By Rafal Juc

 

Despite successful summer with Serbia on World Championship U19 and impressive performances in the States this season for prestigious team Stoneridge Prep, Serbian forward Marko Gujanicic (’92) is underestimate by most college coaches. Born in 1992 forward before coming abroad spent all his career in KK Mladost Cacak, team from Serbia-B League. Being just 18-years-old Gujanicic was clutch player for team located in his hometown in previous season. He was averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds and 1.7 assists playing 27 minutes per game. So nothing surprisingly that versatile forward was selected last summer to Serbia junior national team for World Championship U19.

Although Gujanicic was not main option in well-balanced Serbia. He finished tournament with 8.8 points and 5.6 rebounds playing alongside prospects like Aleksandar Cvetkovic (’93) or Bogdan Bogdanovic (’92). Gujanicic showed his best especially in group game against USA team, when he scored 16 points for Serbia, which was later runner-up of this competitions. It helped him moving to the States. As a result of huge interest on him, Serbian prospect joined prestigious team Stoneridge Prep, where for example Enes Kanter (’92) was preparing for college basketball as well as selected in NBA draft Taj Gibson and other Balkan talent Nikola Vucevic ('90). So far after first 10 games of season 2011/12 Gujanicic impresses a lot - averages 16.9 points and 10.5 rebounds-, becoming one of the biggest prospects in all region. He played his best game undeniably against Findlay Prep School. Gujanicic went for 25 points rivaling with Anthony Bennett and Brandon Ashley, who are some of the best forwards in all States.

More and more schools are showing interest in Serbian from class 2012, who is still available. At this moment he lists UTEP, USC, California, Virgina Tech, George Mason, UC Santa Barbara, St. Mary’s and others. But to be honest he deserves offers from the best programs. 6’9'' Gujanicic is a very versatile player, who can be used on both wings and is a serious match-up problem for opponents. Focused on defense and being terrific rebounder, Serbian prospect does not force individual actions in offence, but he has got an ability to score from the perimeter and in the post. In addition he shows outstanding court vision, which enables him to throw nice passes.

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

Photo: FIBA.COM