Dusan Perovic served the America East notice on December 3, 2014. On that date, Perovic — then a freshman forward on the Binghamton men’s basketball team — delivered a breakout performance against Boston University.
Perovic caught fire in that game, pouring in 34 points — a career and program high — 29 of which came in the second period, while draining six 3-point field goals. He demonstrated the ability to put the ball in the basket from all over the court. He flashed a brilliant baby hook shot from the post to go along with his impressive shooting stroke. On that day, it seemed as if Perovic was going to be a star in the conference during the 2014-15 season.
But the season didn’t play out that way. Perovic appeared in just seven more games for the Bearcats last season before suffering an ACL tear during practice in early January. Just like that, Perovic’s promising rookie campaign was over.
“To be honest, that first month after the injury, while I was sitting in my room, basically couldn’t move, was really tough,” Perovic said. “It was probably one of the toughest months I’ve ever had in my life.”
For the season, Perovic appeared in 15 games for the Bearcats. He averaged 11.5 points per game — second on the team — and led BU in 3-point shooting percentage, knocking down triples at an impressive 45.3 percent clip.
Without Perovic for the last 16 games of 2014-15, the Binghamton offense sputtered at times. The forward had provided BU an option to get easy baskets in the post, as well as to stretch the defense with his shooting ability. His absence eliminated a major offensive weapon for BU as it ground through its America East slate.
“Looking at [my teammates] on the court, fighting through our conference games, not being able to be there for them, it was really hard,” Perovic said.
But, starting with Binghamton’s season opener on November 13, Perovic will make his return to the court. His teammates are excited for his comeback.
“I love having Dusan back,” BU sophomore guard Justin McFadden said. “He’s one of my best friends. He definitely brings a spark, he brings energy.”
Perovic believes that he has benefited a great deal from his time away, learning from watching the game. He has already seen the benefits in practice.
“I learned a lot,” Perovic said. “I was just watching from offense to defense, I consistently just kept watching the tape and learning what position I should be in… I noticed that once I stepped on the court I already knew what I needed to do.”
Perovic’s return to the court will help a seemingly improved Bearcat offense. Without the forward on the floor last season, defenses were able to pack the paint against BU and take away driving lanes from Binghamton’s guards. With his return, there should be more room for everyone on the floor to attack the basket.
“When you’re a team that struggles to score the ball, it’s hard to lose your leading scorer,” BU head coach Tommy Dempsey said. “Dusan gives us versatility. He gives us size in there. He stretches the defense. When he’s on the court, they’re guarding him 22 feet [away from the basket].”
With the maturation of the young Binghamton squad and the addition of other players — mainly redshirt freshman guard John Schurman and freshman guard Everson Davis — who can score the ball, Perovic may not be relied upon as heavily on offense as he was in the first half of last season. However, this has not changed how he approaches the game.
“I definitely have the same mind-set,” Perovic said. “The first thing that is always on my mind is to help the team. I like to say that I’m a team player and make sure that everybody is doing the right thing.”