With all respect to Julius Erving, Philadelphia basketball has another Dr. J. 

Matey Juric plays a central role to Drexel’s team identity, fulfilling a role teammate Camren Wynter described as “that It Guy that you need on your team.

“He does all the dirty work and we love him,” Wynter continued. “He leads us in deflections and leads us in charges. Very reliable guy.”

Reliable describes Juric both on the hardwood and as a student. 

He’s someone Dragons coach Zach Spiker notes “has had one B – one B – in his career,” and done so while balancing basketball with pre-med studies. 

The rigors of college basketball present their own challenges exceeding those of the average college student’s daily life: Weightlifting, practices, regular travel and competing at the peak–which Drexel has done as a 2021 NCAA Tournament team. 

Studying medicine stands as one of the most intense educational pursuits, requiring extensive schooling and tip-top grades to gain admission to postgraduate schools. 

Now, combine the two endeavors. That’s Matey Juric’s life. 

“It’s definitely difficult,” he said. “Some days are more difficult than others...But I couldn’t see myself studying anything else, because I wouldn’t be as passionate about it. I always say, if you’re not passionate about it, don’t do it.”

But the rewards far outweigh any of the challenges. We’re told do what you love with such regularity that it almost becomes cliche. 

And yet, actually doing so eludes so many for any number of reasons. Juric is living that ideal. 

He discovered a love for science while growing up and came to the realization he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Juric was also in that rare top percentage of prep basketball players with Division I ability. 

Continuing to play competitively wasn’t even a question for Juric during the college decision-making process. 

“I’ve been playing basketball basically my whole life,” he said. “It’s something I love to do, and I wanted to play as long as I can.” 

The two passions overlapped before Drexel for Juric. He said that while he always found visits to the doctor’s office fascinating, his desire to become a doctor himself came while rehabilitating an injury in high school. 

The experience, he said, motivated him to want to be “an advocate for patients when they might not have anyone else in their corner.” 

That same sentiment could be applied to describing Juric’s contributions to Drexel basketball. 

As 2021 Preseason Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year Wynter described Juric’s game, taking on the “dirty work” that doesn’t garner highlights, Juric has been an invaluable part of the Dragons’ success. 

Spiker credited Juric for helping Drexel to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years last season with his play in the CAA Tournament. 

“We may not be in the championship game without his defensive performance in the semifinal against Northeastern,” Spiker said. “He made life very difficult for them defensively.”

Juric’s defensive efforts against the Huskies included helping hold standout scorer Tyson Walker to 1-of-8 shooting from 3-point range. Juric also had the Dragons’ second-best offensive rating in that game per KenPom.com metrics. 

He remains a defensive spark plug off the Drexel bench through seven games this season with a steals percentage of 2.5, right in line with his 2020-21 rating. Spiker noted Juric came into the preseason off injury, working his way back to 100 percent. 

Given his background and exposure to healthcare’s importance to athlete performance, it’s probably small wonder that Juric hopes to parlay his education to help another generation of players after he graduates. 

“I would like to work with athletes in some shape or way, sports medicine or whatever it may be,” he said. 

And Juric has the backing of not just Drexel basketball, but the athletic department as a whole. 

Spiker said one of the focuses of the Dragons coaching staff is answering the question, “How can we set them up for success?”

“Some guys want the opportunity to play pro [basketball], and we’ve been able to do that,” he said. “Matey Juric is a guy that we’ve tried to help and connect [to the professional healthcare world].” 

They were able to do so through Dr. Roger Blumenthal, MD, a Cardiology Specialist at Johns Hopkins. Blumenthal’s son, Ross, plays goalie for the Dragons lacrosse team. 

For Juric’s pursuit, Dr. Blumenthal is an ideal resource: Blumenthal’s work includes research on myocarditis impacting athletes. 

No matter if Juric’s professional path keeps him working with athletes, or pursuing another avenue of medicine, the new Dr. J will make an impact.