Luka
Samanic
stats

Luka Samanic's basketball bio

Luka Samanic is a Croatian basketball player, born on January 9, 2000 in Zagreb. He is a power forward (6-10, 2.08m) and could be selected in the next 2019 NBA Draft.

His father, Marko Samanic had a solid European career of which playing Eurolague with Krka Novo Mesto in 2001-2002, Eurocup with Zadar in 2002-2003 and also playing abroad in Germany BBL with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (2003-2005) and a few games in France (Jeep Elite) with Bourg-en-Bresse in 2007.

Starting abroad: the Barcelona experience

Used to traveling, Luka Samanic was playing with its home club Zagreb when he signed his first professional contract with FC Barcelona. He played 22 games in the 2017-2018 season in LEB Gold, averaging 5.1 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12 minutes, alongside top European prospects as teammates: Rodions Kurucs, Arnas Velicka, Sergi Martinez, Tom Digbeu, …

2018: back to Slovenia

In 2018-2019, Luka Samanic joined Petrol Olimpjia and had the opportunity to played many games: 21 games in the Adriatic league (6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds), 12 games in the Basketball Champions League (8.2 points, 5.0 rebounds), and 16 games in the Slovenian Telemach League (8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds). His most impressive games of the season have been: 16 points and 7 rebounds in 19 minutes against Zadar, 18 points and 8 rebounds in 21 minutes against Igokea, 20 points and 9 rebounds in 25 minutes against Ilirija, 13 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes against Rogaska Crystal, and 19 points and 9 rebounds in 29 minutes against Besiktas S.J.. He also had the chance to learn from experimented teammates as Domen Lorbek and Scottie Reynolds.

National team success

Luka Samanic already competed in three international competitions with Croatia. In 2016, he first played the U16 European championship (Division A) while scoring 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 7 games. In 2017, he finished MVP of the U18 European championship (Division B) with 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 8 games. Finally, in 2018 he averaged 14.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in the U18 European championship (Division A).

Entering into the 2019 NBA Draft

Current projections show a possible first-round selection, or early selection in the second round. Its strengths are his quickness compared to his size (good offensive versatility), his defense, and his three-point shooting. His weaknesses may be his availability to create shots and his ball handling. From an overall perspective, he remains one of the top European prospect with the ability to perform at the higher level.

Next chapter: Luka Samanic to joined Spurs

Luka has been selected 19th in the 2019 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs and will directly play in the next NBA season 2019-2020. A few days following the draft, his club Petrol Olimpjia has already reached an agreement with San Antonio for the player to be released and signed with the Spurs.