Arizona’s men’s basketball program announced a verbal commitment from 18‑year‑old forward Maksim Brnović, a Montenegrin who spent the past season with Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris II.
A European‑Centric Recruiting Model
At 6‑foot‑10, Brnović brings a blend of size and shooting that could reshape the Wildcats’ interior next season, having posted 8.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 34 appearances for Žalgiris II while shooting 54 percent inside the arc and 29 percent from three‑point range.
His perimeter work was on display at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, where he knocked down 10 of 21 three‑point attempts across five games, a performance that caught the eye of Draft Express analyst Jonathan Givony, who confirmed the commitment on Friday.
Coach Tommy Lloyd, who has built a reputation for scouting European talent, sees the addition as part of a broader strategy that already includes players such as Endurance Aiyamenkhue, Ugnius Jarusevicius, and the returning duo Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov.
The incoming class also features Idaho State transfer Evan Otten, making it the fourth new big man set to join the program, while the staff still hopes to fill one remaining roster spot, likely at power forward.
If the Wildcats can lock down that final piece, the blend of experienced returnees and fresh European prospects could position Arizona as a formidable contender in the Pac‑12 next year.