URI Rams
URI’s Serbian recruit could be part of package deal
10:21 AM EDT on Thursday, July 17, 2008
SOUTH KINGSTOWN — The URI men’s basketball team has gone to Europe in search of another shooter.
The Rams have received a verbal commitment from Stefan Perunicic, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound wing player from Belgrade, Serbia. His specialty is the outside shot.
Players cannot sign letters of intent this late in the season. But Perunicic has verbally agreed to attend URI and the school is now working on papers, both for him to attend school and play basketball this year.
Perunicic held what is called a “showcase” session last week in which colleges from the United States were invited to watch him play. Perunicic already had visited and received offers from Western Kentucky and Hawaii. Several days ago, Perunicic agreed to become a Ram.
It’s possible he could be coming as part of a package deal. URI has an opening for an assistant coach with the departure of Pat Skerry to Providence College and one of Perunicic’s coaches reportedly is seeking to come to the United States. The coach apparently is being strongly considered for the job on the staff. The job has been posted, as is required, and interviews for the job are now being held.
Obviously, getting a coach from Europe would open doors for other players to follow Perunicic.
Perunicic, 19, played for the Torlak Basketball Club last season. In 30 games, he averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Three years ago he had 59 points in one game. He reportedly told the coaches who scouted him that he can play the 1, 2 and 3 positions. However, those who have seen him view his strength as being on a wing and firing away behind the 3-point line.
Outside shooting is something of a concern for URI. Jimmy Baron, the team’s best shooter, returns with a chance to break some school records in his senior year. However, Parfait Bitee, Will Daniels and Joe Mbang, the team’s second, third and fourth best outside shooters all have graduated. Other than Baron, who had 99, Keith Cothran, who had 11, is the only other player on the team who had more than two 3-pointers.
More top stories
College basketball: RIC-URI meeting is positive for both sides
Projo Stats URI Hoops
Men's roster || Men's schedule || Men's stats || Women's roster || Women's schedule || Women's stats
Most Viewed Yesterday
No driver’s license? For many, no problem
Some immigrants in Central Falls are afraid to give info to the government
PC 91, Stonehill 55: Peterson gets a lot done
Most active surveys
What's your favorite breakfast/lunch place?
Are the Yankees on the brink of another dynasty?
React to Carcieri's veto of R.I.'s first saltwater fishing license
Will you allow your children to be vaccinated against swine flu? Why or why not?
Is it a bad thing or a good thing that prostitution is legal in Rhode Island, indoors?
Most e-mailed in the last 24 hours
Reader Reaction









You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register Now!
You are logged in as screenname | Log Out
You are logged in, but do not have a "screen" name. Create a Screen Name