Global Shockwave: UNC Steals Europe’s Brightest Basketball Star, Luka Bogavac, for 2025–26 Season
UNC Lands European Gem: Luka Bogavac Joins Tar Heels for 2025–26 Season
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina basketball has struck gold on the international recruiting trail, securing the commitment of Serbian standout Luka Bogavac for the 2025–26 season. The 6-foot-6 guard, who has been making waves in European professional circuits, is being hailed by scouts as one of the most skilled international prospects to join the college game in recent years.
Bogavac, 19, has spent the last two seasons competing with Mega Basket in the Adriatic League, where his sharp shooting, versatile scoring, and high basketball IQ have drawn interest from both NBA scouts and elite European clubs. Instead, he’s chosen Chapel Hill as his next destination — a move that underscores head coach Hubert Davis’s growing reach in global recruiting.
“This is a big win for our program,” Davis said in Thursday’s announcement. “Luka brings a level of skill, toughness, and maturity that will make an immediate impact. His experience playing against professionals at a young age has prepared him to contribute from day one.”
Bogavac’s strengths are hard to ignore. A natural shooting guard who can also handle point duties, he boasts a smooth jumper from beyond the arc, a knack for finding open teammates, and a frame sturdy enough to defend multiple positions. Last season in the Adriatic League, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting nearly 39% from three-point range — numbers that rival some of the best young talents overseas.
For Bogavac, the decision to choose UNC was as much about tradition as it was about development.
“North Carolina is a special place,” Bogavac said in a statement. “The history, the fans, the style of play — it’s everything I dreamed of when thinking about playing college basketball. I believe Coach Davis and the staff can help me reach the next level.”
The Tar Heels are expected to lose multiple key players to graduation and the NBA draft after the 2024–25 season, making Bogavac’s arrival perfectly timed. His ability to stretch the floor should complement UNC’s inside presence, while his international poise could help steady the team in high-pressure ACC matchups.
Analysts are already speculating that Bogavac could follow in the footsteps of other international college stars who have successfully transitioned to the NBA. His combination of professional experience, elite shooting mechanics, and competitive fire gives him a head start in adapting to the American game.
“UNC didn’t just sign a recruit — they signed a player who’s already been tested against grown men in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe,” said ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz. “Luka has the tools to be a high-level contributor right away.”
With Bogavac on board, North Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class now features a mix of domestic five-star talent and international flair, reinforcing the program’s status as a global brand. Tar Heel fans will have to wait several months to see him in action, but the buzz in Chapel Hill is already electric.
If Luka Bogavac lives up to his reputation, the Dean Smith Center might be the launchpad for the next European star in the NBA. For now, UNC faithful can savor the news: the Tar Heels just got a whole lot more dangerous.
