Zo is a pro
9/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Bethlehem, PA - Former Lehigh point guard Zlatko Savovic has signed a two-year contract to begin his professional career overseas for a team in Latvia, called Ventspils. Ventspils is considered the premier team in the Latvian League and are perennial championship contenders. "Zo" and his new teammates will also be competing in the ULEB Cup, which is one of two top-notch leagues in Europe. The ULEB Cup consists of a group of five other countries besides Latvia, including Italy, Spain, Belgium, Yugoslavia and France that compete head to head. Savovic is happy to have this opportunity to play overseas and says, "It’s great to play in a league that is so competitive and filled with so many tremendous players. I look forward to improving my game in all facets. "While at Lehigh, Zo’s career was one of steady improvement, culminating with a selection to the 2003 First Team All-Patriot League squad as a senior. It was a year that saw Savovic finish sixth in the Patriot League in scoring at just under 15 points per contest, fifth in the League in assists, and was also a three-time Player of the Week. Coach Billy Taylor was along for every minute of Zo’s magical senior season and he knows that the success will continue no matter what area code Zo is in. "I am really proud of what Zo has accomplished here at Lehigh," Taylor says. "He finished his career off by making the First Team All-Patriot League and should be an impact player overseas. Zo’s comfort level with the European game is very high and the transition should be relatively easy for him. "Taylor adds, "It’s great to see Lehigh University basketball players continue their careers beyond college, and gain valuable experience, while at the same time, widen their horizons for life after graduation. "Savovic’s game should fit in perfectly with the style of play that is exhibited overseas, considering he possesses solid fundamentals, a great knowledge of the game and is able to step back and make the deep shot, which is the norm in European play. Equally important is Zo’s strength and speed, which he can use for defensive purposes and leading the fast break from his point guard position.
