NIL Plus Group Clients Recap: Nov 3–Nov 9, 2026
Seven days, four Performers of the Week. A freshman from Finland who could not miss from deep, a Slovenian forward who matched his career highs off the bench, a Longwood starter who owned overtime on homecoming weekend, and a Tulsa sophomore who opened her season the same way she finished the last one: in double figures. Add a double-double in Bloomington and an efficient night in Kansas, and you have one of the busiest weeks of the young season for NIL Plus Group clients.
Performers of the Week
Oliver Kanden, Pepperdine
The sharpshooter
Some freshmen need a few weeks to find their range. Oliver Kanden found his on opening night. In Thursday’s 106–66 home opener against La Sierra, which also gave head coach Aldrich his first win at Pepperdine, Oliver scored 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, and every one of his makes came from three. He added 4 rebounds and 2 steals in 23 minutes.
“posted 12 points on four makes from downtown”
Pepperdine Athletics
Two nights later he did it again. Oliver scored 10 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists in a 116–43 win over Bethesda, the biggest margin of victory in program history, knocking down 3 of 5 looks from beyond the arc to tie for the team lead in threes. His week in one line: two starts, two wins and 7 of 13 from three for the freshman from Finland.
Box score vs La Sierra · Recap vs La Sierra · Box score vs Bethesda · Recap vs Bethesda
Staš Šivka, William & Mary
The spark off the bench
Staš Šivka needed only 19 minutes to take over Sunday at Kaplan Arena. Coming off the bench, he scored a team-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, went 3 of 5 from three, and added 6 rebounds and a block as William & Mary rolled past Norfolk State 104–73. Twelve of his points came after halftime, and the Tribe moved to 2–0.
“led all scorers with 17 points and six rebounds, matching his career highs”
WYDaily
The night made headlines, literally. The Associated Press game story ran under the title “Sivka scores 17 off the bench,” and BVM Sports noted that “Stas Sivka led the Tribe with 17 points.”
Box score vs Norfolk State · W&M recap · AP story · WYDaily
Lazar Milošević, Longwood
Mr. Overtime
Homecoming weekends are made for moments like this one. Longwood trailed North Carolina Central by four with 2:20 left in overtime when Lazar Milošević went to work: a three, then two straight scores in the post. Longwood won 80–75.
The starter finished with a season-high 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 28 minutes, and 7 of those points, plus an assist, came in the extra period.
“made big play after big play in overtime”
Longwood Athletics
Mid-Major Basketball also singled him out, quoting head coach Ronnie Thomas, who said Lazar has “taken a big leap with how aggressive and physical he has been.”
Box score vs North Carolina Central · Longwood recap: Heroes Abound in Thrilling Homecoming Win · Mid-Major Basketball · AP story
Dora Toman, Tulsa
Right where she left off
Dora Toman was named American Freshman of the Week seven times last season, and her sophomore year started the same way. In Tuesday’s season opener against Incarnate Word, a game tied 57–57 in the final minute, she came off the bench to score 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including two threes, and added 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 26 minutes. Only one Tulsa player scored more.
“Dora Toman: 14 points, including two 3-pointers”
BVM Sports
On Saturday she tied for the team lead with 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a 67–40 exhibition win over Rogers State. The Hillcats’ own recap noted she “finished with nine points and five rebounds, including one 3-pointer.”
Box score vs Incarnate Word · BVM Sports recap · Box score vs Rogers State (exhibition) · Rogers State recap
More strong performances
Teodora Kričković, Indiana University
Teodora Kričković ran the show in Wilkinson Hall’s 100th match. Indiana swept Iowa 25–17, 25–19, 25–12 on Friday, and Teodora finished with a double-double of 38 assists and a team-best 11 digs, plus 2 service aces. It was, in the words of Indiana’s recap, her “second double-double in as many games.” On Sunday she added 34 assists against Illinois in a tight three-set match.
Box score vs Iowa · Recap: Team Defense Dominates in Wilkinson Hall’s 100th Match
Matias Haliseva, Dodge City Community College
Matias Haliseva needed only six shots to make his mark at the GCCC Classic in Garden City, Kansas. The Dodge City starter scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, with an assist and a block, as the Conquistadors beat North Platte 84–70 on Friday. The team’s recap made sure to note that “Matias Haliseva also posted 12 points.”
