Kenan Guzonjic

Position:
Forward
Height:
6-8
Weight:
245
Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
High School:
Cathedral HS (El Paso, Texas)

Vital stats/storylines: Guzonjic, a lefthander, came to the U.S. for his senior of high school, where he averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in about 15 games • Enrolled after high school at Midland Junior College and averaged 8.4 points, 5.4 rebounds in his only season (2013-14) • Before his second year at Midland, he injured his knee (meniscus) and had surgery. Finding out he would be a full academic qualifier, he elected to return to Bosnia to rehab and work out. It also afforded him the opportunity to play three years in Division I, which Boyle calls “a bonus.” • Guzonjic is not the least bit shy in shooting the 3-ball; in fact, his highlight videos from high school and junior college feature his perimeter scoring as much as his points in the paint • He beefed up while spending last season in Bosnia: listed initially at Midland as 215 pounds, then at 225 pounds by some recruiting services, CU now puts him at 240 • Was rated three stars and ranked as the No. 23 JUCO recruit by 24/7 Sports in its 2015 Top 50 • In addition to CU, his official visits were to the University of Buffalo, Southern Miss and Loyola Marymount • He arrived on the CU campus in June 2015.

CU scouting report: With his big body, Guzonjic can be the kind of inside “banger” that the Buffs need as well as use his skill as an outside shooter to keep defenses honest • Down low, he’ll need to develop better use of his right hand against Pac-12 competition • Also in league play, his on-ball defense will need to improve • As with Akyazili, Boyle and his staff believe Guzonjic’s inherent toughness will benefit the Buffs • CU assistant Mike Rohn calls Guzonjic “a skilled ‘big’ playing inside and out, with 3-point range.” Comparing Guzonjic with former Missouri star Linas Kleiza, who now plays in Italy, is an accurate early appraisal, said Rohn.

Coach Boyle Says: “Kenan will play the ‘four’ or ‘five.’ He’s a post player who can step out and shoot the ‘three’ and stretch the defense. He’s physical and has the ability to bang down low; he’s a good rebounder with a high level of toughness and skills.”

Academics: College major is economics.

Personal: Born August 22, 1994 in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina • Son of Mehmedalija and Sajma Guzonjic • Has two older siblings, brother Esmir, who played college basketball at Northern Alabama, and sister, Elma • Would like to become a professional basketball player or a coach after graduation.