THIBODAUX, La.  – Nicholls women's basketball head coach DoBee Plaisance announced the signing of junior transfer Jovana Mandic to the 2013-14 signing class.

“Jovana addresses our much-needed position at the five,” said Coach Plaisance, who has led Nicholls to a record-breaking 34 victories over the last two seasons. “She is a true center, although we can use her in the high-low post. Off the court, she is a very strong student and her personality meshes well with the chemistry of our team.” 

A 6-4 center from Knin, Croatia, Mandic is the fifth signee for the 2013-14 class and the third post player. Also signed are 6-1 Elexus Allen, 6-2 Shay Arnick, 6-3 Marina Lilly and 5-8 Taylor Morrison.

“Of our five signees, only one is under six foot, so we have definitely addressed our frontcourt need,” Plaisance said.

Mandic comes from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Division-I program that participates in the Colonial Athletic Association. Due to NCAA transfer rules, she will have to sit out next season but will have two years of eligibility remaining.

At UNCW, she played two years for the Seahawks, averaging 2.0 points and 3.0 rebounds last season. Also in 2012-13, she racked up 22 blocks in 26 games played.

Before attending UNCW, Mandic prepped at The Rock School in Gainesville, Fla. where she helped lead the Lady Lions to the National Association of Christian Athletes Division 1A National Championship. Along with making the All-Tournament Team at the NACA Championships, she was a McDonald's All-American nominee and was the eighth-ranked prep player in Florida by FlaVarsity.com.

Mandic was also a member of the Croatian Junior National Team, taking part in the 2010 U-18 European Championships.