Miroslav Jaksic Chooses Grand Canyon: “I Went For The People Not The Name”

Miroslav Jaksic (Windsor, ON) has committed to Grand Canyon University.

Grand Canyon?

“I know you’ve never heard of it, but in a couple years you will,” Jaksic confidently stated.

Part of the reason the school doesn’t ring any bells is due to the fact that GCU is currently a division II program transitioning into it’s inaugural season as part of the Division I Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

The 6’11 centre-forward received offers from Iowa State, Rhode Island, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, while also being recruited by the likes of Texas and Miami.

The Windsor, Ontario product finished his high school career at Walled Lake averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds, while being ranked the top centre in the state of Michigan (fifth overall). The Canadian-Serbian is a skilled big with an inside-outside game that will serve match up problems for years to come.

He now moves into the class of 2013, where he still holds a top 10 NPH ranking in Canada; a class comprised of Andrew Wiggins (Kansas), Tyler Ennis (Syracuse), Duane Notice (South Carolina), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (FSU) and Mikyle McIntosh (ISU).

Grand Canyon is coached by Dan Majerle, who holds 14 NBA seasons under his belt, which most would remember while playing with the Phoenix Suns alongside Charles Barkley.

“The people there are great. I went for the people not the name,” said Jaksic, referring to the reason for his commitment.

“I loved the staff and Jerry Colangelo is there too. Me and my parents felt like family there.”

Colangelo, a graduate of GCU and a basketball hall of famer, has been the director of USA basketball, and recently appointed special assistant to the president at Grand Canyon to guide the transition into division I basketball.

In other words, Jaksic is in good hands; he will red shirt his first year to get bigger and stronger in preparation for what sounds like a big year.

“I want to get the college experience then kill my freshman year.”