Three NIL Plus Group athletes opened the junior college season on the weekend of October 30–November 1. Matias Haliseva scored in double figures in his first college game, Emil Hirvonen started both games of a 2–0 weekend for the College of Southern Idaho, and Vuk Topalović put up 10 points as Arizona Western opened with two wins.

Matias Haliseva — Dodge City Community College

Matias was in the starting lineup for his college debut on Friday, October 30, at the Western Texas Classic in Snyder, Texas. He scored 12 points with 6 rebounds in 20 minutes against Western Texas College, shooting 5-of-11 from the field and 2-of-5 from three. The Conquistadors’ recap pointed to one of his biggest plays, with Dodge City “pulling to within one at 29-28 on a Matias Haliseva dunk.” He started again on Saturday against No. 1 Howard College, one of the top programs in junior college basketball.

Emil Hirvonen — College of Southern Idaho

Emil started both of Southern Idaho’s opening games as the Golden Eagles went 2–0. In Friday’s 65–61 win over Eastern Wyoming College he had 4 points, 5 rebounds and a block on 2-of-3 shooting. On Saturday, CSI beat Central Wyoming College 105–56, with Emil again in the starting five.

Vuk Topalović — Arizona Western College

Vuk helped Arizona Western to a 2–0 start at the EAC Spooktacular Classic in Thatcher, Arizona. In Friday’s 72–68 win over Lamar Community College he had 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting and 5 rebounds, 4 of them offensive, in 19 minutes off the bench, and was the Matadors’ fourth-leading scorer. On Saturday he added 2 points, 6 rebounds and an assist in 15 minutes as Arizona Western beat Phoenix College 85–44.

Why JUCO

Junior college basketball gives international players a fast path into American college basketball. They get real minutes from day one, play against strong competition and have a clear route to NCAA Division I and II programs. Starting roles and early production like this are exactly what four-year coaches look for.

Coming up

  • Dodge City vs Western Nebraska CC, Monday, November 2 (home)
  • Arizona Western at Glendale CC, Tuesday, November 3
  • Southern Idaho at the Battle for the Boot, November 12–14

Follow our athletes on Instagram @nilplusgroup. Recruiting inquiries: momir@nilplusgroup.com

Sources and credits: Dodge City vs Western Texas box score; Dodge City recap; CSI vs Eastern Wyoming box score; CSI vs Central Wyoming box score; Arizona Western recap vs Lamar CC; KYMA: Arizona Western opens season 2–0. Photos: Dodge City Community College (Haliseva); @nilplusgroup (Topalović); College of Southern Idaho (Hirvonen).