How UConn landed Jovana Popovic

[BRS24]

How UConn landed Jovana Popovic

When the Huskies announced the signing of the 2026 Serbia guard last Thursday, the news came out of nowhere.

www.uconnwbbweekly.com

When UConn announced the signing of 2026 Serbia guard Jovana Popovic last Thursday, the news came out of nowhere. She’d never been mentioned as a potential target for the Huskies, never posted about a scholarship offer from the coaching staff, never got spotted on a visit to campus. ​

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That, Geno Auriemma admitted after UConn’s win over Utah, was partly by design. ​

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“We've known about Jovana for quite some time,” he said. “It's always delicate over there (in Europe) when kids are on these club teams and there's contracts that they have with these teams, and then they're in school. It can get in the weeds. It gets complicated.”​

 

[oldude]

While I appreciate Geno’s comments, he doesn’t really provide much insight. How did she first get on UConn’s radar? Who recruited her and did they travel to Serbia to meet Jovana and her family? Was she somehow connected to former UConn players from Eastern Europe: Nika, Dorka, Anna? Did she secretly visit UConn or is she coming to Storrs sight unseen?

At some point, I am sure the full story will come out about Jovana’s recruitment in one of the CT newspapers. But until that time, inquiring minds want to know?

Geno is playing it close to the vest. He’s got a resource in Eastern Europe who’s tipping him off on talented young players who are interested in playing in the US. We may never know who that individual is. But I’m guessing it’s Keyser Soze. 😎

 

[WiseWillie]

Wow, you have brought back memories of the mysterious con man Keyser Soze played by Kevin Spacey in the movie "The Usual Suspects". Great flic. Geno wearing sunglasses sitting next to Keyser in the shadows of a sidewalk cafe somewhere in Italy to elicit basketball talents is the making of another great movie. Wonder if Scorsese or Tarantino would be interested.

 

[Cuango]

If what we see on our roster is the result, I’m happy for Geno to keep his secrets.

 

[Sifaka]

 

[Kaizen]

 

[FanFromMaine]

While I appreciate Geno’s comments, he doesn’t really provide much insight. How did she first get on UConn’s radar? Who recruited her and did they travel to Serbia to meet Jovana and her family? Was she somehow connected to former UConn players from Eastern Europe: Nika, Dorka, Anna? Did she secretly visit UConn or is she coming to Storrs sight unseen?

At some point, I am sure the full story will come out about Jovana’s recruitment in one of the CT newspapers. But until that time, inquiring minds want to know?

Geno is playing it close to the vest. He’s got a resource in Eastern Europe who’s tipping him off on talented young players who are interested in playing in the US. We may never know who that individual is. But I’m guessing it’s Keyser Soze. 😎

Another name from my distant past! Wonderful…

 

[RockyMTblue2]

2 little quotes I like:

" Playing at UConn is a big dream for a lot of those kids now,” the coach explained.

“I like the way she plays,” Auriemma said. “She's tough, she can score… an awful lot of things that I value, she possesses.”

I'm guessing she will rapidly become a crowd favorite if she is like a Nika with more scoring. Me likey that.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

And she has the Diana bun and appears fearless. So there is that too.

 

[reelfan]

The group of suspects is large as many former UCONN players do play in Europe.

 

[PacoSwede]

Popovic is likely to draw some comparisons to Mühl, a native of nearby Croatia — but with more offense.

ERROR ALERT:

connolly perpetuates the falsehood that if you don't put the ball through the hoop you don't contribute offence. that is clearly false and a writer should not be fostering misperceptions. why not be accurate and say "x" is does not shoot much, which does not equal an offensive deficit -- do not assists, steals, offensive rebounds, etc. boost offense?

just a peeve of mine. language really counts. it can really change people's take on reality.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Popovic is likely to draw some comparisons to Mühl, a native of nearby Croatia — but with more offense.

ERROR ALERT:

connolly perpetuates the falsehood that if you don't put the ball through the hoop you don't contribute offence. that is clearly false and a writer should not be fostering misperceptions. why not be accurate and say "x" is does not shoot much, which does not equal an offensive deficit -- do not assists, steals, offensive rebounds, etc. boost offense?

just a peeve of mine. language really counts. it can really change people's take on reality.

@PacoSwede, you are certainly entitled to your perspective; however, I do not think that Daniel Connolly saying that “Popovic is likely to draw some comparisons to Mühl, a native of nearby Croatia — but with more offense” is an affront to the great value that Nika provided to her team during her tenure.

I hope that we are past the point where every time Nika’s name is mentioned (or frankly, any Husky that did not average double-digits in scoring), it sparks a ten-page debate on the forum.

This thread is about Jovana Popovic. I can’t wait until she arrives with her fellow 2026 recruit(s) to see what she does in a UCONN uniform.

