Euro-Flair
Serbian import gives Gauchos foreign flash off the bench
By Matt Petersen
Sports Editor,
The VOICE
Anyone familiar with European NBA players will immediately see the signs. The unique release. The unrealistic midair contortions, the on-court awareness of his teammates.
Photo by Nick Sorensen/ Photographer
Freshman forward Momicillo Latinovic hangs in the air against Eastern Arizona. Latinovic's European background (he's lived in the United States for a year and a half since moving from Serbia) is evident in his unique style of play.
Yes, freshman forward Momicillo Latinovic, or "MAHT-SEE" as his teammates call him, is a baller from Europe, and he's brought his homeland's brand of basketball to Glendale, AZ.
An integral part of the Gauchos' able-bodied bench, Latinovic gives, according to head coach Dave Hodges, "instant offense" to the team.
When Latinovic himself was asked what he brought to the team, he said with a smile, "Maybe shooting and offense." Examples of the Serbian's instant offense are five three-pointers in a single half earlier this season, or leading the team in scoring against conference-leader Arizona Western.
Latinovic came over from Serbia a year and a half ago after his older brother successfully underwent the overseas transition. In an ironic twist, his brother lived with the family of Sam Jarrett, who currently plays as a reserve guard for the Gauchos.
Both Latinovic and his brother went to Greenway High School. Latinovic first became involved in basketball at age nine. In Serbia, an international basktball hotbed, it was easy for the sport to find him.
Latinovic reflects with fondness on the Euroleague games he would attend, where regular season fans make a Suns/Spurs playoff crowd seem docile.
"It's way wilder [there]. They would get into fights and fire the whole place up."
Latinovic did deny ever being involved in those activities, though.
He didn't allow political fights, or wars, to interrupt his childhood, either. Serbia's war-torn history was effectively shut out by the youth's honest and intense interest in sports.
That interest includes attention to the NBA. Latinovic compares himself to Vladimir Radmanovic (Charlotte Bobcats) and Sasha Vujacic (Los Angeles Lakers).
One common Europe-to-U.S. adjustment Latinovic has had to undergo is improving his play on the defensive end, given his enthusiasm for offensive production.
Hodges shared an honest view on Europeans' defensive philosophy.
"The stereotype for European basketball players playing defense is universally applicable. When they come to this country, the biggest thing they have to learn is how to play defense, especially the team concept."
Latinovic's defense has improved this season, giving Glendale a two-way weapon with a foreign edge to slice apart their opponents.
With two weeks remaining in the season, Latinovic has become a high-value imported good at the right time.
Please send comments to mnpetersen@gccvoice.com
