Michael Ruzic, a 7‑foot, 221‑pound forward from Croatia, has officially signed with the LSU Tigers, adding a rare blend of size and shooting to the roster.
Ruzic has said he models his game after former LSU star Naz Reid, the Charlotte Hornets big man whose versatility helped him earn a first‑round NBA draft pick.
Shooting pedigree and NBA interest
During his lone season in Spain's Liga ACB with Joventut, he averaged 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 35 appearances, shooting 57.3% from the field and 35.9% from three‑point range.
Those numbers have drawn the eyes of NBA evaluators, who praise his repeatable jumper and ability to space the floor, traits that could translate well to the Tigers' up‑tempo system.
Coach Will Wade, who previously worked with Reid during his college tenure, is expected to integrate Ruzic as a stretch big, though the competition for minutes will be fierce with senior transfer Mo Dioubate.
Defensively, Ruzic shows solid rotation instincts but lacks elite strength and wingspan, meaning his impact on that end may need development.
Off the court, the Croatian’s basketball IQ and soft touch around the rim are viewed as assets that could help the Tigers deepen their frontcourt rotation.