my.nwi.com

Valparaiso coach Homer Drew immediately offered up a no comment when I asked him about the scrimmage, but his answer had more to do with NCAA rules than it did the outcome. (Message board rumors state that the Crusaders won 72-54).

For clarification, the NCAA stipulates that teams can't participate in exhibition contests against other Division I teams or teams made up of former collegiate players. In years past, clubs such as Marathon Oil would send regional all-star teams all over the country to play teams. There were times when VU alums would play on these teams against the Crusaders.

The latest trend in college basketball is that Division I teams will hold a closed scrimmage with each other. Marquette and Virgina did so this year and Valparaiso has done so in the past with Northwestern. The catch is that fans (and media) aren't allowed in the building.

Try as I may, I couldn't get anyone to give me details about the scrimmage other than someone telling me that freshman guard Tommy Kurth was a bright spot.

While it would be nice to know how the scrimmage went, I'm going to settle for Friday night when the Crusaders travel to Ball State. I'll be there, anxious to see how this season starts to unfold.