Nikola Vucevic Signs with USC

Nikola Vucevic, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward from Simi Valley Stoneridge Prep, confirmed today that he has signed a letter of intent to play for USC next season.

Vucevic, who averaged about 12 points and seven rebounds during his senior season, said he also had scholarship offers from Nevada and Hawaii. The native of Montenegro, who arrived in the United States last October, said USC coaches had been watching him "all year" before he signed late last month.

Barring a transfer or a player renouncing his scholarship, the Trojans have reached their full complement of 13 scholarship players for next season, meaning they are out of the hunt for North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson and Kentucky transfer Derrick Jasper, both California natives.

Vucevic's father, Borislav, played professionally for 24 years and was a member of the Yugoslavian national team. Vucevic said he would return to Montenegro this summer before starting school at USC during the fall semester.

"I'm really excited," he said. "I can't wait to begin."

Asked what aspects of his game needed the most improvement, Vucevic said he needed to become more athletic and add muscle. He had played on a club team in Montenegro before coming to the United States for his senior year of high school.

Vucevic speaks fluent English only nine months after emigrating from his homeland.

"I knew a little bit of English from the movies and school [in Montenegro], but I learned a lot here," he said.

-- From a report by Ben Bolch --

Comments

[eric #23]

Welcome to the USC family Nikola, FIGHT ON!!!