Dayton freshman from Czech Republic acclimating well

Matej Svoboda learned Thursday he has been cleared to play by NCAA

The first native of the Czech Republic to play for the Dayton Flyers learned Thursday he had passed through the NCAA Clearinghouse.

RELATED:  Flyers focused on individual skill instruction in summer

Dayton expected Matej Svoboda, a 6-foot-7 forward who committed to Dayton in February and signed in May, to not have any troubles being cleared to play, and that was the case. He arrived on campus on June 22 and has fit in well in his first weeks, coach Anthony Grant said.

“He’s really excited to be here,” Grant said. “I’ve been impressed with his basketball IQ, his understanding of the game. You can look at his YouTube clips. He shoots the ball really well.”

RELATED: Svoboda brings skill, experience to UD

Svoboda will be 21 by the time the season starts. He has played as an amateur on pro teams in his home country.

“It’s a great situation to have a guy who’s got the experience he has overseas,” Grant said. “He’s a little bit of an older guy. He understands his body, what to eat, the work ethic required to be a good player. He’s been a great addition.”

Archie Miller and his staff, mainly Tom Ostrom, recruited Svoboda, who recommitted to Dayton without having met Grant or any of the new coaches. Grant talked to Svoboda on the phone.

RELATED: A look at the 2017-18 Flyers roster

“I think when he came on his visit, he fell in love with Dayton, the atmosphere here,” Grant said. “He felt comfortable with just being a student here. He decided he wanted to play college basketball. When we connected again, it was just confirming, ‘All those things are still in place for you here. The change has been me and the staff. Give us a chance to get to know you and get to know us.’ He was sold on the university and the program.”

About the Author