A European infusion for the Wildcats
Arizona’s men’s basketball program has locked in a commitment from 18‑year‑old Maksim Brnović, a Montenegrin forward who spent the last season with Lithuanian club Žalgiris II. The 6‑foot‑10 big man brings a blend of size, shooting range and rebounding that could reshape the Wildcats’ frontcourt for the 2026‑27 campaign.
During his tenure with Žalgiris II, Brnović averaged 8.1 points and 3.2 rebounds across 34 appearances, shooting 54 percent from the field and 29 percent from three‑point range. He also went 10‑of‑21 from beyond the arc in five games at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, highlighting a reliable perimeter shot for a player of his stature.
Coach Tommy Lloyd, known for his keen eye for European prospects, will integrate Brnović alongside fellow imports Endurance Aiyamenkhue and Ugnius Jarusevicius, as well as returning starters Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov. The influx of talent forms part of a broader strategy that has seen Arizona assemble a cohort of four new big men, including Idaho State transfer Evan Otten.
The commitment leaves the program with one open scholarship spot, likely to be used for a power forward who can complement the existing frontcourt depth. With a roster that blends seasoned returnees and promising European recruits, Arizona aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Pac‑12 and beyond.