Power forward Nik Cvetinovic may well be the key to the Zips winning their first Mid-American Conference championship in school history
After averaging nearly seven points in 20 minutes of action as a sophomore last season, Akron power forward Nik Cvetinovic (13) will be counted upon as a difference-maker in 2010-11.AKRON, Ohio -- The basketball focus for the Akron Zips this season remains on 7-0 sophomore Zeke Marshall.
But 6-8 Nik Cvetinovic may well be the key to the Zips winning their first Mid-American Conference championship in school history, and their second MAC Tournament title in three years.
The junior from Serbia is the emotional leader on a team that last season often lacked fire. At times, he was too emotional. But the affable power forward said he is now ready to harness his outbursts after a summer of self-reflection, maturation and love.
Cvetinovic met his girlfriend last year on Facebook and spent the summer with her back in Serbia. At the same time, he had an internship with the Serbian State Department pointing toward his hoped-for career as an ambassador, after playing pro ball in Europe.
"It was great motivation, because now I know what I want," the power forward said. "I want to get my school done, go back to Europe, play pro ball, get a job and make babies. A simple life, regular guy, 9-to-5."
In short, Cvetinovic grew up fast.
Now he wants to apply what he has learned on the basketball court with a team that has many veterans and some new players. He averaged 6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds last season, yet often cost himself time on the court with emotional outbursts following plays that did not go his way.
"This year, it's a totally different story," he said. "I talked to my family, and my girlfriend about that. My girlfriend is an athlete [a professional handball player] and she makes sense. It's time to take responsibility. Like Michael Jackson said, start with the man in the mirror, and make a change.
"If I go berserk, and show no composure, how are all these new guys we have going to feel about it? It's time to be a leader and get things done.
"At the end of the day we want to put a banner up there that says MAC Championship. We've never won one. It's a process. I'm 22 years old, it's time to grow up. All those things, thinking folks are against me, homesick, all those things, get over it. Go forward."
Cvetinovic understands he plays what is many consider the most pivotal position in the MAC. What often splits the hair between the good teams and the champions are the power forwards who can do it all: post up, shoot from the perimeter, rebound and defend all at a high level. The Serbian matches that profile.
"One of the strongest guys in the league at that spot, one of the quickest, and he has the best footwork," Akron coach Keith Dambrot said. "When he keeps his head, he's one of the best."
Cvetinovic said one key to his maturation has been adjusting to the American game. He admittedly fit the reputation of European players.
"I know: soft," he said. "I think there is still some of the European thing in me. Coach points that out.
"But from the physical side of it, I'm much more comfortable with the American style of play than I was before. What it comes down to is, it's always on you. How much you want to work. Do you want to make it happen for yourself and for your team?"
With his future plans now charted out, Cvetinovic now wants to make them happen -- starting with winning a title with the Akron Zips.