Valparaiso men’s basketball head coach Homer Drew announced today that Sinj, Croatia native Hrvoje Vučić has joined the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2009-2010 season.

“We are delighted to welcome Vuc to Valparaiso,” said Drew.  “He brings us a 7-footer who has a nice touch on his shot and handles the ball well as a big man.  He really possesses a desire to continue to get better and improve his game.”

Vučić comes to Valpo with experience playing for Cibona Zagreb in his native Croatia.  He played for the squad in the Nike International Junior Tournament each of the last two years and averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in this past year’s edition, including a 21-point, eight-rebound effort in a win over Eldo Caserta.  He also took part in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp in Paris in 2007, which featured NBA players such as Luol Deng, Bo Outlaw and Ronny Turiaf as camp coaches.

“It was a pleasure working with (former Crusader and Sweet 16 team member) Zoran Viskovic to bring Vuc here,” said Drew.  “Zoran originally recommended him to us, and we are delighted to carry on our Croatian connection (Vučić will be the fourth Croatian player under Drew).”

Vučić is the fifth incoming freshman for the 2009-2010 Crusader men’s team, joining Ryan Broekhoff, Chris Halvorsen, Matt Kenney, and Tommy Kurth.