Serbian Basketball player enjoys opportunities in Weatherford

Ognjen Zoric had never seen America up close before coming to Weatherford College last year from Serbia.

He’d heard about Texas from his brother, Daniel, who played at Collin County Community College and the University of Illinois nearly a decade ago.

"It’s just as he described," said Ognjen. "I’d seen it in the movies only. Everything is big, the airport, restaurants, even cars.

"We don’t have trucks in Serbia."

Daniel, who is now playing professionally in France, was Ognjen’s role model. Instead of playing soccer like so many other youngsters in Serbia, Ongjen wanted to follow in Daniel’s footsteps and come to America. And he is hoping his experience of playing college basketball will lead him to play pro ball, just like Daniel.

"We talk all the time and he tells me what a great opportunity this is for me," said Ongjen. "I want to do the same thing as him."

Ongjen, or Ozzie as he is called by his nickname, has a 3.45 GPA in business management. His mother is an accountant back in Serbia.

"She’s really fortunate. She has one of the better jobs," he said.

Ozie said he chose Weatherford for a very simple reason. He got a full scholarship to play for the Coyotes.

But once he set foot on campus, he immediately fell in love with the school and the town. Now, he said he understands why players love coming here.

"They have nice people, nice coaches, and they gave me a chance," said Ozie. "I’m so thankful."

His time in America has taken him far, and not just to the places the basketball team travels.

"I went to Los Angeles and San Diego for spring break last year," said Ozie. "I was there 11 days visiting a friend. It was great."

His favorite professional team now? The LA Lakers. His favorite professional player? Kobe Bryant of that same team.

But he does not have aspirations to move the West Coast after graduating from college. When he leaves WC he wants to keep playing wherever he can get a scholarship, and from there he wants to head back to Europe.

Once there, not only does want to play professionally, he wants to help other youngsters reach their goals.

"People look at you different after you’ve been to America, I want other young people to know that feeling," he said. "I can say the coaches and Weatherford College saved my life. My friends are struggling back home, and if I can do something to help them get past that, I want to."

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by Rick Mauch