Top Croatian Talent Luka Krajnovic Commits to Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Program
In an exciting development, the Gonzaga men’s basketball program has further bolstered its ranks with the acquisition of Croatian standout Luka Krajnovic, a move officially announced this past Saturday via his social media channels.
Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and specializing as a shooting guard, Krajnovic showcased his skills in the competitive Croatian A-1 Liga during the 2022-23 season. Over the course of 34 games with KK Bosch Zagreb, he impressively averaged 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His finesse on the court extended to a field goal percentage of 52.7 and a commendable 29.1% from beyond the arc, with nearly three attempts per game. Krajnovic’s three-point prowess resulted in 35 successful shots from that range at an impressive 35.4% accuracy. His standout performances included an impressive 14 instances of scoring 20 or more points, with a notable highlight being a season-best 36-point game, where he connected on 4-of-6 attempts from downtown during a victory over Gorica on March 29. Krajnovic’s remarkable season achievements culminated in him being honored as the Croatia-Premijer Liga’s Most Improved Player of the Year and securing a spot on the Second Team All-League.
The announcement from Luka Krajnovic, hailing from Croatia, detailing his commitment to Gonzaga has sent ripples of excitement through the basketball community. At 19, Krajnovic boasts an impressive three-year record of competing on the international stage. Notably, he represented Croatia in the FIBA U18 European Championship in 2022. Over the course of seven games in the tournament, his game statistics spoke volumes, with averages of 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. This marked a substantial improvement from his early introduction to FIBA play at 16 when he participated in just two games. Krajnovic’s trajectory clearly demonstrates his dedication to growth and excellence in the sport.
Zags’ Coach Mark Few Underlines Luka Krajnovic’s Role as a Valuable Guard for Team Enhancement
With versatility and commendable stature, coupled with his valuable experience competing against seasoned opponents in Croatia, Krajnovic’s inclusion was underscored by Head Coach Mark Few as a significant boost to the team. In the rotation, Krajnovic will be joined on the bench by fellow emerging guards Jun Seok-Yeo, Marcus Adams Jr., and Dusty Stromer, forming a cohesive unit to complement the backcourt tandem of Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman.
Upon officially becoming a part of Gonzaga Bulldogs, Krajnovic will mark the fifth Croatian player to grace the college basketball scene in the forthcoming season. His fellow compatriots include Ante Beljan (Little Rock), Grgur Brcic (Toledo), Ante Brzovic (Charleston), Zvonimir Ivisic (Kentucky), and Igor Milicic Jr. (Charlotte).
Beyond his engagements in FIBA play, Krajnovic’s initial exposure to the professional arena occurred in the 2021-22 season with KK Cibona in the A-1 Liga. Across nine appearances, he contributed with 5.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists within a span of 17 minutes per game. His gradual progression and growing game sense became evident, culminating in his recognition as a member of the Belgrade All-Tournament Team later that same season.
As Krajnovic’s commitment solidifies, Gonzaga’s available scholarships for the upcoming 2023-24 season narrow to just one. Notably, the Zags secured a coup by acquiring Kansas transfer and four-star recruit Marcus Adams Jr. on July 23rd.
Krajnovic’s Recent Achievements Illuminate His Career Trajectory
Notable Moments in Krajnovic’s Recent Career Performance”
- February 1, 2023: Krajnovic Matches Career-High Rebounds and Records 18 Points, 6 Assists, and a Steal in Home Loss
- February 4, 2023: Luka Equals Career-Best with Four Steals, Contributes 12 Points, 3 Rebounds, and 2 Assists in Home Defeat
- March 29, 2023: Croatian Star Sets Personal Record with 36 Points, Adds 4 Rebounds, 5 Assists, and 4 Steals in Dominant Home Victory
- April 12, 2023: Luka Achieves Career-High 8 Assists While Scoring 26 Points, Grabbing 7 Rebounds, and Notching a Steal in Home Contest
The Arrival of Krajnovic to the Zags Elevates Bulldogs’ Championship Aspirations.
