Auburn Basketball Welcomes Top International Prospect Filip Jović
Auburn University’s men’s basketball program has secured a major addition to its team as part of its ongoing rebuilding efforts. Filip Jović, a highly-touted international talent ranked among the Top 15 prospects globally, has officially signed with the Tigers. This significant signing reflects Auburn’s increasing focus on recruiting talent from the global basketball scene, and Jović’s arrival is expected to have an immediate impact.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 225 pounds, Jović is a versatile power forward known for his physicality and skill. He holds the distinction of being the first Auburn basketball player to come from Bijeljina, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most recently, Jović showcased his talents with KK Mega Basket, a premier club in Serbia’s top professional basketball league—the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA). This club has a strong track record of producing NBA-caliber players, the most prominent being Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, a two-time NBA MVP.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl expressed his enthusiasm about Jović’s decision to join the program. “We’re thrilled that Filip has chosen to trust Auburn and make the move to the United States to pursue his goal of reaching the highest level in basketball,” Pearl stated. “Since he was just 16 years old, he has competed and trained with some of Europe’s finest young players, honing his skills at the highest levels of European competition.”
Pearl went on to highlight the pedigree of KK Mega Basket, the Serbian club from which Jović arrives. “KK Mega Basket is one of the premier player development programs in all of Europe,” Pearl continued. “They’ve had 15 players selected in the NBA Draft since 2013, including Nikola Jokić, and that speaks volumes about the environment Filip has been part of. After graduating a legendary frontline featuring Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, and Chaney Johnson, we’re looking forward to seeing Filip seize this new opportunity. The Auburn Family is excited to welcome him.”
Jović’s performance on the court further supports the buzz surrounding his commitment to Auburn. In the most recent season, he averaged an impressive 12.4 points per game, along with 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists. His efficiency stood out as well—he converted 57.1 percent of his shots from the field. One of his standout moments came in a high-profile exhibition matchup against NBA G League United, where he tallied 16 points and secured seven rebounds, showcasing his readiness to compete against elite-level talent.
Before joining KK Mega Basket, Jović built his foundation with two other European clubs. In the 2022–23 season, he played for OKK Beograd, another respected Serbian basketball team known for developing young players. The previous year, he was part of OKK Spars Ilidza, a team based in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each step in his journey contributed to his growth and maturity as a player, preparing him for the challenges of NCAA basketball.
Jović has also represented Serbia on the international stage, gaining valuable experience and recognition in FIBA youth competitions. At the 2022 FIBA U17 World Championship, he averaged 12 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, competing against the best young talent from around the globe. More recently, in the 2024 U20 European Championship, he elevated his game even further, averaging 14.8 points per contest. These international tournaments have been instrumental in shaping Jović into the well-rounded player he is today.
In addition to his national team appearances, Jović has also received individual accolades during his youth career. In 2023, he was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Belgrade leg of the Next Generation International Tournament (NIJT), an elite competition featuring the top young players in Europe. He earned this honor while representing both the U18 Next Generation Select Team and the Next Generation Team Belgrade, which indicates his consistent performance across multiple top-level youth teams.
Jović’s background suggests not only talent but a commitment to growth and development. His choice to leave Europe and come to the United States for college basketball demonstrates a strong desire to take his game to the next level. Auburn’s basketball program, under the leadership of Bruce Pearl, offers a platform where Jović can continue to refine his abilities, gain exposure on a national stage, and work toward his dream of playing in the NBA.
Jović joins a team that is undergoing a significant transformation following the departure of key players in the frontcourt. With Auburn recently graduating its powerful trio of big men—Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, and Chaney Johnson—there’s a clear opportunity for Jović to step into a meaningful role early in his collegiate career. His size, skill set, and experience playing against international competition make him a promising candidate to help anchor Auburn’s front line moving forward.
The addition of Jović also signals Auburn’s increasing appeal to elite international recruits. As basketball continues to globalize, programs like Auburn are tapping into overseas markets to find players with both skill and high basketball IQ. For Auburn, landing a player like Jović, who brings professional experience and international acclaim, is a testament to the program’s reputation and commitment to excellence.
As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Filip Jović as he transitions into college basketball. With his background, accolades, and competitive experience, Jović has the potential to be a key contributor for Auburn and a fan favorite. His journey from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Plains of Alabama represents not just a personal milestone but a new chapter in Auburn basketball’s evolving identity.
The Auburn community eagerly awaits the impact that Filip Jović will make, both on and off the court. With high expectations and a supportive environment, Jović is set to begin the next exciting phase of his basketball career.
