Dukes go overseas for 2 big men, Peggau and Milovi

Duquesne University head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart has announced the signing of international forwards Rodrigo Peggau (Peg-OW) (Sao Paulo, Brazil/The Patterson (N.C.) School) and Aleksandar Milovic (MEEL-oh-vich) (Centje, Montenegro/Gymnasium). Peggau and Milovic are the seventh and eighth members of the 2008-09 recuiting class.

"We really had to address the need for rebounding in our frontcourt," said Everhart. "Rodrigo and Aleks will provide a great deal of toughness and athleticism in that area."

The 6-8, 230-pound Peggau, who is rated as a "three-star" recruit by Rivals.com, attended The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., where he played in just five games before tearing the meniscus in his right knee. He averaged 23 points per game and was county player of the year as a junior for The Calverton School in Huntingtown, Md. in 2006-07.

"Rodrigo runs very well and is a relentless rebounder who consistently plays extremely hard," said Everhart. "He'll make an impact in our frontcourt. He had arthoscopic surgery on his knee two weeks ago and the ligaments in his knee are fine," continued Everhart. "He should be able to complete his rehab over the summer and be ready to go this fall."

Peggau also considered Mississippi, Marshall, Kent State, James Madison and fellow Atlantic 10 member Saint Louis in addition to Duquesne.

Milovic, 6-7, 235, averaged 21.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in his final high school season.

"Aleks is a very strong, athletic rebounder who is also a tremendous shooter," said Everhart. "His versatility will have a great impact on our program. Aleks is one of the best young players in Europe and we're very excited to have him as part of our program."

Everhart is hoping Duquesne's eight-man recruiting class will help ease the sting of the loss of the top five scorers from last season's 17-13 team. The `08 Dukes - in just their second season under Everhart - posted Duquesne's first winning season since 1993-94.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Aleksandar Milovic: MEEL-oh-vich

Rodrigo Peggau: Rod-REE-go Peg-OW