The University of Connecticut women’s basketball program made a statement on November 20, 2025 — not just by adding another top recruit, but by bringing in a player who could redefine its global footprint. At 10:15 a.m. EST, Head Coach Geno Auriemma stood at the podium inside the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut and announced the signing of 18-year-old Serbian guard Jovana Đorđević Popović to the Class of 2026. It wasn’t just another commitment. It was a declaration: UConn isn’t just recruiting the best in America anymore — it’s chasing the best in the world.
Why This Matters Beyond the Court
Popovic’s commitment isn’t just about talent — it’s about timing. Since the NCAA changed its rules in 2023 to allow direct recruitment of international prospects as young as 16, schools like Stanford, South Carolina, and Oregon State have been aggressively scouting Europe. But UConn, under Auriemma and Associate Head Coach Chris Dailey, moved faster than anyone. Popovic, who plays for KK Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade, averaged 18.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.3 steals per game last season in the WABA League, leading her team to the championship game in May 2025. She’s not just a scorer — she’s a floor general with the poise of a veteran."Her combination of elite perimeter defense, playmaking vision at 6-foot-1, and championship experience makes her a generational talent," Auriemma said. "Her decision to join us after extensive recruitment from Stanford, South Carolina, and Oregon State speaks to our program’s global reputation."
The Family Behind the Talent
Popovic didn’t come out of nowhere. Her basketball DNA runs deep. Her mother, Ana Popović, played for the Serbian national team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Her father, Dejan Popović, is Director of Basketball Operations for Crvena Zvezda — meaning she grew up around locker rooms, film sessions, and high-stakes games before she could drive. She represented Serbia at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she averaged 22.4 points and earned All-Tournament Team honors. That’s not just good — that’s historic for a teenager in international competition.Her academic record matches her athletic one. She graduated from Eighth Belgrade Gymnasium with a 4.0 weighted GPA in the International Baccalaureate program — a rare combination of elite academics and elite athletics that makes her an ideal fit for UConn’s demanding culture.
The Financial and Logistical Puzzle
UConn didn’t just offer a scholarship — they offered the full package. Per NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.1, Popovic received a full athletic scholarship worth $71,052 annually: $19,326 per semester in tuition (for Connecticut residents), $13,850 for room and board, and a $2,500 cost-of-attendance stipend. The paperwork was filed with the NCAA Eligibility Center in Indianapolis on November 19, 2025, just hours before the early signing period closed.The Serbian Basketball Federation confirmed her release from national team obligations through November 30, 2025, allowing her to focus on the transition. She’ll arrive on campus for official visits May 12–14, 2026, then begin summer conditioning on June 1. She’s scheduled to enroll on August 25, 2026, and will be eligible to play in the 2026–2027 season, with UConn’s opener set for November 10, 2026, at Gampel Pavilion.
Building a Global Roster
Popovic is the third member of UConn’s 2026 class, joining forwards Samira Ali from Newark, New Jersey, and Chloe Jackson from Melbourne, Australia. It’s a deliberate strategy — one that mirrors the program’s past success with international stars like Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart. But this time, it’s happening faster, with more precision. The Huskies aren’t waiting for prospects to come to them — they’re going to them."This signing reinforces our commitment to international talent development," said David Benedict, UConn’s Director of Athletics. "The 2023 rule changes opened a door. We didn’t just walk through it — we kicked it down."
What’s Next for the Huskies
The 2025–2026 season ends with a key non-conference matchup against Stanford on December 18, 2025 — a game where Auriemma plans to meet with Popovic’s family. It’s a symbolic moment: a Serbian guard, bound for Connecticut, being welcomed into a program that has spent decades building a dynasty on defense, discipline, and detail. Popovic’s game — high-IQ, relentless on the ball, unflappable under pressure — fits like a glove.She’ll wear No. 23 at UConn, the same number she wore in Belgrade. It’s not just a jersey number — it’s a promise. A promise to carry the legacy of Serbian basketball onto the biggest stage in college sports. And if history is any guide, UConn won’t just let her carry it — they’ll make her fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jovana Popovic’s signing impact UConn’s national title chances?
Popovic’s arrival immediately elevates UConn’s depth and versatility in the backcourt. With her elite playmaking and defensive intensity, she fills the void left by departing guards like Nika Mühl and Azzi Fudd. Her ability to create shots for others and lock down opposing point guards makes her a perfect complement to the Huskies’ inside presence. If she adapts quickly, UConn could be a top-three national seed in 2027 — and a serious contender for a 12th NCAA title.
Why did Popovic choose UConn over Stanford and South Carolina?
While Stanford and South Carolina offered strong programs and proximity to home for some recruits, UConn’s track record of developing international players — from Diana Taurasi to A’ja Wilson — gave Popovic confidence. Coach Auriemma’s direct involvement, the program’s global reputation, and the structured transition plan (including academic support and summer conditioning) tipped the scales. She also valued UConn’s emphasis on team culture over individual stardom.
What are the NCAA rules that allowed UConn to recruit Popovic so early?
Before 2023, NCAA rules prohibited direct contact with international prospects until they turned 17 or enrolled in a U.S. high school. The new rule permits coaches to begin recruiting players as young as 16, as long as they’re not on U.S. soil. This opened the door for programs like UConn to scout European leagues, attend FIBA tournaments, and build relationships years in advance — giving them a massive advantage in landing elite global talent like Popovic.
How does Popovic’s background compare to other UConn international stars?
Unlike Maya Moore (who came from a U.S. high school system) or Breanna Stewart (who played in Canada), Popovic has competed at the highest European club level since age 15. Her experience in the WABA League — a professional circuit with physical, tactical intensity — is more comparable to former UConn star Tina Charles, who played in Turkey before college. But Popovic’s playmaking and IQ are even more advanced, making her arguably the most complete guard recruit UConn has signed since Taurasi.
When will Popovic be eligible to play for UConn?
Popovic will officially enroll at UConn on August 25, 2026, and begin competing in the 2026–2027 season. Her first game is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at Gampel Pavilion. She’ll spend the spring and summer of 2026 completing academic orientation and participating in UConn’s strength and conditioning program, ensuring she’s physically and mentally ready for the NCAA pace.
What’s the significance of Popovic wearing jersey number 23 at UConn?
Wearing No. 23 isn’t random — it’s a tribute to her identity. She wore it for Crvena Zvezda and for Serbia’s youth teams, and she’s requested to keep it at UConn. The number carries personal meaning: it’s her father’s favorite jersey number, and it’s also the year (2023) when the NCAA changed its international recruiting rules — the moment her path to Storrs became possible. It’s a quiet symbol of legacy, timing, and family.
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