Big Decision Ahead for Vasiljevic

The very best boys’ basketball players to come out of Ventura County have remained close to home for college--much to the delight of UCLA.

A tradition that began with Jamal Wilkes of Ventura was carried on by Don MacLean of Simi Valley and Shon Tarver of Santa Clara. All became Bruins.

Pero Vasiljevic earned favorable comparisons to those stars with his play this season at Simi Valley. Will he become a Bruin as well?

“Pero is interested in UCLA but he is interested in several schools,” Simi Valley Coach Dean Bradshaw said.

UCLA is very much interested in Vasiljevic, a 6-foot-9 center and an exchange student from Adelaide, Australia. The Times’ Ventura County boys’ player of the year has made visits to UCLA, Kansas and Kansas State and plans to visit Gonzaga and Pepperdine.

Vasiljevic runs the floor like a guard, and he can shoot from outside or post up. Everyone who watched the Pioneers play this season--including many Division I coaches--knew immediately that he was a special player.

“He is one of the most-gifted high school players in the state, if not the nation,” one college recruiter said. “He has great quickness for a big guy. As he gains experience, I think he will make a strong impact in college.”

Vasiljevic won a triple crown of sorts, leading the county with averages of 24.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Although he gave opponents fits, Vasiljevic made friends easily, and has become one of the most-popular students at Simi Valley. His friends include guard Marques Pena of cross-town rival Royal.

On his own team, seniors Scott Blough and Rod MacLean became closest to Vasiljevic. Blough, Simi Valley’s second-leading scorer and only returning starter, often accompanied Vasiljevic to watch games involving rival teams.

As an addition to the team, Vasiljevic was crucial. Two players had transferred to Royal and only Blough had much experience.

Simi Valley (17-9) won a wild-card playoff game over Rialto before falling to Long Beach Jordan in the Southern Section tournament. In the playoffs, Vasiljevic continued his strong play, scoring 48 points and grabbing 19 rebounds.

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All-Ventura County Boys’ Team

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Position Name School Year Height G Steve Aylsworth Westlake Sr 5-11 F Charles Dixon Ventura Sr 6-6 G Lukman Dotson Santa Clara Sr 6-4 G Randy Gastwirt Oak Park Jr 6-3 F Josh Hill Camarillo Sr 6-7 F Ryan Nielsen Royal Jr 6-5 G Marques Pena Royal Sr 6-0 C Ceneka Shaw Buena Sr 6-6 G Dan Sweeney Oxnard Sr 6-3 C Pero Vasiljevic Simi Valley Sr 6-9

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SECOND TEAM

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Position Name School Year Height G Scott Blough Simi Valley Sr 6-1 G Brian Donahue Moorpark Sr 6-0 G Josh Jimenez Santa Paula Jr 6-1 G Mike Lauer Thousand Oaks Sr 6-3 F Donte Lincoln Ventura Sr 6-6 G Adam Lopez Santa Clara Sr 6-4 G Charles Merricks Channel Islands Jr 6-0 C Jeremiah Nesbitt Westlake Sr 6-7 G Tyrone Nunnery Rio Mesa Jr 5-10 G O.J. Thomas Channel Islands So 5-8

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