Head coach Jake Diebler and the Ohio State basketball program got a sizeable commitment (literally and figuratively) from a center from Croatia on Tuesday.
There was one roster spot open for the 2024-2025 season, and the Buckeyes decided to go to the Favbet Primijer Liga, the top Croatian basketball league, and sign 7-foot, 1-inch big man, Ivan Njegovan from KK Bosco.
He’ll be a bit of a project offensively, but will provide immediate depth and size with an ability to block shots and rebound. He led his club this past season in rebounds (4.8) and blocks (1.8) per game.
Despite playing professionally in Croatia, Njegovan will enter OSU with a full four years of eligibility beginning this year as a freshman.
Bringing in a big man from the Balkans 🗣️
Buckeye Nation, welcome Ivan Njegovan to Columbus all the way from Croatia 🇭🇷
Welcome to the Squad Ivan ‼️
📝https://t.co/1ffpv9nBxs#Team126 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/EyjOyZBbw5
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) July 30, 2024
It’s still unclear how Njegovan will fit into this year’s squad. He’ll be battling guys like Aaron Bradshaw, Austin Parks, Devin Royal, and Sean Stewart for minutes this winter.
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