VALPARAISO | While the fax machine is expected to start humming early this morning in the Valparaiso University men's basketball office, coach Homer Drew will have to wait for at least one National Letter of Intent on the first day of the early signing period.

Ryan Broekhoff has given his verbal commitment to join the Crusaders beginning in the 2009-10 season, but is not allowed to sign his National Letter of Intent until sometime in the middle of the night in his native Australia.

Broekhoff then needs to get the letter to his mother for signature, which could be tricky, given that the 6-foot-6, 18-year-old small forward lives at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he is coached by Marty Clarke. Brokehoff will become the second AIS player on the roster after fellow countryman Cameron Witt joined the Crusaders last summer.

"He won't be able to do anything until players are able to sign in America," Clarke said. "Then he'll get all the information to his family and he'll get it in."

Whether Broekhoff's fax comes through today, when the Crusaders are expected to receive LOI's from guards Matt Kenney (Moorseville) and Tommy Kurth (Penn) as well as Minneapolis forward Chris Halvorsen, or in the near future, Clarke thinks Valparaiso is getting a solid, intelligent basketball player.

"He is maybe like the European guards that think the game out a little more," Clarke said. "He is a good offensive player who shoots the three well and he can also put it on the floor."

Clarke is also quick to point out that Broekhoff will be a different player a year from now when he reports to Valparaiso.

"He is physically immature at the moment, with a very young body that is still growing, but he is very smart in basketball," Clarke said. "He's not the super athlete, but he doesn't have to rely on his athleticism. Another year in the gym will really help him physically."

Broekhoff chose Valparaiso over several other Division I programs including Pacific and Northern Iowa. Clarke said that a familiar relationship with the Drew family made the recruiting process painless.

"We've had regular contact with Valpo for a number of years," Clarke said. "I have a good relationship with the Drews. Bryce at Valpo and Scott at Baylor and now with Coach (Chris) Sparks."

Southern Illinois transfer Brandon Wood has also made known that he intends to transfer to Valparaiso after finishing a year at Highland Community College. The quintet of new players will join Iowa State transfer Cory Johnson, who is currently sitting this year out due to NCAA transfer requirements, on the active roster next season.

The Valparaiso women's basketball team is expected to receive faxes from guards Skyler Gick (Benton Central) and Laura Richards (Connersville).

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from commenting on players until they have received the signed letters of intent.