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
December 25, 2024NILPlus,NILPlusGroup,OregonStateBasketball,InternationalRecruiting,StudentAthlete,FinnishBasketball,BasketballScholarshipNews
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