Box score vs North Platte · Recap
Also on the court this week
Not every week ends with a headline, but every week on a college roster counts. These NIL Plus Group clients also took the floor for their programs:
- Noa Zemljić, UMass
- Maruan Čičić and Tadej Colnarič, UW-Green Bay
- Nino Žarković, Columbia
- Tin Tikveša, Florida Tech
- Olavi Suutela, UC San Diego
- Dimitrije Pavlović, Bradley
- Marko Pavlović and Mihail Gavazov, Oral Roberts
Coming up
- Wednesday, November 11: Teodora Kričković and Indiana volleyball visit Minnesota.
- Sunday, November 15: Staš Šivka and William & Mary play at Michigan.
- Sunday, November 15: Oliver Kanden and Pepperdine visit Oregon.
Follow our athletes on Instagram @nilplusgroup. Recruiting inquiries: momir@nilplusgroup.com
Sources
- Pepperdine vs La Sierra box score, Nov 5
- Pepperdine recap vs La Sierra
- ESPN: Pepperdine vs Bethesda box score, Nov 7
- Pepperdine recap vs Bethesda
- William & Mary vs Norfolk State box score, Nov 8
- William & Mary recap vs Norfolk State
- AP: Sivka scores 17 off the bench, William & Mary downs Norfolk State 104-73
- WYDaily: William & Mary scores 104 points in rout of Norfolk State
- BVM Sports: William & Mary crushes Norfolk State
- Longwood recap via BVM Sports: Heroes Abound in Longwood’s Thrilling Homecoming Win
- Mid-Major Basketball: Longwood beats NC Central in overtime
- AP: Billups scores 20 as Longwood takes down North Carolina Central in OT
- ESPN: Longwood vs North Carolina Central box score, Nov 7
- BVM Sports: Tulsa season opener vs Incarnate Word
- Tulsa vs Incarnate Word box score, Nov 3
- Rogers State at Tulsa exhibition box score, Nov 7
- Rogers State recap at Tulsa
- Indiana vs Iowa box score, Nov 6
- Indiana recap vs Iowa
- Indiana vs Illinois box score, Nov 8
- Dodge City vs North Platte box score, Nov 6
- Dodge City recap, GCCC Classic
Finland’s Rising Pro Point Guard: 6’3” Simeon Stefanović
On the night of November 3, Salon Vilpas beat Windrose Giants Antwerp 77-69 at home for the first Basketball Champions League win in the club’s history. In the Vilpas rotation, wearing number 2, was a 20-year-old point guard who has already lived three basketball lives: a teenager far from home in Spain, a 19-year-old running a professional offense in Finland, and now a guard on the Finnish champions’ roster in European club competition.
His name is Simeon Stefanović. He is one of the most interesting guards in the NCAA Division I class of 2027 from Finland, because almost nobody in that class has done what he has already done: grow up as a player in the European pro market.
Player profile
- Position: Point guard
- Height: 191 cm (6’3”)
- Born: 2006
- Club: Salon Vilpas Vikings (Korisliiga, Finland), 2025-26 Finnish champions
- Europe: FIBA Basketball Champions League 2026-27, Group C
- Previous clubs: Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland), CB Ciudad de Móstoles (Spain)
- National team: called into Finland’s senior team program (Susijengi), summer 2026
- NCAA class: 2027
Leaving home at 14
Simeon grew up in Finland, the son of a Serbian father. At 14 he moved to Spain on his own to chase the game. For four years he trained in the youth systems of Joventut Badalona and Baloncesto Torrelodones, two programs known for producing skilled, well-coached guards. He has said the move taught him to grow up fast: a new language, a new culture and a new way of being coached, all at once.
His first senior minutes came in Spain’s Tercera FEB with CB Ciudad de Móstoles, where he played in 2023-24 and 2024-25. In his second season there, still a teenager, he led Móstoles in scoring at 13.8 points per game. His best night came on March 15, 2025: 24 points in 36 minutes in an 89-86 win over CB Getafe.
Handed the keys at 19
In the summer of 2025 he came back north and signed with Lapuan Korikobrat in the Korisliiga, Finland’s top professional league. It is a league built largely around American imports, many of them former NCAA Division I players. Kobrat gave the ball to a 19-year-old.
It was a hard classroom. Kobrat had an outmanned roster, and night after night Simeon organized the offense against deeper and older teams. He played all 28 league games and averaged 7.9 points, 2.7 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 23.1 minutes.
