Matej Juric
Matej Juric
Years Played in Troyka: 2007-2013
Position: Point Guard
Height: 183cm (6’0)
Weight: 190lbs
1. What are you doing now ?
I am currently in medical school studying to become a doctor.
2. What are your top athletic achievements?
My biggest athletic achievement is earning a full-ride NCAA division 1 scholarship to play for Drexel University in Philadelphia. In addition to that, getting the opportunity to play in March Madness where we faced the University of Illinois and I had to guard current Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu.
3. What are your top academic/professional achievements?
My top academic achievement would be completing my bachelor of science at Drexel University where I majored in Biology. Secondly would be getting accepted to medical school at the University of Ottawa. Currently I am pursuing my MD (doctorate in medicine) with hopes of one day becoming an orthopedic surgeon and subspecializing in sports medicine.
4. What are your favourite basketball memories/experiences?
My favourite memory would be getting to play in March Madness and going through that whole experience of having a chartered plane for our team, police escorts to the hotel/gym/games, fans waiting outside of the hotel for autographs etc.
Additionally, we would have NBA teams such as the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks use our facilities while I was at Drexel University (usually the night before they would play the 76ers) and being able to meet players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steph Curry and see their approach and how they prepare for games was a memory I won’t forget.
5. What is your favourite memory from your time with Troyka?
One of my favourite memories from Trojka was going to Chatham in 2009 for U10 OBA provincials and winning the bronze medal in division 2. Also, I have very fond memories of the early days when there was house league – back then I prepared for those games like it was game 7 of the NBA finals!
6. How has Troyka contributed to your success?
Trojka is a big reason that I fell in love with the game of basketball. It is where I learned how to play, and it laid the foundation for everything that came afterwards in my basketball journey. Through Trojka I was also able to make friends with people who I am still in touch with and see to this day – over 15 years later!
7. What do you think are the most important areas for young athletes to focus on?
I think that it’s important for all young athletes to focus on their own path. It’s easy to get caught up in rankings, who’s scoring more points, getting more playing time etc. Everyone’s path is different and as long as you are consistent in your approach and work hard each and every day, the results will show.
8. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with the next generations of Troyka athletes?
One of the best pieces of advice that I received from a coach and that I’d like to share is, “Use basketball, don’t let basketball use you.” This sport can offer you so many opportunities from paying for your education, allowing you to travel all across the world, meeting so many different people, and much more. Use that to your advantage! Don’t let basketball become something that adds unnecessary stress to your life.
