Heavily recruited High Major Serbian frontcourt prospect Filip Petrusev just committed to Gonzaga. Filip was hearing from extremely long list of schools and turned down many power conferences offers.

Almost one year ago (October 24th), Filip committed to Hartford where he was supposed to join another intriguing Serbian prospect – Luka Vasic who was his teammate in Avon High School in Connecticut last season. After coach Ivo Simovic accepted Assistant opportunity to former All-Star Mark Price in University of North Carolina in Charlotte, both of them decommitted from the school which was clearly below their level. Vasic reunited with Simovic in 49ers which Filip was also expected for some time to do as he took there his first visit.  

Petrusev made amazing progress in Baskonia youth program and since few years is considered one of the best European talents not only from his generation. He missed FIBA U16s last summer and his departure to USA right away after them was a bit unexpected. He was supposed to land in Canada first but joined Avon HS as mentioned above. This season he is spending in widely renowned Montverde Academy.

Finally healthy, Filip made a tremendous defensive job and protected the rim successfully (however how translatable that is for NBA in his case?) during the European U18 Championship past summer where Serbia won the gold. He was able to make immediate impact after stepping on the court in well balanced Serbian team with depth. He proved himself as a good rebounder with advanced post-up game. Petrusev is really skilled player who provides a lot also in terms of facing up with the ball. But what makes him stand out from other prospects is his IQ and flexxibility. He can be main contributor but remains extremely efficient even as a 2nd or 3rd offensive option.

On August Filip was one of the best campers at Basketball without Border in Israel which introduced him to some of the executives from NBA world. He made an All-Star team and will most likely participate in Global version of BWB during NBA ALL-Star Weekend. As he claimed to us in interview few weeks ago he believes that being a part of the best league in the world is the realistic goal for him. Many Zags bigs (also European) paved the way for him last years. Suffice to mention Kelly Olynyk or Domantas Sabonis. Petrusev can very well become the next one and reminisce the quote below with smile after he makes it.

“Maybe it is still too early to say, I think I have the potential to play in the NBA, but I will have to work extremely hard and keep developing all aspects of my game and bring them to whole another level in order to play in the best league in the world. Anyway that is my goal and that is what I’m working for.”