Then the story turned. In January he was playing 11 to 19 minutes a night. By the middle of February the offense was his. Over his final seven games, from February 15 to March 18, 2026, he averaged 14.4 points and 4.7 assists in 28.6 minutes.
Across the ten games of the Korisliiga qualifying round, from January 30 to March 18, he scored in double figures six times and averaged 11.9 points and 4.0 assists in 27.8 minutes.
The peak came on March 14 against Lahti Basketball. Simeon scored a career-high 25 points with 6 assists, made all 6 of his two-point attempts and went 7 of 9 from the free-throw line, a 26 efficiency night in a 101-100 home win. A month earlier he had scored 20 points with 6 assists in Lahti, and on February 19 he handed out a career-high 7 assists in an 86-83 win over Kouvot.
The call from Susijengi
Early in the summer of 2026, Finland’s head coach called Simeon into the senior national team program, known as Susijengi. Simeon has described it as the biggest personal recognition of his career so far.
Choosing the bigger stage
The same summer brought a decision. Simeon had the option of moving to US college basketball right away. He chose one more professional season instead, on a bigger stage. On June 1, 2026, he agreed terms with Salon Vilpas, fresh off a Korisliiga title won 100-69 over Kataja in Game 7 of the final (read our signing announcement).
The reason was Europe. Vilpas were headed to the Basketball Champions League qualifiers, and the coaches promised him a part in that run. In September, in Samokov, Bulgaria, Vilpas beat Patrioti Levice 90-87, Bakken Bears 90-72 and CSM Oradea 98-96, becoming only the second Finnish club ever to reach the BCL regular season. Simeon appeared in all three games.
“There aren’t many young players who can say they play at that level,” he told Basketball Sphere.
Group C has brought AEK Athens, Falco Szombathely and Windrose Giants Antwerp, and with them the night of November 3, when Vilpas beat Antwerp 77-69 for the first BCL win in club history.
A pro education
On a veteran roster built to compete in Europe, Simeon is a rotation guard learning behind older, more experienced players, and he is making his minutes count. Through nine Korisliiga games he has 18 assists against 9 turnovers, a 2 to 1 ratio that works out to 6.4 assists per 36 minutes, and Vilpas are +16 with him on the floor. On November 7 at Kipinä Basket he handed out 4 assists without a turnover in 11 minutes. On October 30 at Lahti he added 4 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes, finishing +12 in an 80-52 road win.
He has appeared in all six of Vilpas’s Champions League games, and Vilpas went 4-2 in them, including a perfect 3-0 run through qualifying in Samokov. In the Finnish Cup on September 23 at Nilan Bisons he posted 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in 18 minutes, shooting 57 percent from the field and finishing +9 in a 101-74 win.
The value of this season is the environment. Every day in practice he goes up against a championship roster. Every week he prepares for European opponents like AEK and Antwerp. That is an education very few college freshmen bring with them.
The scouting report
Watch Simeon for a full game and the first thing that stands out is not a highlight. It is how rarely he makes the wrong decision. He reads the floor early, takes the simple play when the simple play is right, and organizes teammates who are often years older than he is. When Vilpas gave him a start this season, he played 19 minutes and ran the team like a true floor general.
His skill level gives him options. He can score in different ways and pass in different ways, so a defense cannot load up on one habit. Just as important, he adjusts, even in the middle of a game. If the team needs pace, he pushes. If it needs control, he slows the game down, protects the ball and gets others involved. He plays the way the game needs to be played to win.
Defense with bite
The biggest change in his game is on the other end of the floor. Defense was a weakness when he was younger, partly because his body had not yet caught up with his game. That has changed. Simeon is turning into a serious athlete, and he now defends with a real motor, picking up full court and staying attached to his man like a pitbull.
One recent possession says a lot. He picked up his man full court and stayed in front of him the entire way, hands active, pressure on. He never got beaten off the dribble. His man had to back him down and drive to the rim, and with no help coming, he finished. On the stat sheet it was two points against. On film it was a young guard doing everything right, and in two years that same possession ends in a tough, contested miss.
The person behind the point guard
Off the court he is just as adaptable. He gets along with very different personalities in a locker room and speaks four languages, a product of a childhood between Finland, a Serbian family and four years in Spain.
Maybe the most important point is this: Simeon is not close to his ceiling. In the last year alone he has taken clear steps forward in his physicality and his defense, and the rest of his game is still growing.
Why Division I coaches should be watching
- Experience. Two full professional seasons in a league stocked with former NCAA Division I players, plus European club competition. Few freshmen arrive having played meaningful minutes against men.