 

[cabbie191]

View attachment 113814

I don’t know why but this picture immediately brought to mind the lines spoken by the Dennis Nedry character in Jurassic Park: “Dodgson! Dodgson! We got Dodgson here! See, nobody cares.”

 

[PacoSwede]

@PacoSwede, you are certainly entitled to your perspective; however, I do not think that Daniel Connolly saying that “Popovic is likely to draw some comparisons to Mühl, a native of nearby Croatia — but with more offense” is an affront to the great value that Nika provided to her team during her tenure.

I hope that we are past the point where every time Nika’s name is mentioned (or frankly, any Husky that did not average double-digits in scoring), it sparks a ten-page debate on the forum.

This thread is about Jovana Popovic. I can’t wacorreit until she arrives with her fellow 2026 recruit(s) to see what she does in a UCONN uniform.

this isn't about nika; it's about using the language correctly and not reinforcing the idea that scoring is the only way to contribute to offense in BB,

i thought i made that clear. sorry it rankled u.

BTW, this is a thread about jovana. connolly brought nika into the conversation ... at least he should get it right, right?

 

[From Canada]

Here is a game that took place exactly two weeks ago, on November 12. It was a qualifying tournament match for the European Championship, which will be held in February 2027. Attached is the box score and video of their game against Iceland. For Jovana #28 in blue, 5 points, 5 rebounds in 17 min 51. She had 3 appearances. You can go to the video timeline at 16:42 for her first appearance, 1:18:47 for her second, and finally at 2:02:03 for her last. I preferred her second appearance, where we see her more in the PG position. I like the way she varies her pace to keep her defender off balance. She seems confident and sure of herself. If you want to know more about this competition, click on the logo, 2027 EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS, in the upper left corner.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Iceland vs Serbia - First Round - FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers | FIBA Basketball

Iceland vs Serbia - Browse boxscore, game information & live stats, team rosters, photos and video highlights

www.fiba.basketball

 

[From Canada]

Jovana's team lost today. Mega Mis 55, Partizan 72. Stats attached.

Partizan - Mega MIS 72:55

SERBIA: 1. ZLS Women - Round 8

www.flashscore.com

 

[Bills Fan]

Jovana's team lost today. Mega Mis 55, Partizan 72. Stats attached.

Partizan - Mega MIS 72:55

SERBIA: 1. ZLS Women - Round 8

www.flashscore.com

Not a great day for JP. 1 for 6 from the 3 and 3 for 7 from the charity stripe.

 

[Crossover]

@PacoSwede, you are certainly entitled to your perspective; however, I do not think that Daniel Connolly saying that “Popovic is likely to draw some comparisons to Mühl, a native of nearby Croatia — but with more offense” is an affront to the great value that Nika provided to her team during her tenure.

I hope that we are past the point where every time Nika’s name is mentioned (or frankly, any Husky that did not average double-digits in scoring), it sparks a ten-page debate on the forum.

This thread is about Jovana Popovic. I can’t wait until she arrives with her fellow 2026 recruit(s) to see what she does in a UCONN uniform.

I agree that this thread is about Jovana, but the OP touts an article by Daniel Connolly that compares her to Nika. And while that comparison is not invidious, it does imply that Nika was deficient on the offensive end of the court. It is fair game to point out that assists, steals, offensive rebounds, etc. are part of offense. The etc. includes organizing the offense and forcing the the Huskies to play with pace. Paco Swede's post is not a knee-jerk defense of a favorite player (which does happen from time to time on this board, and drives me nuts). It is a surgical calling out of Connolly for reenforcing a lazy and inaccurate trope.

 

[Zarathustra]

Here is a game that took place exactly two weeks ago, on November 12. It was a qualifying tournament match for the European Championship, which will be held in February 2027. Attached is the box score and video of their game against Iceland. For Jovana #28 in blue, 5 points, 5 rebounds in 17 min 51. She had 3 appearances. You can go to the video timeline at 16:42 for her first appearance, 1:18:47 for her second, and finally at 2:02:03 for her last. I preferred her second appearance, where we see her more in the PG position. I like the way she varies her pace to keep her defender off balance. She seems confident and sure of herself. If you want to know more about this competition, click on the logo, 2027 EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS, in the upper left corner.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Iceland vs Serbia - First Round - FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers | FIBA Basketball

Iceland vs Serbia - Browse boxscore, game information & live stats, team rosters, photos and video highlights

www.fiba.basketball

Note: This is the Serbian NATIONAL TEAM, not Jovana's "club" team. The
Club team is "MEGA", see the posting # 16 where Jovana scores quite a few
points while playing for "MEGA". In this FIBA game, see post #15, the video is from the FIBA Eurobasket 2027 Qualifiers tournament. On this Serbian squad Jovana Popvic is the youngest player on the Serbian Roster. This is much tougher competition than that seen in the "club" game. At the end of the third quarter, starting at about 2 minutes left in the 3 Q, you will see Jovana with a three pointer,
a missed 3, a two pointer, and three rebounds while playing the PG.
The complete complement of Serbian women available for this squad is
about 30 players. Their ages range from a low of 18, for Jovana, and then from
age 20 up to age 31. Remember: Angela Dugalic, UCLA, is a member to
the Serbian Women's National team. GO JOVANA! GO HUSKIES!

