NLL Insider

Ilija Gajic, currently gunning for his first Mann Cup win, officially threw his name into the '09 entry draft.

As NLL Insider reported earlier this summer, former Denver University middie and current New Westminster Salmobellies post-season MVP, Ilija Gajic, has officially entered his name into this year’s draft class, originally slated to only be available in the ‘10 Entry Draft, now available this summer after an early departure from DU.

Gajic, just days away from suiting up for the Salmonbellies at this year’s Mann Cup for the second straight year, is considered to be a likely top five pick in this year’s pro draft, some feel good enough to go first overall due to his dominating play in the WLA for the past two years.

Also joining Gajic at this year’s NLL draft  is younger brother Alex Gajic, an NLL Insider All-Canadian First Teamer in ‘08 with the Burnaby Lakers, also leaving Denver University early, finishing his freshman year at the DI school as the team’s third leading goal scorer behind fellow Canuck Mark Matthews and graduating Sr. Joey Murray.

The younger Gajic brother is also anticipated to be a first round pick in next week’s pro draft, this past year’s first overall pick in the WLA’s draft, going to the Langley Thunder.

Other high profile names that appeared on the NLL’s renunciation list released yesterday…

NLL Insider ‘09 All-Canadian Second Teamer and ‘08 and ‘09 defender of the year nominee, Matt Beers, is a highly regarded smash mouth defender entering this year’s draft a year early, the Coquitlam Adanacs (Jr. A) leader one of this year’s top pure D prospects.

The BCJALL’s ‘09 defender of the year, New West’s Brett Mydske, will also be entering the NLL early, previously spending a year with DII power Limestone (‘08), this past summer impressing immensely with the Jr. Bellies.

One of the junior loop’s top power forwards and an Honorable Mention during this year’s JOTY’s, Carlton Schuss will be entering next year’s draft as one of the most wanted ’89’s, a rugged offensive force that can put the ball in the back of the cage just as quickly as he can drop the mitts. Check back to NLL Insider later this week for Schuss’s prospect profile in our “Hello My Name Is…” series.

Hit this link for the rest of the names that have forfeited their remaining NCAA eligibility and will be available in September 9th’s entry draft.

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