RIO GRANDE – Momir Gajic came to the United States two years ago from Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and played at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

Thursday, April 13, 2000

RIO GRANDE – Momir Gajic came to the United States two years ago from Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and played at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

Financial limitations forced him to transfer to Ohio University Southern Campus in Ironton.

Now, after two years of playing basketball at different schools, Gajic has found a home.

The 6-foot-7 Ohio Southern Trailblazers star has signed a letter-of-intent that will allow him to finish his college playing career at the University of Rio Grande.

"I’m really excited about everything. I have three more years to play basketball and it’s a great basketball program. They’re going to have a great team and they have some good teams on their schedule," said Gajic.

"I think next three years I’m going to settle down. I’ve had great experience at Charleston and Ohio Southern. It’s always tough adjusting when you first come (to America)."

Gajic said playing at the two different colleges helped teach him the American game.

"I’m going to adjust to the team very fast. I think this year helped me a lot. I’m more relaxed with American style of basketball and I can adjust to every coach with the style they want," said Gajic.

Ohio Southern head coach Ed Fry said the loss of Gajic will hurt the Trailblazers, but it is a move that had to be made.

"I hate to lose him, but this is all about his best interest," said Fry.

"He deserves it. Momir can play. He has been very special to us here at Ohio Southern. Being able to help him get a grant-in-aid is something that I’m proud to do."

Rio Grande coach Earl Thomas saw Gajic up close and personal when the two teams played twice this season. He projects Gajic as both a small and power forward.

"Momir has the ability to come in and play the three or four man for us simply because of the combination of size, his ability to handle the basketball, and to shoot it from the perimeter," said Thomas.

Due to the lack of a true center, Gajic played the pivot for Ohio Southern and he welcomes the chance to play his normal position.

"What the coaches want from me is good for my style. They want me to play small forward and power forward and I’m very satisfied with that," said Gajic.

Rio Grande will offer Gajic a chance to obtain a business degree. Gajic picked the Redmen despite several other offers.

"Coach Fry and and I decided what was best for me. I had six or seven offers, but we decided Rio Grande was best opportunity for me to play and finish my education," Gajic said.

Gajic averaged 16 points and he led the team with a 9.1 rebounds per game. Ohio Southern finished 17-15.

Andrew Stevens, the team’s leading scorer, has signed with the College of Charleston and point guard C. J. Captain will play at Shawnee State University.

"We’re going to play against C. J. and if we go into tournament play, we could go against Andrew. And we’re still going to play Ohio Southern, so it’s going to be exciting," Gajic said with a smile.

And he should be smiling. He finally has a home.