Baskonia considers Ruzic while LSU closes the doors on him

Baskonia has inquired about the situation of Michael Ruzic, as confirmed by scouting specialist Simon Scout. This is an exploratory move in light of a specific scenario: that the Croatian power forward is unable to join the NCAA. In that case, the club from Vitoria would also have to negotiate directly with Joventut for the player's exit, as he currently has a valid contract with the Badalona team.

The knot in the SEC

Ruzic left Badalona last summer with a signed commitment to LSU, the Southeastern Conference program led by Will Wade. This is precisely where the complication of the story lies. The LSU program is at the center of an eligibility conflict that has generated tension in the American conference.

The SEC unanimously approved new rules that prohibit the participation of any player who has previously signed with an NBA or G League team, who has declared for the Draft without withdrawing within the established timeframe, or who has been selected in it. Just a week ago, LSU had only four players on its official roster, with several cases pending judicial resolution. Among those affected are also international players who never left Europe.

That a club in the ACB like Baskonia is now consulting about Ruzic indicates that there is a possibility that the Croatian may not play in the American program. However, it is important to clarify that this is an exploratory inquiry, not an open negotiation with figures on the table or specific transfer terms.

A youth project with European pedigree

Michael Ruzic represents one of the significant projects in contemporary European basketball. Born in Besançon in October 2006, he is the son of former EuroLeague player Tomislav Ruzic. He joined Joventut in 2023 from Zadar, and the Badalona club acted quickly to secure his future: in February 2024, he signed a renewal that linked him to the team until 2029.

His record of precocity is impressive. He is the only player in ACB history, alongside Usman Garuba, who has signed a double-double while underage. Additionally, he is part of a select group of only five players who have surpassed 20 efficiency rating points before the age of 18: alongside Ricky Rubio, Luka Doncic, Garuba, and Aday Mara. He was recognized as a Rising Star at the 2024 Adidas Eurocamp and has held the status of a full international with the Croatian national team since August 2025.

Performance in the 2025-26 season

Last season, having recovered from the injuries that hindered him the previous year, Ruzic became a key figure in Dani Miret's scheme. He played 33 Liga Endesa games, averaging 6.9 points and 4 rebounds in 17.9 minutes on the court. In the playoffs, he improved his numbers: 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 19.8 minutes. In the Basketball Champions League, he averaged 7.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11 games.

His best performance came on April 18, precisely against Baskonia. On that day, he recorded 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and a 27 efficiency rating, becoming the youngest player in Joventut's history to reach those numbers. His performance earned him a spot on the ACB's best young team in 2026, a recognition that highlights his future projection.

The obstacles for a transfer

Any move that could bring Ruzic to Baskonia faces an obvious obstacle: the current contract that ties him to Joventut until 2029. While his departure to the NCAA implied an agreed exit with the Badalona club, a return to the ACB with another team would require direct negotiation between both entities. It is unlikely that Joventut would facilitate their promising youth project in Spanish basketball to reinforce a direct rival in the domestic competition.

For this reason, it is important to interpret Baskonia's interest for what it truly is: an exploratory call in light of a scenario that may not even come to fruition. This is a preventive move, one that teams make when they detect that a player of great potential may have their planned path disrupted and, consequently, become available in the market. Ruzic remains a commitment to LSU, and only if the SEC regulations prevent him from playing in the American program would the door open to other options in Europe.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Baskonia tantea a Ruzic si LSU le cierra las puertas