Sackey: VU can win without Freeman-Liberty
Sophomore point guard calls star’s transfer ‘a surprise,’ still has high expectations
When sophomore guard Javon Freeman-Liberty informed teammates during a group chat of his intention to withdraw from the NBA draft and transfer from Valparaiso, he caught Daniel Sackey off guard.
“It was more of a surprise the fact he was transferring,” said Sackey, a 5-foot-9 sophomore point guard. “I thought he was going to keep his name in the draft. If not, I thought he’d be coming back here for one more year.”
Still, Sackey praised FreemanLiberty, who announced his transfer to DePaul on Friday. He noted they both enjoy getting out in transition and how Freeman-Liberty could keep pace with the speedy Sackey.
“I want to congratulate him on his success at Valpo,” Sackey said. “It was really fun playing with him the last two years. I’m happy for him and grateful for the time he was here.
“We can’t dwell on the fact we’re losing somebody. We have to make sure we’re all working hard and doing our part in the offseason and summer. It’s just as important as during the season. We have to do our job in the gym and develop and take care of business to get better on and off the court.”
That process has been challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The difficulty is at an all-time high right now because we can’t do anything as a team, except meet online. … We meet every week, so we’re still getting better as a team,” Sackey said. “We’re making sure we’re all doing well.”
Sackey, a Winnipeg native who has remained in Valparaiso, has been doing what he can. He’s played outside on campus, working on his shooting and ballhandling. He’s doing pushups, situps and squats, and he’s gone running, including on the track.
“I still keep my body in shape and not slack off,” Sackey said.
He also has been focusing on the mental side.
“I’m trying to increase my understanding of the game of basketball,” Sackey said. “If I can master that, I can be way more effective for my team.”
The Crusaders reached the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game in March, becoming the first opening-round team to reach the final, before losing to Bradley. Even without Freeman-Liberty, they believe they have momentum.
“In the locker room, we said we’re going to be back here without a doubt,” Sackey said. “We’re all so motivated and driven. We’re more excited for next season.
“The bar is set for this team. It’s not just to get to the championship, but to win the championship. That’s the bar. We’re excited and motivated and driven for next year.”
Sackey also dismissed the notion of people having lower expectations for the Crusaders without Freeman-Liberty.
“That’s outside noise, and we don’t bring anything inside the locker room,” he said.
Sackey said he has “loved” what he’s seen from incoming recruits — forward Jacob Ognacevic, guard/forward Connor Barrett and guard Sheldon Edwards — and that “those three freshmen are going to be really good.”
The Crusaders also received a verbal commitment on Friday from 6-6 guard/forward Goodnews Kpegeol, a Minnesota native who spent a semester at Kansas State and averaged 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists this past season as a redshirt freshman at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
Sackey said he doesn’t expect additional players to leave Valparaiso.
“I keep in touch with everybody on the team,” Sackey said. “We all check in with each other individually. All of us have a good understanding. I’d be very, very shocked if anyone else leaves. I’m very confident no one else is going to leave.”