Many international players are now filling college basketball rosters. A rising star to watch is Luka Bogavac, a Montenegrin wing headed to the North Carolina Tar Heels. Known for his mobility and shooting, Bogavac is already getting serious buzz.
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla recently gave Bogavac a big shoutout, adding to the hype as Tar Heels fans can’t wait to see what the freshman brings to Chapel Hill, N.C.
Luka Bogavac Earns High Praise for Shooting and Pro Skills
Fraschilla recently weighed in on the broader trend of European players entering the NCAA, tweeting:
“Smart euro agents are making a fortune sending players to the NCAA. Many can play, a couple of NBA prospects and a few who couldn’t play dead in a cowboy movie. They have found a gold mine and a handful of naïve schools also. Middle men are happy also,” Fraschilla said.
Smart euro agents are making a fortune sending players to the NCAA. Many can play, a couple of NBA prospects and a few who couldn’t play dead in a cowboy movie. They have found a gold mine and a handful of naïve schools also. Middle men are happy also.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 31, 2025
When a user specifically asked about Bogavac, Fraschilla replied:
“Should be very good ACC player. Already has a lot of pro experience. Great shooter and terrific pick and roll player,” underscoring the high expectations for Bogavac’s impact at UNC.
Should be very good ACC player. Already has a lot of pro experience. Great shooter and terrific pick and roll player.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 31, 2025
The 21-year-old Montenegrin hooper’s commitment to UNC for the 2025-26 season is gaining attention since it means he will fill the spot left by Drake Powell, heading to the NBA draft.
His impressive statistics in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) with Košarkaški klub Studentski centar (SC Derby) in Podgorica, Montenegro, including 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and shooting nearly 40% from the 3-point line, indicate that he is well prepared for college.
Because he already has four years of pro experience, Bogavac brings a level of polish and maturity rare for a freshman.
European Talent Reshaping College Basketball
Bogavac is part of a growing wave of European talent entering college hoops. A record 826 foreign-born athletes played Division I basketball in 2023-24. NIL money and March Madness exposure are now drawing overseas stars to the NCAA.
Schools like UNC are leaning into that trend. Bogavac will join another international recruit, Henri Veesaar, on the Tar Heels’ roster, signaling a global approach to talent.
As these recruiting pipelines grow, the NCAA continues evolving into a global stage, bringing in new styles and skill sets from around the world.
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