The Auburn Tigers continue their international recruiting surge under head coach Bruce Pearl, landing a commitment from rising Serbian big man Filip Jovic, a source confirmed Wednesday. The 6-foot-10 forward/center becomes the latest addition to Pearl’s 2025 recruiting class and signals Auburn’s continued focus on global talent as they look to remain a force in the SEC and national college basketball landscape.
Who is Filip Jovic?
Jovic, who hails from Belgrade, Serbia, is considered one of Europe’s more promising young frontcourt prospects. Standing 6-foot-10 with a strong frame and fluid mobility, Jovic is a modern big who can stretch the floor with his shooting touch, protect the rim, and switch onto smaller defenders when needed. He most recently played for Mega MIS, the same Serbian club that produced NBA stars like Nikola Jokić and Goga Bitadze.
According to European scouts and recruiting analysts, Jovic brings a blend of finesse and toughness rarely found in players his age. His ability to handle the ball in transition, knock down midrange jumpers, and use his length defensively has drawn comparisons to fellow Balkan bigs such as Alperen Şengün and even flashes of Domantas Sabonis.
Jovic was also a standout performer in the 2024 FIBA U18 European Championships, averaging 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 48% from the field. His combination of physical tools, instincts, and high basketball IQ made him a highly coveted international prospect.
Why Auburn?
Jovic had interest from several programs across Europe and the U.S., including offers or inquiries from the likes of Gonzaga, UCLA, Illinois, and Arizona—all known for their strong ties to international recruiting. But in the end, it was Bruce Pearl and his staff that sealed the deal.
Sources close to Jovic’s camp indicate that Auburn’s consistent communication, development record, and vision for his role were key in the decision. Pearl reportedly pitched Jovic on becoming a focal point in Auburn’s frontcourt rotation early on, especially with the possibility of multiple Tigers heading to the NBA Draft after next season.
Auburn’s coaching staff also made multiple trips overseas during the past year to watch Jovic and other European talent live. Assistant coach Ira Bowman, who has taken a lead role in international recruitment, developed a strong relationship with Jovic’s family and advisors.
What This Means for Auburn Basketball
Jovic’s commitment is a major win for the Tigers as they continue to reshape their roster with a blend of homegrown and international talent. Bruce Pearl has never been afraid to go outside the traditional recruiting box, and adding Jovic only enhances Auburn’s ability to play positionless, up-tempo basketball.
With Jovic’s size and versatility, he projects to be a stretch 4 or even a small-ball 5 in Pearl’s system. He’ll complement Auburn’s athletic perimeter players and bring needed rebounding and floor-spacing to a team that has been known for its relentless defense and fast-paced offense.
Jovic joins a 2025 recruiting class that includes four-star guard Kaleb Jones from Atlanta and high-flying wing Zion Wesley out of Texas. With Jovic in the fold, Auburn’s class now ranks inside the top 10 nationally and has the potential to rise even higher if Pearl lands one more key piece.
The International Pipeline
Jovic’s commitment is the latest example of Bruce Pearl’s growing emphasis on international recruiting. In recent years, Auburn has recruited or shown interest in players from Canada, Australia, Senegal, and Spain. That pipeline now includes Serbia, one of the most basketball-rich countries in the world.
Pearl has often talked about the benefits of recruiting overseas, including the maturity and skill level of international players who grow up in club systems. In Jovic, Auburn is not just getting a talented prospect but a player who has competed professionally against seasoned veterans, giving him a leg up on many of his peers.
In today’s college basketball landscape, where rosters turn over quickly due to the transfer portal and NBA early entries, securing a player like Jovic—who may stay multiple seasons and develop into a star—is a major asset.
Looking Ahead
Filip Jovic is expected to arrive on campus this summer to begin training with the team and adjust to the American game. Sources say he’s eager to make an immediate impact and compete for a starting role. His commitment has already sent waves through the SEC, and several coaches have taken note of Auburn’s ability to reach across the globe for top-tier talent.
With his combination of skill, size, and competitive drive, Jovic has the potential to be the next European star to make waves in college basketball—and potentially the NBA.
For Bruce Pearl and Auburn, the future looks increasingly international. And with Filip Jovic now onboard, the Tigers may have just secured a major piece of their championship puzzle.