6-8 Yugoslavian Center May Help N. Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD —  The North Hollywood High boys’ basketball team, which has struggled to a 7-6 start, could get a boost Monday when Nicoli Batzkovich joins the team.

Batzkovich, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound junior, has moved to the United States from Belgrade, Yugoslavia, where he played on a traveling club team. Coach Steve Miller said Batzkovich will enroll at North Hollywood on Monday.

Miller said Batzkovich has not practiced with the team but worked out for him privately last week and could help the Huskies, the defending Mid-Valley League champions. He said Batzkovich reminds him of UCLA center George Zidek, a native of Prague, Czech Republic.

“He’s going to try and earn some playing time, but he’s going to have to earn it,” Miller said. “And it depends on how well he learns the system.”

Miller said Batzkovich is living with Miller’s father, Chad, a North Hollywood attorney. Miller hopes the Huskies will welcome the addition of a player who could strengthen them in the low post.

“I would hope they’re very excited about it,” Miller said. “He has yet to practice with the team and he seems to be a shy kid.”

In addition to the news of Batzkovich, 6-6 center Mike Delano returned to the Huskies on Friday. Delano, a senior, had been suspended for six games because of disciplinary reasons.