Croatian Cowboys

Vuko, Granic reunite on WC basketball team
 
Tonko Vuko's freshman season at Weatherford College was a memorable one. The 6-foot-8-inch forward/post averaged 17 points and eight rebounds, earning Freshman of the Year honors in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference.

In fact, Tonko had such a great time that he encouraged his friend, from the same hometown of Split, Croatia, to also come to Weatherford.

And now, Tonko and Vlatko Granic, also a 6-foot-8-inch forward/post, are teammates again.

"He helped me a lot. It made it easier coming here having another guy from Europe already playing, especially my friend," said Vlatko, who spent last season at a prep school in Merrillville, Indiana.

Tonko and Vlatko played two seasons of club ball together in Croatia. With Tonko being a year older, they knew he'd be the first to play college ball, but they stayed in touch and had a goal to be reunited at the college level.

And though Tonko encouraged his friend to join him in Weatherford, he didn't have to say much to Coyotes coach Mark Osina, who was already well aware of Vlatko's talents.

"We call them the Croatian Cowboys," said Osina with a chuckle. "They both seem to be right at home here."

Once in Weatherford - and Texas - each had to make adjustments. And even though Tonko had already gone through the experience and offered what advice he could, Vlatko still had to experience some things for himself.

The most challenging adjustment, they agreed, was the food.

"Back home everything is homemade, and here everything is fast food," said Tonko.

"I wish we had Croatian food here," added Vlatko.

Tonko's favorite food is lamb. For Vlatko it is chicken and rice, but he adds, "It's not like Croatia. It's different. It's good, but different."

The two grew up watching American movies, so they were already making the adjustment to their new land long before actually setting foot here.

"My favorite movie is 'Coach Carter,'" said Vlatko. "I like Samuel L. Jackson."

To which Tonko added, "I love 'The Shawshank Redemption,' I can watch that over and over."

The two are hoping film of themselves is also a hit - with other college coaches. Tonko will move on to another school next season, and hopes to play at the NCAA Division I level.

"I want us to make it to the national tournament, I want to be an All-American and grab a D-I scholarship," said Tonko.

And yes, he wants his good friend to once again join him wherever his next stop might be. Vlatko is considering playing another season at WC, but will certainly stay in touch with Tonko.

"Sure, we want to keep this going," said Tonko.

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by Rick Mauch

 Photo: Tonko Vuko and Vlatko Granic