PF Nikola Kecman (official thread)

[Cavfan89]

Thatcher (AZ) Eastern Arizona J.C.

Ht: 6-foot-9
Wt: 215 lbs

Jerry Tipton on UK basketball

A native of Serbia who possesses the highly-prized skills of size and shooting ability.
Kentucky had such a player on a recruiting visit earlier this week. Nicola Kecman, a 6-foot-9 native of Belgrade, Serbia, made an official visit to UK Sunday to Tuesday. His coach at Eastern Arizona College noted Kecman?s perimeter shooting ability, which figures to increase in value given the three-point line being extended farther from the basket next season.

?That?s an advantage he?s going to have,? said Tim Walsh, the interim coach at Eastern Arizona on Tuesday. ?Given the line he?s used to shooting from, being an international kid, I don?t think it?ll effect him at all.?
Kecman made 59 percent of his shots this past season. He shot with about 46 percent accuracy from three-point range, the coach said.

Kecman averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for a team that finished with a 30-6 record. Kecman, who visited UK at the same time as high school point guard Paul McCoy of Portland, Ore., is also considering Ohio State and Ole Miss.

He is scheduled to visit Ohio State next weekend. Such schools as Nebraska, Iowa, Nevada, Kansas State, St. John?s and Fresno State also expressed interest, Walsh said. ?He?s a very skilled player,?
?He shoots the ball very well,? Walsh said. ?He?s a four-man (power forward) who can shoot the basketball. He can run the floor. He?s got a good feel for the game.
Continued...

[LitlBuck]

He certainly would be a nice addition to the class since the reports say he is a very nice shooter from the perimeter plus he would not take a scholarship from the 2010 class. Take him and Simmons both and concentrate on 2010

[itownbuckeye]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

He certainly would be a nice addition to the class since the reports say he is a very nice shooter from the perimeter plus he would not take a scholarship from the 2010 class. Take him and Simmons both and concentrate on 2010

Actually, according to the article linked above, he has three years of eligibility left so he would take a scholarship from the 2010 class.

[crazybuckfan40]

Sounds like a very good option to go after...Just curious on his overall athleticism, but in the zone with he and BJ in the back we would be fine, and shooting 46% from the 3 point line is pretty darn good...I would take him over a juco guard...

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by itownbuckeye

Actually, according to the article linked above, he has three years of eligibility left so he would take a scholarship from the 2010 class.

He can leave early

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Based on the article....his skills fit the 4 spot in our system......sounds like a perfect fit.......

This is interesting......sounds like Kentucky has a long relationship with him......

Kecman will have three seasons of eligibility remaining, provided his academic transcript passes inspection by the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Walsh vouched for Kecman's ability to speak English.
"A language barrier was non-existent," Walsh said.
A college choice should come within two weeks, the Eastern Arizona coach said.
Kentucky began recruiting Kecman about a month ago, said Walsh, who also said he has known Kentucky Coach Billy Gillispie "for a long time.".

[itownbuckeye]

Here is a short description of Kecman that I found on the JucoJunction.com message board:

Kecman is a high major for a couple of reasons. He has 3 years is 6-9 and skilled. He is a system guy that will hit open 3's score some inside and for the most part defends well. He is not a good rebounder and will never be but he does a good job of blocking out and keeping his man off of the glass.

It was posted by someone named Southwest_Baller who another poster described as the state juco expert.

JucoJunction.com - Message Boards

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Rivals.com$ (Kentucky site)

Kecman visited Kentucky this past weekend and is planning on visiting Ohio State this weekend and possibly Ole Miss if time permits. Nikola's name is pronounced KETCH-man. Intends to make a decision in the next few weeks.

[LitlBuck]

If Harrelson would decide to commit to Kentucky them might sway things our way for Kecman. He would be the perfect fit for the 4 position in Matta's system. In my mind, he would be a great get!

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

If Harrelson would decide to commit to Kentucky them might sway things our way for Kecman. He would be the perfect fit for the 4 position in Matta's system. In my mind, he would be a great get!

Agreed, would love to see he and Simmons finish off this class...

[BuckTwenty]

No offense to Madsen, but whoever we offer at the 4, you could basically guarantee them to start from the 1st game on... unless you move Lauderdale from his natural position and I don't see that happening. That HAS to be attractive to potential JUCOs. Lots of exposure, though tOSU is not the powerhouse of a Kentucky.

[starBUCKS]

Originally Posted by BuckTwenty

though tOSU is not the powerhouse of a Kentucky.

Sarcasam font please.

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by BuckTwenty

No offense to Madsen, but whoever we offer at the 4, you could basically guarantee them to start from the 1st game on... unless you move Lauderdale from his natural position and I don't see that happening. That HAS to be attractive to potential JUCOs. Lots of exposure, though tOSU is not the powerhouse that Kentucky used to be..

I fixed it for you.

[OSU_D/]

Well - I should have checked the recruiting thread here first........ but....


Bukibill on Ozone is reporting Nikola to the Buckeyes!

O-Zone: Bucks receive 2 commitments this afternoon.

[starBUCKS]