The Badgers have added some much-needed depth to the frontcourt.
The Wisconsin Badgers have landed Serbian freshman center Andrija Vukovic, the school announced on Monday.
The #Badgers announce they’ve landed Serbian center Andrija Vukovic.
Add their much-needed big depth. https://t.co/x27Ax9dsCF
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) June 10, 2024
Vukovic comes to Wisconsin after most recently playing basketball for KK Vršac in the Basketball League of Serbia, where he averaged 6.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game on 13 minutes a night, while shooting 66 percent from the field.
One year before, Vukovic played for Crvena Zvezda U19 team in the Junior ABA League, averaging 17 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 65 percent efficiency while playing 26.5 minutes per contest
A 6’11 big man, Vukovic provides some much-needed depth at center for the Badgers, as they were looking into the transfer portal and other options to add talent at position behind starter Steven Crowl.
The addition of Vukovic allows the Badgers to have both he and Nolan Winter as frontcourt options off the bench, with both providing size and playing different roles.
Head coach Greg Gard released a statement acknowledging the need for a big man, which ultimately led them to Vukovic.
“We are excited to announce the addition of Andrija to our program,” Gard said. “Since the conclusion of last season, our staff has been on a mission to find an impact big man to help our team going into next year. After watching all of the film, countless phone calls and zoom chats, we were fortunate to find such a tremendous player and person that will fit in perfectly with our program.”
Andrija has played a lot of high-level basketball against older and established competition. This experience has had a great impact on his development. His ability to play in the pick-and-roll as a finisher, plus his strength around the rim will fit perfectly with how our offense has continued to evolve. His strength and physicality will also help him transition defensively into playing in the Big Ten.”
The Badgers’ move into the European landscape shows a sign of their newfound approach, as they hired Lance Randall as an assistant, while Kirk Penney remained on staff this offseason. Both have well-known ties overseas, which likely aided their search for a depth piece.
“As the landscape of college basketball continues to change, we are constantly looking to evolve and grow. This addition will not only help our current team, but it will also help us continue to establish our program as a great fit for players from across the entire globe,” Gard said.
“Being able to get a world-class education while playing at the highest level in college basketball is a dream come true for Andrija. We look forward to welcoming Andrjia to Wisconsin and can’t wait to get to work with him.”