Gonzaga Basketball: Filip Petrusev goes pro, signs with European team

The reigning WCC Player of the Year opted to sign with a team in his home country of Serbia, leaving Gonzaga Basketball after two seasons.

Gonzaga Basketball could have had one of the deepest frontcourts in NCAA history during the 2020-2021 season, but reigning WCC Player of the Year Filip Petrusev opted to leave early – signing a deal with Mega Bemax, a Serbian professional team located in his hometown of Belgrade.

Petrusev could have returned to Gonzaga for his junior season as a potential preseason All-American on the No. 1 team in the country, after averaging 17.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 56.2% from the field.

Instead, Petrusev will head home, a decision that surprised many – more so for the timing than anything.

What about the NBA Draft?

It is worth noting that a report from Jonathan Givony of ESPN indicated Petrusev plans to remain in the NBA Draft, even after signing his deal in Serbia.

This likely means Petrusev has an opt-out written into his contract, in case he does get drafted.

Petrusev is not on very many mock draft boards, but it seems likely he will get at least a look in the “summer league”, much like Pryzemek Karnowski got a few years ago.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis severely delayed the start of the NBA draft season, with the lottery and combine still months away from happening. Petrusev likely made this decision to avoid passing up on an opportunity in order to chase the NBA – which seems like a pipe dream at best.

While Petrusev’s performance looks like what you would want from a college player destined for the NBA, his particular style simply does not fit the current NBA landscape.

A back-to-the-basket scorer with limited range outside of ten feet, no discernable three point shot, and somewhat limited mobility on the defensive side of the ball, Petrusev is a relic of the 1990’s NBA, and does not seem to have a place in today’s game.

Still, he’s holding out hope that he will get a look, while hedging his bet with what is likely a nice contract in his hometown, near his family. Hard to fault him for that.