Gataric lands in Big Sky Country

West Valley College Coach Scott Eitelgeorge reports that WVC sophomore Momir Gataric has accepted a scholarship from Montana State-Billings, a DII school competing in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The Yellowjackets ares losing two of their top three scorers so Gataric's marksmanship will be put to quick use.

Montana State University Billings Men's Basketball head coach Jamie Stevens, has announced the signing of his first recruit for the 2014-15 season, Momir Gataric from West Valley College.

After playing one season at West Valley, Gataric was named to the California Community College Athletic Association All-Conference team. He was ranked 15th in scoring in the conference, leading West Valley in scoring with an average of 19.2 points per game.

The 6-5, 200 pound wing also averaged 6.6 rebounds per game, shot 49.9 percent from the floor including 32.9 percent from three point range.

Born in Sarajevo Bosnia, Gataric grew up in Sunnyvale California and lettered three years playing varsity high school basketball. He was named league MVP twice, first in his sophomore year and second in his junior year. During his junior year he averaged 22.3 points per game. In his senior season, Momir averaged 22.1 points per game and was named to the first team All-League squad as well as being named Senior of the year.

The sun of Ljubomir and Dimoslavka Gataric, Momir will transfer to MSUB as a junior. His planed major is Health and Human Performance. He carries a 3.5 GPA and was named to the Dean's List at West Valley.

Gataric on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because on my trip the coaches and players made the visit very comfortable and easy. I can see myself living here for two years."

Coach Stevens on Gataric: "We feel like Momir is a great fit for what we need right now in our program. Statistically, he had a great sophomore season. He plays to his strengths, rebounds very well for his size and is an above average shooter. He is also really solid in the classroom and our staff and players just really liked him as a person when he visited Billings. I look forward to having Momir at MSUB over the next two seasons."