Nikola Obradovic and Milos Bogetic recently made the transition from the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the United States as Penn State's little-known freshman basketball recruits.

Obradovic and Bogetic are getting a taste of everything college has to offer, like the local State College Wal-Mart. Their first time in the store was exciting, as it would be for anyone who has not experienced the wonders of a department store -- especially one with a self-checkout system.

"It's something different for us," said Obradovic.

Their shopping trip was fulfilling but nothing beat Bogetic's favorite purchase -- his much needed soccer ball. Both expressed their love for soccer, and rank it first on their list of favorite sports. But most likely, the two won't have much time to do anything outside of basketball and school.

At 6-foot-10, Bogetic will spend time at center or forward, while Obradovic, at 6-foot-4, comes in as a shooting guard.

Obradovic and Bogetic are from different former Yugoslavian states, and met for the first time two months ago.

Obradovic's hometown of Belgrade, Serbia is approximately an 8-hour drive from Bogetic's hometown of Podgorica, Montenegro.

Bogetic was spotted by a talent scout in his town who made several phone calls to various schools across the United States.

Penn State basketball coach Ed DeChellis and assistant coach Kurt Kanaskie traveled to Bogetic's home to meet with him and his family. They explained to Bogetic the highly acclaimed academics and valued sports teams at Penn State in hopes to have him sign a letter-of-intent with the Nittany Lions.

Hearing that another potential basketball talent, Obradovic, was just a plane ride away, the coaches asked Bogetic's family if Obradovic could come to their house and speak with the coaches.

The two decided that Penn State was the best school for them because of strong academics as well as an opportunity to play basketball. Both agreed that despite the opportunity to play professionally back home, getting an education and playing at Penn State would be better for their respective futures.

Bogetic and Obradovic get along well with their teammates, and they admire the sense of community the team has created.

"We feel like we are part of one big family," Obradovic said.

The team is very closely knit. All the players, as well as the coaching staff, wear bracelets with one word -- "Family" -- to show their unity.

"We never take this [bracelet] off," Obradovic said. "Never."

Both Obradovic and Bogetic have noticed many differences between life in State College and life at home.

"Everybody's so cool and good to us," Obradovic said. "People are very open. Everyone's smiling and kind. Everyday one of our coaches asks us if we need anything."

Both have noticed a difference in the way basketball is played here compared to Europe -- a much faster pace.

Obradovic and Bogetic are coming onto the team with a lot of experience, and some interesting tactics for playing a solid game.

"We can learn from [our teammates], and they can learn from us," Obradovic said about their different playing styles.

"There is good competition at practice. We can become better players."

Bogetic and Obradovic follow a vigorous schedule which includes waking up at 7 a.m. for breakfast, attending classes from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., eating lunch from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., lifting at 2:45 p.m., playing pick up games at 4:30 p.m., eating dinner at 6 p.m., attending mandatory study hall from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and retiring for the night around 11 p.m. or 12 a.m.

Obradovic and Bogetic are taking an Introduction to Drawing class as well as an online course in French History.

Bogetic is the funny man of the two, while Obradovic earns the "most experienced player" title, with play on the national team and winning three championships.

"They're laid back and comical, definitely always a good laugh," resident assistant Matt Bolan said. "They're a great pair together."

The duo love their floor and the relationship they have with the football players across the hall. Their sentiments for their RA are especially shared.

"We have the best RA," Bogetic said. "We're satisfied with him."

Outside of residence life, the players have had to make some adjustments and try different things, like Bogetic's new favorites: Dr. Pepper, fries with mayonnaise, and cream cheese.

Obradovic noted that Americans eat a large amount of bread, while his diet back home consists mainly of meat. Despite some cultural gaps, they fit the basic the mold of a college student as avid MTV and Hollywood fans.

Both enjoy classics such as The Godfather, and Bogetic especially loves Scarface. In their free time, they both enjoy going to the pool to relax. The high dive, however, is not Bogetic's favorite place to be since he is terrified of heights.

"He climbs all the way to the top, then climbs back down," said Bolan.

Bogetic and Obradovic both said that they like it here in the United States, even though State College is much smaller than the towns they come from. They are grateful for the opportunity they have at Penn State to learn, play basketball, and meet people -- but at the same time, they do miss home and family.

"The most important thing in my life is my 8-year old brother," said Obradovic.

They have dedicated the next four years of their lives to the Penn State basketball program and hope to help rebuild the team.

When asked about post Penn State plans, both Obradovic and Bogetic said they would like to continue their basketball careers, whether with the NBA or another professional league.