Six with Six

MBB: Darius DeAveiro sits down with The Victory Bell as Valley play resumes

Darius DeAveiro is something of a throwback college basketball player.

In an era where immediate gratification, or the lack thereof, often gives way to the transfer portal, the idea of a player waiting his turn and being allowed to develop into a key contributor often goes by the wayside.

People have been trying to label DeAveiro a bust since he arrived at Valparaiso. The Canadian point guard was left to duel it out with a walk-on for playing time his freshman year and then struggled putting the ball in the basket as a sophomore, so much so that opposing defenses would dare him to shoot.

When the coaching staff that recruited DeAveiro got let go last spring, the rising junior could’ve easily looked for greener pastures. Instead, DeAveiro became something of a one-man Valparaiso welcoming committee for Roger Powell Jr. When a new player committed, DeAveiro was there with a text and an offer to help with anything his new teammate might need.

DeAveiro committed himself to getting better. Knowing that playing time would be available, and that he would be among the most experienced players on the roster, DeAveiro dove headfirst into summer workouts. With two seasons of college basketball under his belt, DeAveiro was ready to take the next step into being a key contributor.

He’s done just that in a multitude of ways. Off the court, DeAveiro is a captain and he’s continued playing the role of big brother while also blending in seamlessly with his new teammates. On the court, DeAveiro has a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, is averaging nearly six points per game and has turned into a passable threat from the 3-point line.

Ahead of Valparaiso resuming play in the Missouri Valley Conference on Wednesday night against Bradley, DeAveiro sat down for a conversation with The Victory Bell.