UCLA Bruins New Shooting Star Lazar Stefanovic Talks Preseason and Impressions
Former Utah Utes Player Excited for Spanish Exhibition Trip with UCLA Team
New heights are on the horizon for the UCLA Bruins basketball team as they gear up for their Spanish preseason exhibition trip. A fresh addition to the squad, Lazar Stefanovic, a 6’7″ junior transfer hailing from the Utah Utes, shared his initial insights about joining the Bruins with the gathered media. The new recruit has caused quite a stir in the basketball community with his impressive skills and sharpshooting abilities.
In his previous stint with the Utah Utes, Stefanovic, a native of Belgrade and a skilled shooting guard, showcased his prowess on the court. Averaging 10.2 points per game, he demonstrated his finesse with a shooting split of .369/.359/.868. Beyond scoring, Stefanovic proved to be a versatile player, contributing 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over 32 intense matchups, out of which he started 15. His dedication was evident as he played an average of 28.3 minutes per game, showing his commitment to the sport.
Impressively, Stefanovic established himself as a force to be reckoned with from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting accuracy stood at an impressive 35.9%, an accomplishment made even more remarkable considering his high-volume attempts of 4.8 shots from long range per game. This achievement secured him the 15th spot for the best three-point conversion rate in the competitive Pac-12 conference.
The rising star’s journey to excellence did not go unnoticed, earning him a prestigious spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team during the 2021-22 season. Stefanovic’s remarkable skills and his strategic contributions to the game have undoubtedly captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts.
The UCLA Bruins, a team boasting the most NCAA championships in men’s collegiate basketball history, with a grand total of 11 titles, are thrilled to have Stefanovic on board. Their last championship victory dates back to 1995, and under the guidance of esteemed head coach Mick Cronin, the team has made impressive strides. Coach Cronin’s prowess places him among the top ten men’s basketball coaches in the college league, and under his leadership, the Bruins have ventured as far as the coveted Final Four in four completed seasons.
As the Bruins set their sights on the Spanish preseason exhibition trip, the basketball world eagerly awaits to witness Lazar Stefanovic’s continued journey as a pivotal member of the UCLA team. His skills, combined with the rich legacy of the Bruins, set the stage for an exciting chapter in college basketball.