 

[Kat]

While I appreciate Geno’s comments, he doesn’t really provide much insight. How did she first get on UConn’s radar? Who recruited her and did they travel to Serbia to meet Jovana and her family? Was she somehow connected to former UConn players from Eastern Europe: Nika, Dorka, Anna? Did she secretly visit UConn or is she coming to Storrs sight unseen?

At some point, I am sure the full story will come out about Jovana’s recruitment in one of the CT newspapers. But until that time, inquiring minds want to know?

Geno is playing it close to the vest. He’s got a resource in Eastern Europe who’s tipping him off on talented young players who are interested in playing in the US. We may never know who that individual is. But I’m guessing it’s Keyser Soze. 😎

Geno doesn't say how, just how many.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

@PacoSwede, you are certainly entitled to your perspective; however, I do not think that Daniel Connolly saying that “Popovic is likely to draw some comparisons to Mühl, a native of nearby Croatia — but with more offense” is an affront to the great value that Nika provided to her team during her tenure.

I hope that we are past the point where every time Nika’s name is mentioned (or frankly, any Husky that did not average double-digits in scoring), it sparks a ten-page debate on the forum.

This thread is about Jovana Popovic. I can’t wait until she arrives with her fellow 2026 recruit(s) to see what she does in a UCONN uniform.

Wait, they lost. She only scored 20 and only made one 3. Is it too late to retract her offer? Sorry, just practicing my kvetching for when she hits our hardwood. Geno & Co. pulled off quite the coup. It is a tribute to the UConn basketball machine (everyone in it for decades) that so many giants of our game walk through the door confessing UConn was always their dream. I think Jovana is going to be one of those.

 

[ec33]

While I appreciate Geno’s comments, he doesn’t really provide much insight. How did she first get on UConn’s radar? Who recruited her and did they travel to Serbia to meet Jovana and her family? Was she somehow connected to former UConn players from Eastern Europe: Nika, Dorka, Anna? Did she secretly visit UConn or is she coming to Storrs sight unseen?

At some point, I am sure the full story will come out about Jovana’s recruitment in one of the CT newspapers. But until that time, inquiring minds want to know?

Geno is playing it close to the vest. He’s got a resource in Eastern Europe who’s tipping him off on talented young players who are interested in playing in the US. We may never know who that individual is. But I’m guessing it’s Keyser Soze. 😎

Jovana is one of the top junior players in all of Europe. I don't think they needed to employ a great deal of investigating to find her. Not so much for Jovana in particular, but Morgan was over in Europe this summer for some kind of youth tournament.

As far as visits, we have enough trouble finding out about the less secretive American prospects

 

[Skeets]

Wait, they lost. She only scored 20 and only made one 3. Is it too late to retract her offer? Sorry, just practicing my kvetching for when she hits our hardwood. Geno & Co. pulled off quite the coup. It is a tribute to the UConn basketball machine (everyone in it for decades) that so many giants of our game walk through the door confessing UConn was always their dream. I think Jovana is going to be one of those.

Rocky, stop and think about it for a second. A kid accepts a UConn scholarship. Would you expect her to say SC or Texas, or whatever was their dream? They would never get out of the doghouse.

 

[oldude]

Rocky, stop and think about it for a second. A kid accepts a UConn scholarship. Would you expect her to say SC or Texas, or whatever was their dream? They would never get out of the doghouse.

There is a difference between European kids and US kids. In the US, kids often grow up following local college teams. Maybe their parents are fans or graduates and maybe they’ve actually gone to a few games. In Europe, there are a lot of kids who know about UConn WBB and not a lot about TX, SC or anyone else. Geno is particularly well known in Europe and he has a lot of friends and contacts throughout Europe.

So if a kid does dream about playing basketball in the US, that dream often has a 70 year old curmudgeon in it with a destination of Storrs, CT, the Basketball Capital of the World.

 

[jabstep]

Every year, Geno has always had good three-point shooters and is always looking for them. The year before Allie was considered one of the best 3 point shooters coming out of HS. Sarah was also considered a good three point shooter. Azzi and Paige were both considered the best three point shooters of their grades. With Azzi graduating it is important to Geno to keep having some shooters around. I am sure Jovanna will be coachable and learn to be very good at defense. All Conn players who want to get on the court have to learn how to switch and talk on the perimeter and hands up for deflections and play the passing lanes and the double teams. Our defense is what will win us another championship this year.