoming freshmen Mileek McMillan (Merrillville H.S.) and Parker Hazen (Columbia City H.S.).