UNC set to host rising international star Matija Lukić for an official visit

Michael Malone's recruiting efforts aren't limited to the United States.

Matija Lukić, a 17-year-old Serbian guard currently playing in Spain for Casademont Zaragoza, is set to make an official visit to North Carolina as part of a 10-day trip to the United States as he explores the possibility of playing at the collegiate level.

Lukić is certainly an international prospect worth keeping tabs on.

Matija Lukić is quickly emerging as one of Europe's top young talents

Lukić is a 6-foot-8 shooting guard who has already accumulated an impressive résumé despite only recently turning 17.

He currently plays for Casademont Zaragoza in Spain and has gained professional experience appearing in both the Spanish ACB and the FIBA Europe Cup.

However, his performances on the international stage really show why college programs are interested in him.

Lukić starred for Serbia at the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 16.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, and helped his country reach the championship game. He shot 50 percent from the field and an impressive 41.9 percent from three-point range during the tournament.

He scored 27 points, along with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks, in Serbia's quarterfinal victory over Lithuania. He followed that performance with 20 points against Turkey in the semifinals, then recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists against the United States in the championship game.

More recently, Lukić was named MVP of the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Rijeka, where he put together a 38-point effort in the championship game.

Lukić's contract with Casademont Zaragoza specifically allows him to explore NCAA opportunities, and the Spanish club announced that he'll spend 10 days visiting seven universities before eventually deciding which path makes the most sense for his future. For UNC, the timing is especially interesting.

Malone and his staff are fresh off securing a commitment from five-star 2027 forward DeMarcus Henry, giving North Carolina its first major building block in the class.

Now, the Tar Heels have another opportunity to add an intriguing piece to their recruiting board.

With his size, shooting ability, international experience, and professional background, Lukić fits the mold of a versatile perimeter player who could thrive in Malone's system.

Let's also remember this important factor: new assistant coach Jorge Sanz is a native of Zaragoza, and has spent much of the past decade coaching Spanish national youth teams.

There may already be a connection between Sanz and Lukić that is driving his interest in the Tar Heels.

Michael Malone has vowed that North Carolina will do whatever it takes to bring the best players to Chapel Hill under his watch. He continues to prove that the Tar Heels aren't limited to U.S. prospects and can recruit elite-level talent from other countries as well.

If the Tar Heels can find a way to bring Lukić into the mix, it would add to the budding excitement around Henry's commitment.

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