2026 Recruiting: Olivia Vukosa

[Sluconn Husky]

Seems like Geno sent her a selfie this morning and then she reposted with a joke. I'm still confused why you would think this is the Croatian airport and not the Mexican airport where the Croatian team is given the Spanish translation under Gate (Puerta). I don't know where Vukosa is but that seems irrelevant. I have not been to Croatia but I find it hard to believe they have English/Spanish signage instead of Croation.

Perhaps I am mistaken. Didn't look like English to me. Maybe if the words weren't reversed.

 

[BobbyJ]

Perhaps I am mistaken. Didn't look like English to me. Maybe if the words weren't reversed.

If Auriemma was in Mexico for the games, why would Muhl comment on him recruiting in Europe?

 

[GirlBoo1020]

If Auriemma was in Mexico for the games, why would Muhl comment on him recruiting in Europe?

Muhl didn't comment on him recruiting in Europe. She said he was happy around all these Croatians, and he was surrounded by the Croation natainal team who is currently in Mexico.
Unless she commented elsewhere about him being in Europe beyond the picture that I haven't seen.

 

[UConnCat]

Seems like Geno sent her a selfie this morning and then she reposted with a joke. I'm still confused why you would think this is the Croatian airport and not the Mexican airport where the Croatian team is given the Spanish translation under Gate (Puerta). I don't know where Vukosa is but that seems irrelevant. I have not been to Croatia but I find it hard to believe they have English/Spanish signage instead of Croation.

Well yes. Puerta is gate in Spanish. Lena Bilic (U17 team member) is to Geno’s right. Someone on the Croatian team no doubt posted the photo or sent it to Nika and she posted it to her IG account. The person who posted the photo on X had no idea there was a tournament in Mexico.

Where is Olivia? I suspect she flew back to the US while the Croatian team flew home to Croatia. Different flight/different gate?

Geno was at the U17 event.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Well yes. Puerta is gate in Spanish. Lena Bilic (U17 team member) is to Geno’s right. Someone on the Croatian team no doubt posted the photo or sent it to Nika and she posted it to her IG account. The person who posted the photo on X had no idea there was a tournament in Mexico.

Where is Olivia? I suspect she flew back to the US while the Croatian team flew home to Croatia. Different flight/different gate?

Geno was at the U17 event.

That you for tying up the last of the mysteries in the latest saga of "Where in the world is Geno Auriemma". The real question is where did he fly back to? Chicago for EYBL finals? Storrs to hang out with Paige and Ice? Italy for Vacation? On the edge of my seat until we find out!

 

[BobbyJ]

Muhl didn't comment on him recruiting in Europe. She said he was happy around all these Croatians, and he was surrounded by the Croation natainal team who is currently in Mexico.
Unless she commented elsewhere about him being in Europe beyond the picture that I haven't seen.

Sorry, it's right above Muhl's comment where I see Allison Irons the poster? says "kudos to him for still making trips to Europe to recruit." I guess it's Allison who doesn't know where he is.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Sorry, it's right above Muhl's comment where I see Allison Irons the poster? says "kudos to him for still making trips to Europe to recruit." I guess it's Allison who doesn't know where he is.

I think she was just assuming the tournament was in Europe since he's with the Croatian team! No worries, I wasn't sure if I had missed something.

 

[Zarathustra]

Looks like a Croatian airport but the tourney was in Mexico. You sure this isn't an old pic posted by Nika from the trip to Croatia last year?

I would recognize Lena Bilic anywhere!! (the smiling face on Geno's right shoulder). Lena, # 9, is Ms. dependable and a 6'2" point guard with an offensive capability! A great combo with Olivia Vukosa. NOTE: LENA was not the guard sending some of those terrible entry passes to Olivia at the FIBA U 17 tournament. GO OLIVIA!

 

[Alydar]

Well yes. Puerta is gate in Spanish. Lena Bilic (U17 team member) is to Geno’s right. Someone on the Croatian team no doubt posted the photo or sent it to Nika and she posted it to her IG account. The person who posted the photo on X had no idea there was a tournament in Mexico.

Where is Olivia? I suspect she flew back to the US while the Croatian team flew home to Croatia. Different flight/different gate?

Geno was at the U17 event.

It's possible that Geno is not allowed to have contact with Vukosa or any recruit.

 

[From Canada]

I would recognize Lena Bilic anywhere!! (the smiling face on Geno's right shoulder). Lena, # 9, is Ms. dependable and a 6'2" point guard with an offensive capability! A great combo with Olivia Vukosa. NOTE: LENA was not the guard sending some of those terrible entry passes to Olivia at the FIBA U 17 tournament. GO OLIVIA!

