Crnogorac signs with UTRGV

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Men’s Basketball Head Coach Lew Hill announces the signing of 7-1, 220-pound center Johnny Crnogorac for the 2017-18 academic year.

Crnogorac is the tallest player in the program since 1994-95, when 7-1 Sedat Necipoglu completed his senior season.

Crnogorac began his collegiate career at Ole Miss, redshirting the 2014-15 season. He comes to UTRGV from Southwest Tennessee Community College, where he averaged 2.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 8.2 minutes while shooting .521 (25-for-48) from the field in 29 games (four starts) this past season.

Last season, Crnogorac averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 7.2 minutes while shooting .560 (14-for-25) in 14 games.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Crnogorac played high school basketball at Marshall Academy in Holly Springs, averaging 10 points, eight rebounds, eight blocks and four assists per game as a senior.

“I think he’s underrated,” Hill said. “When I first saw Johnny, I just kept watching film of him to see his skill set and to see how active he is. He’s a skilled big guy. He can shoot the ball. He has right and left-handed jump hooks. He has to get stronger, but I think he will help us protect the rim a little bit. We struggled with half court defense last year and I think he gives us a defensive presence inside.”

(Editor’s Note: This article and photograph come from the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley website).