- Playmaking. He ran a professional offense as a teenager.
- Basketball IQ. An elite decision maker who runs a team like a true floor general.
- Two-way motor. Now defends full court with energy, physicality and active hands.
- Adaptability. Adjusts his game in the middle of a game to what the team needs, and speaks four languages.
- Scoring growth. His production rose late last season, capped by a 25-point night built on attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line.
- Coaching. Developed in the Spanish system, now playing under a championship staff.
- Size. At 6’3” he has good size for a point guard.
The next chapter
Simeon is part of the NCAA Division I class of 2027, with the 2027-28 academic year as his target. He would bring a Korisliiga championship roster, a European club campaign and a national team call-up with him. For programs looking for a ready-made organizer at point guard, he belongs on the board.
Simeon is represented by NIL Plus Group and Pro Futuro Sports. Thank you to Salon Vilpas and Lapuan Korikobrat for the trust they have placed in him.
For film, transcripts and scheduling, contact NIL Plus Group: momir@nilplusgroup.com
Quotes and background from Simeon’s interview with Basketball Sphere (@bsphere_rs), October 18, 2026, translated from Serbian.
Sources
- Eurobasket: Simeon Stefanovic joins Vilpas
- Eurobasket: Salon Vilpas roster
- Proballers: career highs and 2025-26 game lines
- Scoutbasketball: player profile
- Scoutbasketball: Finnish Cup 2026-27
- Scoutbasketball: CB Ciudad de Móstoles 2024-25
- Scoutbasketball: Móstoles vs Getafe, March 15, 2025
- Eurobasket: Korisliiga 2025-26
- Eurohoops: Salon Vilpas qualifies for the BCL
- FIBA: Vilpas reach the qualifying final
- Eurohoops: Salon Vilpas beats Antwerp
- Sofascore: player page and game log
- Basketball Sphere: interview with Simeon Stefanović
Teodora Kričković Shines in Hoosiers’ Historic Reverse Sweep Over Miami
CORAL GABLES, Fla., August 29, 2025
The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers volleyball season opener delivered every ounce of drama fans could ask for, and then some. In front of a charged Miami (Fla.) crowd, the Hoosiers engineered one of the program’s greatest comebacks, rallying from two sets down to secure a reverse sweep (18-25, 17-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-11).
At the center of this stunning turnaround was freshman setter Teodora Kričković, who, in her first-ever collegiate match, demonstrated poise and precision beyond her years. Kričković distributed the offense with tempo and vision, finishing with 39 assists, 6 digs, 3 aces, and 3 blocks, a complete performance that steadied Indiana and ignited the comeback.
A Freshman Debut to Remember
The Hoosiers struggled early against a sharp Miami squad that attacked aggressively from the service line, racking up seven aces in the first two sets. But once Kričković settled into rhythm, the entire Indiana offense came alive.
In the pivotal third set, she racked up 11 assists while guiding IU to an incredible .458 hitting percentage. Her service run late in the set sparked an 8-2 finishing surge, turning the tide of the match. From there, Kričković’s balanced distribution kept three Hoosier pin hitters in double-digit kills, including senior leader Candela Alonso-Corcelles, who tallied 20 kills and surpassed the 1,000 career-kill milestone.
Head coach Steve Aird trusted four freshmen, including Kričković, to start the opener, making IU’s resilience all the more impressive. The Serbian setter’s ability to blend youthful energy with tactical maturity was a clear difference-maker.
The Bigger Picture
Indiana’s comeback not only delivered their first reverse sweep in 10 years, but also extended a string of early-season dominance: five consecutive opening-match wins and four straight victories over Power Four opponents in non-conference play.
For Kričković, the performance underscored why she is one of the most exciting young setters in NCAA volleyball. Beyond the stats, she showed the leadership, composure, and competitive edge that NIL Plus Group values in its athletes: traits that will elevate her both on the court and in future NIL opportunities.
What’s Next
The Hoosiers continue their campaign tomorrow against VCU, looking to carry momentum into what promises to be a memorable 2025 season. For Kričković, this is just the first chapter of a story that combines athletic excellence with brand potential, a journey that NIL Plus Group is proud to guide and represent.
Final Takeaway
When Indiana needed answers, a freshman stepped up.
When the match hung in the balance, Kričković delivered.
And when the season began, she proved she belongs among the best.
