Mathieu Grujicic: The Kind of Guard You Don’t Want to Overlook
If you just glance at box scores or highlight reels, Mathieu Grujicic might slip under the radar. But spend a few games watching him in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, and it becomes clear—he’s not just another name on the roster.
We’ve followed Grujicic’s development with ASVEL through this year’s EuroLeague junior circuit. What stood out wasn’t just production—it was poise. While others chased the moment, Grujicic often controlled it.
He’s not flashy. He doesn’t need to be. His reads are smart, his pace steady, and his game rooted in purpose.
Floor General in Progress
Grujicic is listed at 1.90m (6’3″) and operates primarily as a point guard, though he can play comfortably off the ball. He’s the kind of player you want with the ball when it matters—not just to score, but to make the right decision.
His game is built around:
- Control: He doesn’t force things. He manipulates pace, finds angles, and picks his spots with maturity.
- Mid-range feel: He loves the pull-up from the elbow and uses changes of speed to create space in tight areas.
- Off-ball IQ: Even without the ball, he stays active—reading the defense, relocating with intention, keeping defenders honest.
- Composure: Whether up by 10 or down by 8, his body language rarely changes. That matters more than people think.
He averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game during the 2023–24 Adidas NGT, helping ASVEL stay competitive against elite youth programs. But it wasn’t the stats that impressed us most—it was the way he carried himself on the floor.
What Makes Him Different
At EuroSpecTs, we’re always watching for more than just physical tools—and Grujicic is a reminder that basketball IQ still matters.
- He’s not the fastest or flashiest guard in his class
- But he’s calm, reads the game like a pro, and plays within a system
- He makes his teammates better—not just through passes, but by setting the tempo
- And when it’s time to take the shot, he doesn’t hesitate
In a tournament where a lot of players are trying to “wow” scouts, Grujicic played like someone who’s already thinking two steps ahead. That maturity might be his biggest advantage. What separates him isn’t something you can always catch in a clip. It’s how he shifts the rhythm of a game without forcing it. While other young guards often play at one speed—usually too fast—Grujicic knows how to slow things down when needed, reset an offense, or simply wait for the right angle to open.
Still Room to Grow
Of course, no one’s crowning him just yet. There are areas to polish—like tightening his handle under pressure, or becoming more of a threat from three. Defensively, he works hard, but adding strength will help him hold his ground at the next level.
Still, what he lacks in raw explosion, he makes up for in reads, timing, and trustworthiness. He may not “wow” on first watch, but by the end of the game, you realize he’s been quietly running the show.
Why We’re Paying Attention
At EuroSpecTs, we’re not just chasing highlights—we’re following players who get it. Grujicic plays the kind of smart, system-aware basketball that tends to age well. Whether he continues in the French pro system, makes the jump to NCAA, or follows a different path entirely, he’s the type of player that coaches value more and more as the game evolves. He might not be the loudest voice in the gym—but his game speaks clearly.