Rolling Meadows senior forward Ian Miletic has an edge over just about anyone he confronts on the basketball court.
The 6-foot-8 Marquette recruit’s coveted physical traits are an obvious reason. But his approach to the sport is significant too.
“There’s intent that I have in everything I do, and there’s always pride in the way I carry myself, showing my effort and doing whatever I can to win,” Miletic said. “I love to win.”
Following in the footsteps of Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie and Los Angeles Clippers rookie guard Cam Christie, his former teammate, Miletic has helped make Mid-Suburban East Conference champion Rolling Meadows a winner not only this season but throughout his career.
Through Feb. 13, Miletic was averaging 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists for the Mustangs (23-4, 9-0).
“I like to think of myself as being pretty versatile, being able to do a little bit of everything,” he said. “On defense, that could mean how I play our rotations, being a pest, talking, having active hands, sliding my feet quickly. It all adds up.”
The fact that Miletic mentioned five potential defensive tactics in one sentence speaks to the value he places on being an all-around player. When a freshman is a varsity starter, like Miletic was three years ago, that’s typically because the player exhibits scoring ability. But other aspects of the game initially caught the eye of college recruiters.
Marquette assistant Neill Berry recalls watching Miletic play in York’s Jack Tosh Holiday Classic in December 2023.
“He shot it well that day,” Berry said. “I think he made three or four threes, which stands out for someone with his size. What I really noticed was his presence on the floor and how connected he was with his teammates and coaches.”
Berry’s favorable impression led to a conversation after the game, and Marquette head coach Shaka Smart saw what Miletic brings to the table a couple of weeks later. Although Miletic didn’t have a lofty national ranking, the Golden Eagles’ coaching staff was convinced he would be a good fit.
“We want to recruit players who have a level of passion for the game,” Berry said. “Beyond all of his physical gifts, the greatest advantage he has is his desire to be good. It means something to him.”
To help Miletic make the transition to college as smooth as possible, Marquette holds periodic Zoom calls that link the four incoming freshmen with other people in the program.
“It’s a way for us all to be as connected as possible before we get onto campus,” Miletic said. “We’ll get to know each other on a closer level.”
Excited about joining a top-25 team, Miletic has been paying attention to Marquette’s season. But he also realizes that what he’s doing at Rolling Meadows is important for not only the current team but future teams as well.
“I’m very grateful to be a part of such a great program,” Miletic said. “It’s a blessing to have such a good group of junior guys who help us prepare so well. I always look forward to helping out younger players and hope they can duplicate what we’ve done.”
The Mustangs’ Mid-Suburban East title is their fourth in Miletic’s four seasons. But he still bemoans an overtime loss to Prospect last season because a win would have given Rolling Meadows a remarkable 39-0 record in conference games in his career.
“I always do think about that game and would love to have had another chance,” Miletic said. “I’ve even heard from seniors in the past about that game.”
Miletic, who averaged 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season, focuses on the team’s outcomes.
“He could easily average more than he is, but he’s so unselfish,” Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich said. “He’s our leading scorer, rebounder and assist man, and can score at all three levels. But how he approaches the mental aspect has really improved, things like staying composed and seeing the whole game.”
Sometimes that means Miletic needs to assert his dominance. He scored 32 points against Maine South earlier this season and scored 31 points against Hersey on Feb. 7. Miletic set the tone in the latter game with 15 points in the first quarter as the Mustangs clinched the conference title.
“The first quarter was crazy,” he said. “I got lost in the moment because I really wanted to win for my guys. Once I had that rhythm, I took over. That truly meant something.”
Miletic’s killer instinct figures to come in handy for Rolling Meadows down the stretch. That puts the team in an enviable position.
“I’m the player I am for a reason — because of all the work I’ve put in,” Miletic said. “If my team needs me to give them 30 on a game night, I can do that. I know what I’m capable of.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
