Entering the 2003-04 season Djorjdje Uskokovic figured that he would share the leadership responsibilities with several members of the Illinois State mens tennis team. Injuries to his teammates thrust the role solely on Uskokovics shoulders, however, and for his efforts he was named to the Missouri Valley All-Select team, Thursday, as voted on by Valley coaches.
Uskokovic returned to the Redbirds with great expectations this season after a stellar 2002-03 campaign that saw him earn the D Flight championship of the Ball State Invitational and No. 1 Valley doubles team honors with teammate Ben Pettinari.
He has not dissappointed, going 7-7 in Valley play and 13-15 overall, primarily in the No. 1 singles spot. Uskokovics biggest win of the year came over the Valleys No. 1 singles player, Bradleys Marko Marevic, 7-6, 7-6.
Uskokovics efforts have been even more impressive considering he has been without the help of Pettinari and Ben Cappuccitti, the other returning members from last years team.
Head coach Greg Kennett has been pleased with Uskokovics performance this year, and feels that even greater things are in store for his super sophomore.
He has done a really good job this year, especially this last month, Kennett said. He is a very talented player with a lot of potential still waiting to shine through.
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