New signee - Jakolis

[Valpo89]

Just released by the school this morning:

Dino Jakolis, a 6'7", 215 lb. forward from Split, Croatia, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Valparaiso men's basketball program as a freshman for the 2011-2012 season.  Jakolis comes to Valpo after playing last season at LaLumiere School in nearby LaPorte, Ind.

Jakolis started all but two games last season for a 17-9 LaLumiere squad, averaging12.4 points and four rebounds per game in his only season with the Lakers.  Jakolis, who hails from the same hometown as current Crusader Hrvoje Vucic, as well as a pair of former players in Marko Punda and Ivan Vujic, brings more international experience to the Valpo squad as well, as he played for the Croatia team at the 2007 U16 European Championship, averaging 10.1 ppg and 8.5 rpg.  Two years later, he represented Croatia again at the 2009 U18 European Championship, posting 9.1 ppg and 7.0 rpg.

"We are thrilled to have Dino joining our men's basketball program," said Crusader head coach Homer Drew.  "Dino brings a wide variety of skills to our program, as he can play multiple positions.  He handles the ball well, can pass and shoot well and can help us on the boards."

Jakolis becomes the third newcomer committed to joining the Crusaders next season, joining Richie Edwards and Ben Boggs.

[wh]

Has anyone seen him play?  Can he contribute as a Freshman?  Longer term?

[sectionee]

He is taller than 6'5'', we'll find a way to get him in there!  haha

[vuweathernerd]

i hope he's more coordinated than his fellow countryman.

[blackpantheruwm]

Homer Drew certainly has been known to get foreign players, but when was the last time a European one had success?  Haanpaa?

[agibson]

I'm not sure where we discussed him, maybe on the old board, but I guess the only "news" here is that he signed.  He verbally committed a month ago:

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/4439408-419/jakolis-newest-roster-add-for-vu.html

[valporun]

I'm not sure where we discussed him, maybe on the old board, but I guess the only "news" here is that he signed.  He verbally committed a month ago:

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/4439408-419/jakolis-newest-roster-add-for-vu.html

He had to send the NLI to Croatia for his parent's signature as well. That takes time to get done. Thankfully he won't have the eligibility issues that we had to deal with in Paul Guede and at least one other over the years.

[bbtds]

I'm not sure where we discussed him, maybe on the old board, but I guess the only "news" here is that he signed.  He verbally committed a month ago:

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/4439408-419/jakolis-newest-roster-add-for-vu.html

He had to send the NLI to Croatia for his parent's signature as well. That takes time to get done. Thankfully he won't have the eligibility issues that we had to deal with in Paul Guede and at least one other over the years.

It is interesting that both players that were being discussed 10 years ago never played for Valpo. Is it me or has this also been an issue at Valpo at times but not at this particular time. Now a player might spend a year or two at Valpo and because of the transfer rules and extra years granted to student athletes they decide to transfer elsewhere.