Chaney Named MVC Freshman of the Week
Valparaiso University men’s basketball freshman Rakim Chaney (Rockford, Ill. / Rockford Auburn [212 Sports Academy]) was recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference on Monday as he was tabbed the league’s Freshman of the Week.
Chaney averaged 21.0 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game over two contests this week, going 14-of-22 shooting (63.6 percent) and 8-of-12 (66.7 percent) from 3. He also dished out 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game, helping the Beacons to a 2-0 week.
In Wednesday’s 68-63 victory over Nicholls, Chaney’s 24 points led all scorers while he also racked up six rebounds, three assists and two steals. He was 8-of-11 from the floor and 4-of-5 from 3.
Chaney became the first Valpo player with a 24-point, six-rebound game that included eight made field goals and four made 3s since 2023. If you toss in the three assists and two steals, he was the first Valpo player since 2018 with that stat line. Chaney became the first Valpo freshman to make eight shots and four 3s as part of a game that featured at least 24 points and at least six rebounds since Alec Peters on Dec. 14, 2013 vs. Loyola Marymount.
Chaney became the second freshman nationally with a 24-point, six-rebound game featuring eight made field goals and four made 3s this season, joining Duke’s Cameron Boozer. Chaney followed up Wednesday’s performance with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in Sunday’s 68-50 win over Bryant. he became only the fifth Valpo freshman since 2010 with an 18 or more points and eight or more rebounds in a game, joining Cooper Schwieger, Sheldon Edwards, Alec Peters (three times) and Ryan Broekhoeff. Chaney shot 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3 on Sunday, his second straight game with four made triples. This was the first time a Valpo freshman had at least 18 points, eight rebounds and four made 3s in a game since Alec Peters in 2013.
This marks the 15th time that a Valpo player has earned the league’s Freshman of the Week award since head coach Roger Powell Jr. arrived at Valpo prior to the 2023-24 season.