Valparaiso Beacons head coach Roger Powell Jr. is leveraging his Chicago roots to build the program, as seen during a December 16, 2025 game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Powell, a former Illinois standout, was photographed conferring with guard Justus McNair during the first half. The story, reported by Jonathan Lidskin for SB Nation on November 11, 2026, highlights Powell's local recruiting ties.
Roger Powell Jr. Builds Valparaiso Program Through Chicago Connections
