University of Hawaii men’s basketball team lands 6-8 wing transfer from Portland

A pilot lands in Manoa.

The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team has signed Matija Svetozarevic, a 6-foot-8, 215-pound transfer from the University of Portland. Svetozarevic, who grew up in Serbia, played one season with the Pilots before entering the NCAA transfer portal.

“I’m excited to come,” said Svetozarevic, who has signed a scholarship deal and will join the Rainbow Warriors this month. “I know Hawaii has its own culture. I know it’s famous for its beaches and nature.

Svetozarevic played 28 games for the Pilots, including one as a rookie last season. He averaged 9.7 minutes but made 93.8% of his free throws (15 for 16). With the drivers bringing in several older transfers, Svetozarevic was expected to play a reserve role again this coming season.

“I started looking at other options,” Svetozarevic said as he entered the NCAA transfer portal. “I reached out to (UH associate head coach) John Montgomery. We started talking more and more. Then they proposed to me and I accepted the offer.

Svetozarevic could fill the vacancy left by winger/post Jerome Desrosiers’ completion of his NCAA eligibility. Svetozarevic can also play – and defend – threes and fours, as well as provide shots from long range.

Svetozarevic’s parents were both professional athletes – his father in volleyball, his mother in table tennis. Svetozarevic played youth volleyball until he saw a flyer for a basketball club. “I switched to basketball and my interest didn’t stop,” he said.

Svetozarevic has been involved in the Serbian national youth team, helping the U16 team to fifth place at the FIBA ​​Europe Championships 2018. He also trained as an amateur with KK Dynamic, a club team. At the request of friends and teammates, Svetozarevic decided that he could better advance his basketball skills in the United States. Through several contacts, he received offers from colleges. “Portland was the best option at the time,” he said.

The ‘Bows fulfill their 13 purses with the signing of Svetozarevic.