It is not easy to find a student who achieves equal successes in the classroom and on the court. Sport was obvious selection for Luka as his father played basketball on a good level. However as a son of a well educated people he didn’t really have a choice and had to be on top of both school & athletics at the same time.
“My GPA during school career was always 4.0 and I’m picking up where I left off also in college.”
Thanks to his grades Luka could spend his collegiate years at some of the best schools from educational rankings. Vasic is definitely not one and done kind of player but since “NBA prospect” is a tag thrown more easily nowadays he should not be ignored in this regard. Theoretically speaking what if his stock increases notably in 2-3 years to get into serious consideration of best basketball teams in the world?
“I would probably declare for the draft, but I would also try to find some time to finish the rest of the school when possible.”
In his homeland Luka hasn’t really played high level basketball with teammates who could threaten him at any point in his career. He was the MVP of domestic U18 league but somehow never made it to the big international tournaments with Serbian NT.
“I really don’t want to discuss that question, it’s not my choice. I can only say that I was part of the most of camps during past summers.”
Things don’t get easier after leaving when moreover lack of exposure appears. There are some more Vasic’s countrymen who were kinda out of radar after departure to US. Things can change in short future as federation decided to organize a camp in Denver and invited all notable players who currently reside in States to check on their progress.
Coming back to Luka, he also had a short stint with Mega Leks as he played final Adidas Next Generation tourney for them. Previously he was like a point god in small team of Pirot and could do basically anything he wanted on the court. What was the process of overcoming transition to new circumstances like?
“Begging is always the hardest, I can admit that it was hard to adjust to everything especially the fast style of basketball here in the States.”
However everything went well. Luka was named to Second Team All-New England and drew interest from SMU, Providence, West Virginia among many others. Surely the presence of another Serbian – Filip Petrusev who was his teammate in Avon HS was helpful down the road. Originally both of them committed to play for Hartford where level would not necessarily meet their potential. Main reason behind this decision was Serbian coach Ivo Simovic who meanwhile become assistant to former All-Star Mark Price and will now reunite with Vasic in 49ers.
Currently Luka is preparing for his freshmen year and debunks the myth that student-athletes doesn’t have to study much if they can get buckets.
“I’m trying to be on the top of both school assignments and basketball. First two weeks was like a nightmare, but right now everything is going smooth.”
During 2017/2018 season major contributor for UNC Charlotte will again be Jon Davis who averaged nearly 20 points per game last year. He may not top his head coach career achievements but already established himself as a legitimate NBA candidate. Some scouts used opportunity to evaluate him doing drills during the open practises.
“We’re happy to have him in the team and that’s the chance not only for him, but for everyone. He is really impressive and that’s for sure the best player I’ve ever played with or against.”
It is not out of question if on the occassion of that Luka catches an eye of some executives as well. He is 6’8 swingman who is athletically pretty good and possess all around skillset. What are some of his areas to improve?
“I really want to work on my body so I can be more explosive and stronger. I’m also working on my shot and playing without a ball.”
Whether Serbian prospect refines imperfections and makes it really big afterwards, Vasic surname can be possibly kept in youth generation rankings as his younger brother is following his footsteps.
“He currently plays for Pirot and my family especially my dad and me are trying to give him some advices every day. He’s learning pretty fast and whoever I asked about him, he/she answered that he’s going to be even better than me.”
Well…seems like it’s the time to write down 2002 born Vuk Vasic name in all the scouting notebooks.
