Malesevic, Ruiz-Moreno Join 2009-10 Incoming Class

Sept. 10, 2009

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Two student-athletes have joined the Rhode Island men's basketball incoming class for the 2009-10 academic year, head coach Jim Baron announced today.

Nikola Malesevic and Lisandro Ruiz-Moreno will continue their academic and athletic endeavors at URI, beginning this fall.

"We are excited to add two quality student-athletes in Nikola and Lisandro," Baron said. "With these additions, we have our full complement of scholarships filled and look forward to beginning preseason workouts before official practice starts in October."

Malesevic is a 6-7, 200 lb. forward from Uzice, Serbia. He played four years of high school basketball for Uzicka Gimnazija while also playing one season with KK Sloboda in the top Serbian amateur league. Malesevic averaged 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game en route to being named MVP in 2008.

Ruiz-Moreno is a 6-0, 180 lb. guard from Panema, Argentina. He spent last year as the South Kent School in Connecticut, along with current Rhody teammate Ryan Brooks. Ruiz-Moreno ran the point and helped guide South Kent to a 27-3 overall record and a spot in the NEPSAC championship game. Ruiz-Moreno averaged better than 6.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game, while posting an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.25:1. South Kent produced seven NCAA Division I players from last year's roster last year.

Ruiz-Moreno and Malesevic join Ryan Brooks and Akeem Richmond in Rhody's class of newcomers.