MISSOULA – The Montana Grizzlies will start the postseason next week. Saturday they get one more chance to entertain the home crowd, and celebrate the kind of career every program needs.
Montana’s lone senior ranks sixth on the team in scoring, fourth in rebounding, and doesn’t lead the Griz in any other statistical category. But Fabijan Krslovic is as important to UM’s success this year as anyone.
The 6’8 forward from Australia plays great defense all over the court, can finish around the bucket, and does it all without an ounce of selfishness. Krslovic gladly took on the dirty work from day one, which has made him a constant in the lineup since Travis DeCuire took over the program four years ago.
“It’s a role I’ve found, and it’s a role I’ve succeeded in all throughout my basketball career,” said Krslovic. “Someone’s got to do it. I’m not as talented inside, or as athletic as some of the other guys we have. So I think that’s how I stay on the court.”
“He is everything we stand for,” praised DeCuire. “Student first, athlete second. And I think everyone that has had a chance to cross paths with him has fallen in love with him. He’s a guy that we will dearly miss. And we just hope we can get to play as much basketball while we have him.”
Krslovic’s best numbers come in the classroom. He has a 4.0 GPA while majoring in business administration.
Montana will hold a senior night celebration for the lone graduating player before Saturday’s game versus Idaho State. The Griz and Bengals tipoff at 7:00 in Dahlberg Arena.
