Projo College Hoops

BY PAUL KENYON
Journal Sports Writer

SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The URI men's basketball team has gone to Europe in search of another shooter.

The Rams have received a verbal commitment from Stefan Perunicic, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound wing player from Belgrade, Serbia. His specialty is the outside shot.

Players cannot sign letters-of-intent this late in the season. But Perunicic has verbally agreed to attend URI and the school is now working on papers, both for him to attend school and play basketball this year.

Perunicic held what is called a 'showcase'' session last week in which colleges from the United States were invited to watch him play. Perunicic already had visited and received offers from Western Kentucky and Hawaii. Several days ago, Perunicic agreed to become a Ram.

It's possible he could be coming as part of a package deal. URI has an opening for an assistant coach with the departure of Pat Skerry to Providence College and one of Perunicic's coaches reportedly is seeking to come to the United States. The coach apparently is being strongly considered for the job on the staff. The job has been posted, as is required, and interviews for the job are now being held.

Obviously, getting a coach from Europe would open doors for other players to follow Perunicic.

Perunicic, 19, played for the Torlak Basketball Club last season. In 30 games, he averaged 18 points, nine9 rebounds and three3 assists. Three years ago he had 59 points in one game. He reportedly told the coaches who scouted him that he can play the 1, 2 and 3 positions. However, those who have seen him view his strength as being on a wing and firing away behind the 3-point line.

Outside shooting is something of a concern for URI. Jimmy Baron, the team's best shooter, returns with a chance to break some school records in his senior year. However, Parfait Bitee, Will Daniels and Joe Mbang, the team's second, third and fourth best outside shooters all have graduated. Other than Baron, who had 99, Keith Cothran, who had 11, is the only other player on the team who had more than two 3-pointers.

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