MCC forward earning an NCAA Division II shot

Martin Poznanovic

mccindians.com

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Community College sophomore Martin Poznanovic signed his letter of intent Tuesday to continue his basketball at NCAA Division II Chadron State.

MCC coach Jacob Brandl said this 6-8 post player from Uzice, Serbia, demonstrates how a rigid work ethic can pay off, especially when you can recognize and seize even the smallest of opportunities.

Poznanovic played injust 10 games as a freshman averaging 2.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. He returned for his sophomore season and was in the middle of the October preseason when the team traveled to Chadron for a scrimmage game that had a profound impact on his career trajectory.

Brandl said as MCC faced a much taller Chadron squad, the coach inserted Poznanovic at the 4-spot, alongside 6-11 Ezichi Kalu in the post.

“Quite frankly in that game, Martin just had his way with Chadron, he played well and gave their 4s and 5s the business all game, and I think that is what earned him a full ride,” Brandl said.

Brandl said Poznanovic’s strength is his tremendous work ethic and his understanding of how things work.

“He completely changed his body between his freshman and sophomore year. He came in at 6-8, 230 pounds and gained some weight his freshman year to get stronger and at the end of the season he was up to 250 but not as mobile or athletics as he had been,” the coach said.

Poznanovic came back as a sophomore at 230 pounds, and Brandl said he was able to get back his athleticism while keeping his strength and maintaining both for the entire season.

Poznanovic played in all 31 games for MCC as a sophomore and started 12, averaging 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. His favorite basketball memories of his two years at MCC included the Region IX tournament finals his freshman year, and the tournament-opening win on the road this year at North Platte.

“Nobody expected us to be there last year, but we did it, and things started working out for me,” he said. “It always feels different in that rivalry game, — it’s a game I’ll remember forever.”