Quick Chat: Savo Drezgic, a Rising Star in Georgia Basketball
By John Frierson | December 17, 2024
Georgia men's basketball freshman Savo Drezgic is making waves in Athens after a stellar year of basketball across the globe. At just 6-foot-4, the guard from Belgrade, Serbia, has already showcased his talents on some of the biggest stages and is eager for more.
International Success and Professional Beginnings
Drezgic arrived at the University of Georgia with an impressive resume. He played a pivotal role in leading Serbia to a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 European Championships in Finland, where he averaged an impressive 20.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, he honed his skills at Serbian powerhouse club Partizan, one of Europe’s premier basketball programs, and spent time at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., for his high school years.
Reflecting on his debut with Partizan, Drezgic recalls, “I was 16 playing in front of 20,000 people. It was really amazing, and I also scored 2 points. I was nervous because I was the youngest player to ever play for Partizan.”
A Global Journey
Drezgic has already competed in countries like Finland, Germany, and North Macedonia, along with stints across Florida, California, and Arizona. His basketball journey is now taking him to new places in the U.S., with conference games set in Oxford, Miss.; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Auburn, Ala. However, one place he’s particularly excited to visit is New York City during the winter.
Adjusting to College Life
The transition to college basketball and life in Athens has been smooth for the Serbian guard. “It’s been nice. It’s a nice experience and it’s definitely different, but I like it. I’ve learned a lot of stuff by being here,” he shared.
Drezgic began playing basketball at the age of five and soon realized he had the potential to play at a high level. His hard work has paid off, as evidenced by his rapid rise in both the European and American basketball scenes.
Cultural Connections and Comforts
Though Drezgic is thriving in the U.S., he misses the comforts of home, particularly Serbian cuisine. “I miss my mom’s food,” he said. Traditional dishes like ćevapi, sarma, and börek are among his favorites, and he also appreciates European cuisines like Greek food. “The food here is different. I’m trying to eat as much healthy food as I can, but I like European food way more.”
Inspired by Greatness
Drezgic’s basketball idol is none other than the late Dražen Petrović, the Yugoslav and Croatian legend whose legacy inspires players worldwide. “He was my idol because he was practicing so much. I was trying to practice as much as him. I even met his mom, which was an amazing experience,” Drezgic revealed.
He also takes pride in the accomplishments of Serbian players in the NBA, especially Nikola Jokić. “It’s really amazing to have the best player in the world from Serbia, and Serbia’s a small country. It is really amazing.”
Team Chemistry and Fun
When asked about his new teammates, Drezgic pointed to De’Shayne Montgomery as the funniest guy on the team. “It’s just the way he talks, it’s so funny. And he’s loud, always loud. I like him a lot,” Drezgic said with a smile.
Savo Drezgic’s journey from Belgrade to Athens is just beginning, but his impressive skill set, work ethic, and infectious personality are already leaving a mark. With his international experience and drive, he’s poised to become a standout for Georgia basketball in the years to come.
George Mason Patriots Add Staš Sivka to 2024-25 Roster
FAIRFAX, Va. The George Mason University men's basketball team is bolstering its roster with the addition of Slovenian forward Staš Sivka. Head coach Tony Skinn (’06) announced Thursday that Sivka will join the Patriots for the 2024-25 season.
Meet Staš Sivka
Hailing from Celje, Slovenia, Staš Sivka stands at an impressive 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Sivka brings two years of professional basketball experience in the highly competitive Pro-A Slovenian league, where he developed his skills playing for BC Rogaska. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. His 2023-24 campaign was limited due to a shoulder injury.
Known for his fiery demeanor and strong work ethic, Sivka is a versatile player capable of excelling on both ends of the floor. “Staš is a skilled, combo four who can play and defend multiple positions,” said Skinn. “His experience playing in a skilled, physical European league has given him an impressive confidence and demeanor you don’t often see in a freshman.”
A top prospect in Slovenia, Sivka also represented his country in 2023 as a member of the U-20 national team, further showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Patriots on the Rise
Under the leadership of Tony Skinn, the Patriots are building a competitive roster aimed at sustained success. With a mix of promising freshmen, experienced transfers, and returning talent, George Mason is looking to build upon their top-100 national finish last season, their best performance since 2010-11. The addition of Staš Sivka adds depth and international experience to a team hungry for continued growth.
Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming season as the Patriots aim to make waves in 2024-25.
