Serbian forward Filip Jovic has officially committed to play basketball at Auburn University, adding a key frontcourt piece for the Tigers. The 6-foot-9, 20-year-old big man comes from KK Mega Basket, a prominent European club known for producing NBA talent like Nikola Jokić.
Jovic has spent four seasons playing professionally in Europe, most recently competing in the Adriatic League (Liga ABA) where he averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game at age 19. He also shot an efficient 57% from the field and nearly 70% from the free-throw line. His well-rounded skill set makes him a projected “four” (power forward) at the college level.
Auburn Live identified Jovic as a serious target by early May, and by mid-month, he had become the top candidate to fill a remaining frontcourt spot. Associate Head Coach Steven Pearl spearheaded Auburn’s recruitment of Jovic, ultimately securing his commitment. He ranks as the No. 15 international prospect among potential NCAA recruits and is expected to be a high-major rotation or starting player.
Although most of Auburn’s incoming class arrived on campus over Memorial Day weekend, Jovic will join later due to scheduling conflicts with international duties. He will, however, arrive in time for the start of the season.
Jovic has a strong international résumé. He played in the U17 World Cup (2022), U18 Euro Championship (2023), and U20 Euro Championship (2024), consistently putting up solid numbers. At the U20 tournament, he averaged 14.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. FIBA praised him as a powerful interior player with an improved perimeter game and strong rim protection skills.
Jovic’s commitment adds to a busy offseason for Auburn, who’ve also brought in transfers KeShawn Murphy, Keyshawn Hall, Elyjah Freeman, Kevin Overton, and Emeka Opurum, along with high school signees Abdul Bashir, Kaden Magwood, Sebastian Williams-Adams, and Simon Walker.
If Tahaad Pettiford returns to Auburn instead of remaining in the NBA Draft pool, the Tigers will have 11 scholarship players. If not, they will likely pursue an additional point guard—either a Power Five transfer or another international recruit.
