Durham Palatinates have made what could be one of the signings of the summer ahead of their debut WBBL campaign after sealing the services of Monika Tomljenovic, who has both EuroLeague Women and EuroBasket Women minutes on her resume.
The 31-year-old Croatian veteran will assume her new role with the north-east side and could be one of the names to watch out for in 2017-18 after adding her skills to the rookie WBBL club. She played for her country at EuroBasket Women 2013, has appeared for the likes of Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb in Europe and was with KK Zvarner most recently, adding 14 points and 6 rebounds in 2015-16.
“It is a new country, a new team and new challenge for me. but after speaking with Coach [Lee] Davie about the team and the programme, I decided that Durham would be a perfect place for me to get back in professional basketball,” said Tomljenovic.
“Since I have never been to UK, it will be an even bigger challenge, which I look forward to. I have also I got the opportunity to coach kids basketball, which I love just as much as playing.
“I really don’t know what to expect because this is my first season in WBBL league and team is new to the league as well, so we will just give our best and try to win as many games as possible.
“I played college basketball in the States, spent a few years as a pro in Croatia and in other countries. Then my passion and love for basketball, which combined with team skills, will hopefully help us to win more games.
“We have good chemistry on and off the court. We work hard and that way we push each other to work even harder in practice to get better. Most of us come from different countries and it is always nice to get to know new people and to share one part of your life with them.”
Coach Davie is delighted to have landed his latest recruit and commented: “Monika is a huge signing for us because after 4 years at Florida International followed by a successful career in Europe, she brings a wealth of experience to help establish our club in its rookie year.
“A consummate professional, she is already having a massive impact on our programme. Leading by example, she is fantastic role model in terms of her work ethic on the court, but just as important, but often over looked, is the lifestyle off the court.
“Our younger players have gone out of their way to make reference to how well she takes care of her body in reference to her nutrition, physical preparation and recovery.
“Monika’s presence on the court will be felt by all as she has an engine that never seems to tire. Defensively she will chase, harass and disrupt you every step of the way, which I can see frustrating a lot of people.
A proven a scorer, she has the ability to hurt teams where ever she is on the floor. Monika’s speed and quickness will make her very hard to guard, but her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting will be where her impact will be felt the most.
“That perimeter threat alone, will positively impact her teammates, creating more space for them to go to work. And, if you help off her, she will make you pay,” added the play-caller.