International Talent Acquisition for North Carolina Basketball
When Jim Tanner was appointed as the general manager for North Carolina Basketball, he and athletic director Bubba Cunningham outlined their strategy to seek talent from international markets. Their efforts have paid off, as they secured a commitment from guard Luka Bogavac over the weekend, according to reliable sources.
Player Profile
Bogavac, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound player from Montenegro, brings four years of professional experience in the ABA Liga (Adriatic Basketball Association). By the start of the college basketball season, he will be 22 years old. He is the second international player to join the team during the offseason, following center Henri Veesaar, who hails from Estonia and previously played at Arizona.
Recent Performance
Playing for SC Derby in Podgorica, Montenegro, Bogavac recently concluded his best season, averaging 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for 2024-25. His shooting statistics include a 45.1% field goal percentage, 39.9% from three-point range, and 87% from the free-throw line. He scored 19 or more points in eight of his last 15 ABA games, including a personal best of 27 points on April 25, where he also made five three-pointers.
Competitive Experience
To illustrate the level of competition in the ABA, former Tar Heel All-American and current assistant coach Marcus Paige averaged only 8.7 points per game during the 2020-21 season with the Partizan club in Serbia.
International Representation
Bogavac has a strong background in international play, having represented Montenegro in the FIBA U20 European Championship in both 2022 and 2023. He was also part of the senior national team for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament and the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers, although he recently withdrew from the early international entries for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Family Background and Support
Interestingly, Bogavac comes from a basketball lineage; his father, Nebojša Bogavac, enjoyed a 14-year professional career, winning the Adriatic League title and MVP award in 2005. He now coaches in Paris, France. Nebojša praised his son’s focus, dedication, and progress, indicating that his experiences will help him achieve his future goals.
Joining the Roster
Bogavac is the ninth new player set to join the Tar Heels for the 2025-26 season, part of an extensive roster overhaul after a 23-14 season was cut short in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 64. He will be accompanied by five transfers and three incoming high school players as the coaching staff emphasizes not just talent but also character and the ability to handle the pressures of playing for Carolina.