I think Geno might be tempted to go to Europe for the U18 championship, which starts on August 3. Will Olivia Vukosa be part of the Croatian team, we don't know yet, the tournament will be used to determine the 6 European countries that will take part in next year's U19 World Cup. I've looked at Overtime Select and there are still two teams to be announced, which also start on August 3, but Olivia's name hasn't yet appeared. As I mentioned in another post, in Europe it's not uncommon for top players to play in more than one FIBA international championship.

I'm fairly certain, however, that Lena Bilic will be part of the Croatian U18 team. Two years ago, she took part in the U16 championship, which is held every year in Europe. Croatia finished 3rd and she was selected for the all-star team.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Teams - OT Select

Overtime Select is an eight-team league showcasing the top 15-18 year old women basketball players in the country, while also serving to empower them as leaders, providing them with tools and resources to build their personal brands as they prepare for college.

www.overtimeselect.com

FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Official Website | FIBA.basketball

Welcome to the official page of FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 : Watch live games & results, get updates, and explore player profiles and stats

www.fiba.basketball

 

[From Canada]

Finally, it looks like Olivia Vukosa will be in Atlanta for the first two weeks of August. According to Overtime Select, she'll be part of the Double Dynasty team, wearing #7.

Teams - OT Select

Overtime Select is an eight-team league showcasing the top 15-18 year old women basketball players in the country, while also serving to empower them as leaders, providing them with tools and resources to build their personal brands as they prepare for college.

www.overtimeselect.com

 

[RoadMaster]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Geno on the sidelines for this game:

 

[RoadMaster]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Click 'Show More' for extended report:


Overtime Select Stats: - 12 points - 24 rebounds - 7 blocks - 3 steals

Olivia Vukosa's exceptional performances in both the Overtime Select league and FIBA U17 competition solidify her status as one of the most polished and dominant interior players in the class of 2026. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, particularly with her refined post game and shot-blocking prowess, sets her apart as a true elite prospect.

What makes Olivia stand out is her advanced post skillset. Her ability to seal early, coupled with a repertoire of moves including drop steps and hook shots, makes her nearly unstoppable in one-on-one situations. This polished interior game is rarely seen in players her age and translates well to higher levels of competition, as evidenced by her success in international play.

Olivia's defensive impact is equally impressive. Her 7-block, 3-steal performance in the Overtime Select league demonstrates her ability to anchor a defense and create turnovers. This defensive dominance, combined with her offensive skills, makes her a true two-way force.

Her rebounding numbers are particularly eye-catching. Grabbing 24 rebounds in a Overtime Select and averaging 16 rebounds in FIBA U17 play showcases her ability to dominate the glass against top-tier competition. This skill not only secures possessions for her team but also creates second-chance opportunities and limits opponents' scoring chances.

Olivia's ability to stretch the floor to the three-point line adds a modern dimension to her game. This outside threat, combined with her interior dominance, makes her incredibly difficult to gameplan against and increases her value in today's pace-and-space style of play.

 

[From Canada]

Unfortunately, Olivia Vukosa won't be taking part in next year's U19 World Championship. She wasn't part of this year's U18 team, but it would have been better if she had been, as Croatia has just been eliminated from the race and will finish in 9th place at best.

Two years ago in the U16 category, Croatia finished in 3rd place. The European U18 Championship, currently taking place in Portugal, aims to determine 5 of the 6 European teams who will take part in the next World Championship 2025. The other European team taking part in the championship will be the Czech Republic, who will host the event.

Spain is the favorite to win, with two players from last year's U19 World Championship all-star teams, Awa Fam on the second team and Iyanna Martin Carrion who was chosen MVP, even though their team lost in the final to the USA. If there are no surprises, France and Spain should meet in the final.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 Official Website | FIBA.basketball

Welcome to the official page of FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 : Watch live games & results, get updates, and explore player profiles and stats

www.fiba.basketball

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Click for highlights:

 

[RoadMaster]

 

[Zarathustra]

For a short HIGHLIGHT video of Oliva "BIG O" Vukosa... this one is not hard to take!! GO OLIVIA!

 

[GenoWept]

Looks like we’re getting a Top 16 list from Olivia Vukosa tomorrow! I honestly would be surprised if UConn is not on this list.

 

[Hayven]

Looks like we’re getting a Top 16 list from Olivia Vukosa tomorrow! I honestly would be surprised if UConn is not on this list.

Top 16? I haven’t heard her visiting any other schools than UConn….

 

[GenoWept]

Top 16? I haven’t heard her visiting any other schools than UConn….

For some reason I have in my mind that she has visited Texas and Oregon maybe?? Can’t find any trace of it anywhere though, so don’t trust what I say lol

 

[GenoWept]

UConn is officially in Olivia’s top 16!