Former University of Illinois standout Roger Powell Jr. is entering his second season as an assistant coach for the Valparaiso men’s basketball program in 2012-2013. Powell helped guide the Crusaders to 22 wins and the Horizon League regular season championship in his first year at Valpo, as well as a berth in the Postseason NIT.
Prior to arriving at Valpo, Powell spent the last six years playing professional basketball, including a stint with the Utah Jazz of the NBA.
A three-year starter for the Illini, Powell earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition in each of his final two seasons after being named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team as a sophomore. Powell helped Illinois to three Big Ten regular season titles and a pair of Big Ten tournament championships during his time with the Illini, as well as berths in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 and the NCAA national championship in game in 2004-2005.
Following his collegiate career, Powell played six years professionally both domestically and overseas, including a stint with the NBA’s Utah Jazz in the 2006-2007 season. Powell concluded the 2007 season with the Arkansas Rimrockers of the NBDL, leading the league with 22.3 points per game and earning the league’s Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded to the player who best represents the ideals of character and conduct on and off the court.
