Derrik Smits, a 7-1 post player who just completed a standout career at Valparaiso University, has signed a financial aid agreement to join the Butler basketball program. Having already graduated from Valparaiso, he will enroll in graduate courses at Butler and utilize his final season of NCAA eligibility immediately for the 2019-20 campaign.

Smits, who starred at nearby Zionsville High School during his prep career, led Valparaiso in both scoring (12.2 points per game) and rebounding (5.7 rebounds per game) during the 2018-19 season as a redshirt junior. He shot 56 percent from the field over his three seasons with the Crusaders, the third-best career mark in program history.  

"Derrik is a skilled player who possesses great size. He brings a strong academic résumé to Butler and is a high-character young man," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "His game has progressed nicely over the course of his career both in the post and with his jump shot. Derrik's size and defensive presence will also have a large impact for us right away. His addition allows us to play a bigger line-up at times next season, which will give us more versatility with this roster."

Smits scored in double figures 22 times last season, topping 20 points five times. He led the Crusaders in scoring in 12 contests and added four double-doubles. Prior to arriving at Valparaiso, Smits was selected as an Indiana All-Star in 2015 after his senior season at Zionsville.

Smits graduated from Valparaiso in December of 2018. He took graduate courses over his final semester with the Crusaders. 

His father, Rik, played 12 seasons in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers. An NBA All-Star in 1998, Smits played a key role as the Pacers advanced to the 2000 NBA Finals in his final season.

Butler, coming off its fifth consecutive postseason appearance, returns four starters for the 2019-20 season. That includes All-BIG EAST guard Kamar Baldwin.

Season tickets for the Bulldogs' 2019-20 season are on sale now. Butler's home schedule includes all nine BIG EAST rivals as well as a visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse by Florida and a Big Ten opponent as part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games.