Source: https://gomason.com/
Half-Season Review: Olavi Suutela
About Olavi Suutela
A key player for HBA (Helsinki Basketball Academy), Olavi Suutela has been a cornerstone on both ends of the court. As a versatile forward/center, he combines mobility and speed in transition with a strong defensive presence and relentless effort on the glass. His ability to adapt seamlessly between the 4 and 5 positions makes him an invaluable asset to the team’s system.
Season Update
- Current Record: 5-4, 5th in the league.
- Known for his aggressive defense, Olavi excels in ball screen coverages.
- His playmaking abilities and outside shooting have added new dimensions to his game, with an average of 2.3 three-point attempts per game.
Stats Breakdown (Per Game)
- 18.2 PPG
- 11.3 REB (4.6 OREB)
- 1.5 AST
- 1.8 STL
Highlights:
- 2nd highest scorer among Finnish players (only imports rank higher).
- Best Finnish rebounder in the league.
- Ranks 3rd in offensive rebounding.
- 4th in total rebounding league-wide.
- 8/9 games with a double-double!
The X-Factor
Olavi’s contributions extend far beyond the stat sheet. His leadership, hustle, and consistency make him an essential figure in @hba_marsky’s pursuit of a strong finish to the season. Whether it’s dominating the boards, locking down opponents, or stepping up with key plays, Olavi is proving to be a rising star in Finnish basketball.
Half-Season Review: Maruan Cicic (6’11” C/PF), Class of 2025
From Coach Nemanja Maric
We are thrilled to spotlight Maruan Cicic, a remarkable talent and a cornerstone of our basketball program at Hoosac Academy. Here’s a mid-season breakdown of this promising athlete:
Dominant Presence
Maruan Cicic is arguably the most dominant big man in @isa.hoosac’s history. This statement carries weight, considering the legacy of standout players such as the Ilic twins (Loyola Maryland), and others who excelled at Marshall University and LaSalle.
Pure 7-Footer with Elite Athleticism
Maruan’s size, impressive wingspan, and ability to play above the rim make him a High Major prospect. He’s not just tall; his athleticism and agility elevate his game to an elite level.
Offensive Skill Set
- Dominates the post with both hands, favoring a smooth left-handed hook shot.
- Creates space efficiently under the basket, presenting a large target for post-entry passes.
- Demonstrates exceptional unselfishness, setting up teammates with smart passes to cutters and shooters.
Relentless Worker
- Runs the floor with stamina and speed that are rare for his size.
- Fights for position under the rim, combining power and technique to outmaneuver opponents.
Team Player with Great Character
Maruan is more than just a skilled athlete; he’s a gentle giant with a humble demeanor. Loved by his teammates and staff, his dedication to team success and positive attitude make him a joy to coach.
Areas for Growth
- Needs to become a more aggressive shot-blocker, leveraging his size and wingspan more effectively.
- Would benefit from the structure and intensity of an NCAA program to fully unlock his physicality and consistency.
The Verdict
Maruan Cicic is a High Major talent who is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level. With the right coaching and development, his potential is limitless. This amazing young man is destined to be a future standout.
Oregon State Lands Commitment from Finnish Forward Olavi Suutela for 2025
Oregon State has made its first big move in the 2025 recruiting class by securing a commitment from 6-foot-10 forward Olavi Suutela from Helsinki, Finland. This follows a successful international recruiting strategy under head coach Wayne Tinkle, whose recent rosters have been increasingly composed of foreign-born players.
Suutela is an intriguing prospect due to his versatility as a forward. Despite his size, he possesses a strong perimeter game, showing solid ball-handling skills and a face-up approach. His ability to get to the paint off the dribble and score using post moves demonstrates a combination of finesse and physicality. His skill set makes him a threat both inside and outside, with notable fluidity and mobility for a player of his height.
In the FIBA U18 tournament, Suutela’s talent was on display as he contributed 55 points, 59 rebounds, 13 assists, and 7 blocks over seven games, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. While his interior game is impressive, there’s room for improvement in his shooting, particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc. However, his overall game shows great promise, especially in his ability to score inside and potentially develop into a rim protector.
Suutela’s commitment aligns with Oregon State’s ongoing trend of recruiting players from European countries with international basketball experience. This strategic approach continues to shape the team’s roster, and Suutela’s addition is expected to strengthen the Beavers’ future as they build on this momentum.
Source: Oregon State Lands Commitment from 2025 Finnish Forward Olavi Suutela