Dzepina signs with Huskies

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

Northern Illinois' men's basketball team signed another recruit on Friday, and confirmed some roster adjustments. First, Northern Illinois signed center Ante Dzepina to a National Letter of Intent. Dzepina comes from Highland Community College and will play for the Huskies in 2008 "Ante instantly gives us maturity on our front line," NIU coach Ricardo Patton said in a release. "He has a high basketball IQ and brings the toughness that is needed in the Mid-American Conference." The 6-foot-8, 235-pound Dzepina helped Highland CC advance to the NJCAA Division II Region IV Championship, averaging 6.0 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Cougars. Dzepina, who originally comes from Croatia, is the first foreign player since guard Markus Jankus played for the Huskies during the 2000-01 season. "He gives us a tremendous post presence both offensively and defensively," Patton said. As for the roster moves, NIU confirmed that Zach Pancratz, who still has a year of eligibility remaining, will not play with a scholarship next season. He has been offered the chance to compete on the team next season as a walk-on. Pancratz sat out last season after having shoulder surgery on his left shoulder. Also, an NIU official confirmed that junior-to-be Bristan Kelley has been released from his basketball scholarship. The same official also said that Kelley is no longer with the football team. Kelley practiced with the football team this spring. Kelley and Pancratz could not be reached for comment.