Luka Bogavac’s struggles put UNC’s European import under the microscope

Luka Bogavac was supposed to be North Carolina’s sharpshooting European star. Right now, he looks more like a liability.

Since ACC play tipped off, Bogavac has struggled mightily. He’s 2-for-13 from the field (15.3 percent) and has scored just eight points in conference play, all of them against SMU. In UNC’s last outing, he went 0-for-4 with a steal and an assist. It was the third time in five games he failed to make a field goal.

Over UNC’s last five games, Bogavac is averaging 5.0 points. He’s shooting 28 percent (7-for-25) from the floor and 20 percent (3-for-15) from 3-point range. Take away his 15-point outburst against a weak ECU team, and the numbers look even worse: 2-for-16 (12.5 percent) from the field and 2-for-12 (16.7 percent) from deep.

That’s a sharp drop from the nonconference schedule, when he averaged 11.1 points while shooting 41 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from 3.

His time in Chapel Hill has been bumpy off the court, too. Before the season, he ran into eligibility issues that were largely out of his control. He committed to North Carolina in May, cleared admissions in midsummer, enrolled in August and received NCAA clearance in October. But he still lacked full university approval, forcing him into another waiting period that drew heavy criticism from UNC fans.

A 2022 high school graduate, Bogavac played professionally in Europe and spent two years in college overseas. That background created a complex academic record UNC officials had to sort through to match basketball eligibility rules with his progress toward a degree. The issue was finally resolved shortly before UNC’s home opener, clearing the way for Bogavac to play.

His current slump is noteworthy, but he didn’t suddenly forget how to play basketball. 

As mentioned, he produced in the nonconference slate and served as a key contributor. Before that, he starred as a pro in Montenegro for SC Derby, which competes in the rugged Adriatic League and the EuroLeague — the same circuit that has launched many of today’s international NBA stars.

Last season, Bogavac had his best professional year. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 2024-25, while shooting 45.1 percent from the field, 39.9 percent from 3 and 87 percent from the free-throw line.

So why is Bogavac struggling now? Two reasons stand out: the style of play and a tougher schedule.

Style of Play

The American game emphasizes transition, early offense and versatility. The European game is more structured and system-heavy, built on spacing, ball movement and reading the defense. Roles are more defined, while American basketball often expects players to do a little of everything.

The physicality is different, too. European leagues lean on positioning and timing, especially off the ball. College defenders tend to rely more on strength, speed and aggression. That shift can be jarring, even for experienced pros.

Bogavac is 22, not young by college standards, but this is his first season of college basketball. He’s adjusting to a new system, new teammates and a different rhythm.

Tougher Schedule

UNC’s schedule has also ramped up. Against Quad 1 opponents — Kansas, Michigan State, Kentucky, Ohio State and SMU — Bogavac is averaging 7.6 points while shooting 36 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from 3. Add in the ACC games against Florida State and Wake Forest, and those numbers dip to 5.4 points per game on 26.6 percent shooting overall and 25.9 percent from deep.

The talent is there. The question now is how quickly Bogavac can adjust — and whether he can flip the script before UNC’s season hits its most important stretch.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Luka Bogavac’s shooting slump is becoming a concern