By Loren Miller, USU Eastern Sports Information:

PRICE – Former Utah State Eastern guard Matija Novkovic has signed to continue his collegiate basketball career with Texas A&M International.

The Belgrade, Serbia native will have two years of eligibility left at Texas A&M-International, a NCAA Division II program located in Laredo, TX.

“It felt like the right place for me and I felt like the coaches really wanted me,” said Novkovic.

“I want to be a good leader and try to help the team win the conference. I have been working all summer to be ready to go and work toward these goals,” said Novkovic

TAMIU Head Coach Joel Taylor said Novkovic’s experience and work ethic will be a big help going into next season as the Dustdevils will be playing in a new conference that features 18 quality basketball programs.

“He plays hard and smart kid who loves defense. I really love the way he finishes at the rim. As a person, he  has great character and works hard which is a big reason why we signed him,” said Coach Taylor

“He is ready to go now and I expect him to come in and contribute right away with big minutes for us.

In two seasons at USU Eastern, Novkovic averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

Novkovic started 31 games and played in 50 during his time in an Eagle uniform.

“I had two amazing years at USU Eastern with amazing coaches, faculty and community. I enjoyed my time in Price and I will be for sure trying to come back when I have time off,” said Novkovic.

He is the third player from last season to move on to the next level of college basketball. Oggie Pantovic signed with Alaska-Anchorage earlier this Spring and Blaze Nield transferred to BYU.

USU Eastern Men’s Basketball will begin their 2019-2020 season on November 1 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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