By: Eric Fawcett -- July 1, 2024 Florida has closed out their 2024-25 roster with a bang, landing Slovenian point guard Urban Klavzar who just finished out a season playing in Spain’s second division. Klavzar was one of the hottest names in European basketball development when he was 14 years old, signing with powerhouse Real Madrid to develop in their program. Now, you might remember that Real Madrid has had success in the past with Slovenian players as Luka Doncic played for them before going to the NBA. Gators Land Point Guard Urban Klavzar | GatorCountry.com
hadn't heard of the kid before, I just watched a couple highlight videos and he looks like a pretty good athlete with a very smooth handle and jumper and some craftiness to his scoring game. Will be interesting to see how he adapts to SEC ball and how well he can defend, but he's definitely got a lot of potential upside.
The highlights you see is him playing against top European competition, most older than he is and many of them top pros. He has been playing against pros in Europe for several years and acquitting himself very well. The competition he has played with and against is at least as tough as the SEC, and most think that it is better. He is not a developmental prospect, is very experienced, and will definitely help us this year.
Great pick up. Welcome to Urban. Predictions about the season are a fool’s errand at this point, but in theory this team has all the pieces.
Looks like the roster is done. Who gets minutes and where? 1. Kajus Kublickas - PG 6'2" 2. Denzel Aberdeen - PG 6'5" 3. Urban Klavzar - PG 6'1" 4. Will Richard - SG 6'4" 5. Walter Clayton Jr. - SG 6'3" 6. Alijah Martin - SG 6'2" 7. Isaiah Brown - SG 6'4" 8. Thomas Haugh - SF 6'9" 9. Sam Alexis - PF 6'8" 10. Alex Condon - PF 6'11" 11. Michah Handlogten - C 7'1" 12. Rueben Chinleyu - C 6'10" 13. Viktor Mikic - C 6'11"
By the time the SEC slate rolls around, the on court roster should be down to 8-10 players. My barely educated guess is that this group wouldn’t include Kublickas, Brown, Handlogten, or Mikic, (though any of them could surprise) leaving us with these possible nine: Denzel Aberdeen - PG 6'5" Urban Klavzar - PG 6'1" Will Richard - SG 6'4" Walter Clayton Jr. - SG 6'3" Alijah Martin - SG 6'2" Thomas Haugh - SF 6'9" Sam Alexis - PF 6'8" Alex Condon - PF 6'11” Rueben Chinleyu - C 6'10" A team that oddly lacks anyone between 6'5" and 6'8" but would have guards and bigs a plenty.
Looks like he could be Zyon Pullin 2.0. On paper, we have a heck of a roster. Getting excited about next year already.
And the other walkons as well. They're all on the roster and put in the same hours of work as the scholarship guys.
he played in the second division Spanish league, not Euroleague or ACB. I agree with you that he's played against older pros who know the game and done well, but he'll still face a higher level of athleticism night in and night out in the SEC and will need to adapt to that.
Entirely fair. He will struggle a little defensively and getting his shot off at times as he adjusts, but he is used to a faster pace, shooting from the collegiate arc, and better ball movement, not mention physical play. I imagine we peg him as a contributor this year but possibly a lead guard next.
A bit more than just a contributor. He must be a major factor if we are to go anywhere this season. From everything I have read and seen, if the kid was 3-4 inches taller everyone would be slobbering all over him. He is our first actual professional athlete in any sport.
He is much better than some of you are giving him credit for. Take a look at recent highlights of him during Slovenia's U20 exhibition matches. He looks very quick, creates well, and also dishes well. And look at his jump shot form! And some of you should read Eric's analysis of Klazvar. He is clear that this is a top guy who will help us this year immensely. One of his comments: "This is an absolutely massive pickup. Klavzar is the caliber of point guard that would have never come to the college game pre-NIL. This a legit pro coming to play with college players" Gators Land Point Guard Urban Klavzar | GatorCountry.com Averaged: 17.5 PPG 3.0 RPG 4.0 APG Played two games in one day. Lead his team in scoring in both games.
