Fedor Zugic

Fedor Zugic (SG | 196 cm | ‘03) ~ Montenegro

18.0 pts, FG2-52.2%, FG3-36.6%, FT-82.5%, 3.1 reb, 3.0 ast, 0.7 st, 3.4 to, 0.3 blck

Hometown hero. The pressure was really high on him since he was the main player of the Montenegrin team that had high expectations in front of the home crowd. He had some bright and some bad moments but overall a good tournament for him and Montenegro. The team lacked a true point guard and the coach needed to improvise so Fedor was sometimes used out of his usual scorer role and that was causing some problems for him and the team. He isn’t a player that would create a lot of points by himself but needs a playmaker to get him the right passes but he managed to show his aggressiveness with getting to the rim and elite scoring instincts. Overall one of the most talented scorers in the tournament and a player that in my opinion fits better into the NBA up&down playing style than into the European game but to get to the NBA, he will need to prove himself on European ground first.

Fedor Žugić (’03) was the only prospect at this game that got a little bigger role. He played 19 minutes and scored 6 points. He played good defense on perimeter against extremely talented offensive players from Cedevita Olimpija which surprised me a little since he isn’t known as a good defensive player overall. A few times he full court pressed Jacob Pullen and even when Pullen got past him, Fedor recovered well and came back in defense and contested the shot. He had some problems in pick & roll defense with fighting through the screens and the players from Cedevita Olimpija got a little too much space to operate so Fedor needs to improve in this aspect of his game. Another thing that stood out to me is that he forgot to box out a few times but luckily for him that wasn’t punished with an offensive rebound.  In offense Fedor was looking for points in transition with running in his lane without the ball and also made a nice assist in transition in 2vs2 situation and showed that he can be a really good player on open court. Otherwise didn’t get many touches in offense, made a three pointer that ended an 11:0 run from Cedevita Olimpija but also had an air ball three point shot later in the game.

Fedor Zugic (’03), Buducnost Voli Podgorica, 6’6”, G

25pts, 2FG-44.4%, 3FG-25%, FT-88.9%, 4reb, 5ast, 1stl, 1to, 0blk
(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

Fedor had to finish the tournament prematurely after he twisted his ankle in the last minutes of the first game of the event for his team. Nonetheless, it quickly became apparent why he is one of the best players in Europe in his generation and a major part of coach Mijolevic’s rotation. Fedor wreaks havoc in the lane thanks to his lightning quick first step which put a lot of defenders in the position where the only way of stopping him was with their hands. In open court, they also struggled with how rapidly he can get going. Fluid mechanics, solid clip both from deep as well as mid-range. Unselfish, willingly shares the ball with teammates who are better positioned. Capable defender, but focuses too much on the ball.

Fedor still holds the record for the youngest player to make the debut in Euroleague, the highest level competition in Europe with 15 years and 157 days. Last season he also scored his first points in ABA League and this season he will try to prove in practices that he is finally ready for more minutes on the senior level basketball. His toughness was never questionable, he was never scared to take the responsibility in his hands. Per some reports he bulked up and worked on his body in this long offseason so from a physical standpoint, there shouldn’t be much of a problem to adapt to this more physical senior basketball. His offensive game and scoring potential is above his age group, can put pressure on the rim and also confidently takes his shots from distance. Has the scorer mentality and won’t lose his confidence even if he misses his first few shots. Has room for improvements in his pick & roll game and ball handling and especially in his defensive game where he sometimes gets lost too easily. A big role is not expected from him in this season for Budučnost but with his hard work attitude, I’m sure he will get some minutes to prove his talents.

Fedor Žugić (SG | 198 cm | ‘03) ~ Stellazzurra Rome

Even though he is a player from Budučnost and was on loan for Stella Azzura only for this tournament, Žugić showed his scoring mentality once again. He wasn’t afraid to take responsibility in offense, showed a lot of confidence in his shots and was one of the best scorers of the tournament with 18.3 points per game. Aggressive slasher and confident shooter – was shooting 12/25 for three (48,0%) during the four games. Got some minutes as a playmaker and primary ball handler too but this is not the role suited for him. His handles and court vision are still pretty limited. On the defensive end he showed some toughness but gambled too much with steal attempts and also made some bad reads on closeouts. 

Fedor Žugić (Budućnost; SG | 197 cm | ‘03) 

Probably the player that stood out the most in the tournament. Has great scoring instinct. He can get in the lane easily and looks for contact at the rim. His jumper has improved in last year, the mechanics look fine and also shots with confidence – the shooting percentages were very good this tournament on big sample size. His athletic abilities like speed, quickness, explosiveness and jump are on a high level too. Showed some good off balls movements/cutts during the tournament and also some good reads in offense. In defense his feet are quick and can play good on-ball defense on perimeter. Struggled against bigger players on low post but I think his body isn’t fully developed yet and his upper body will become stronger in next years. Also need to improve his off-ball defense where he was sometimes late in rotations. What stands out in him the most is his confidence and “mamba mentality” – he is fully focused and plays the same way no matter the score or opponent.

FEDOR ZUGIC (GUARD, MONTENEGRO) – Huge game and MVP award for Montenegrin talent. Very athletic player who made two dunks in traffic during first half. Very electric, attacks constantly and is just hard to stop at U16 stage even being underaged. Projected more as scoring wing than main ball handler. Gets selfish at times. Had questionable defensive moments. Shouldn’t take very long for him to start competing with professional players.