INDUCTION CEREMONY SPEECH

A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Nemanja Marinkovic ’07 elevated the Endicott men’s basketball program into a dominant force in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) with three consecutive conference titles leading to NCAA Tournament appearances from 2004-06. During his exceptional four-year career, Marinkovic led arguably Endicott’s most successful teams that went 80-33 overall and 54-10 in conference play.

“It is an honor for me to become inducted into the Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Marinkovic, who is currently tied for second all-time in scoring with 1,495 career points along with John Henault ’15 but leads the program's record books in rebounding (920), field goals made (579), and games played (112). He also ranks in the top-10 for assists (274) and steals (129).

“Endicott College was my home for four years and during that time I tried my best to contribute to the success of the basketball team and College in any way I could. It is incredible that Endicott has noticed my work and efforts and has given me a chance to leave my mark eternally at the College by awarding me in this way.”

Marinkovic was honored lavishly throughout his career with accolades for both his athletic and academic achievements as a business administration major concentrating in international business. He was named CCC Rookie of the Year in 2003-04 after averaging 13.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game with 50 assists and 40 steals. Over the course of his playing career, Marinkovic collected four All-CCC awards including three First Team nods in 2004, 2006, and 2007. Academically, Marinkovic was a model student-athlete as he earned a spot on the CCC Academic All-Conference team three times as well as Endicott Academic Varsity Club honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior.

“Endicott was a perfect fit for me as an international student, a rising college with a great reputation and I felt I was part of a bigger family. I was surrounded by so many talented student-athletes and we all pushed each other to become better as individuals and also as teams. For that matter, I feel extremely privileged to become part of the Hall of Fame as others helped me thrive to success.”

Indeed, for Marinkovic, success cannot be attributed to his individual motivation and drive. There were a number of key supporters that factored into Marinkovic’s collegiate academic and athletic prowess.

“Initially, I would like to thank President Richard E. Wylie, Vice President Tom Redman and Coach (Michael) Plansky who believed and allowed me to come to Endicott College as a student-athlete. They helped me adjust to the collegiate basketball culture from the moment I applied to the College until I graduated. Professor Margaret Ake has been my mentor and advisor who taught me so much in life and she will always be seen in my eyes as my American mother. I am still very close with her and her family to this day. I will never forget moments with Professor Richard Nastasi and his support and encouragement on and off the court. Finally, every single teammate helped me achieve this honor as it reflects team accomplishment where we were able to bring success to the College’s athletic program together.”

Today, Marinkovic works for the General Magnaplate Corporation, a company he initially did a business case study with during his junior year at Endicott. That case study work parlayed into a full-time position after graduation and he has been working there for nine years. He has a corporate role in the company, handling all international operations and marketing for the company. Marinkovic returned to his native Serbia after graduating from Endicott.