It was anticipated that Florida would probably utilize the spot on some sort of flyer with little chance of ever making an impact at the SEC level when they had an available scholarship late in the spring. Over the past ten years, we’ve seen the Gators take several similar shots, whether it was with guards who were undersized and underrecruited or with inexperienced junior college big men who had a high motor but poor skill set. Though not much can be expected given the final slot on the roster, those changes haven’t exactly worked out.That is, until the Gators acquired Viktor Mikic this offseason. Mikic is a legitimate player with professional experience who might give the team a real boost in the frontcourt.
Mikic is a 6’11”, 235 centre who was born and raised in Serbia, a nation known for its passion for basketball and long history of producing outstanding basketball players. Being recognized as a talented player in his early adolescence, Partizan Belgrade, a renowned club, gave him a spot on their development squad. One of the best basketball teams in all of Europe, Partizan is known for producing highly skilled players from within. He spent a few years in the U19 Partizan system before relocating to Dunav to play in Serbia’s premier league and acquire experience playing against pros. Even though he was just 17 years old at the time, he was able to pick up skills fast by participating in significant games against men.At the Adidas Next Generation tournament, which included some of the best young players in Europe, Mikic truly began to gain attention. Mikic made waves with his enormous size and output over his two summers of participation in this important recruiting event. He averaged 12.7 points and 8.4 rebounds while also making an impression on the defensive end with his rim protection.
Despite not receiving the attention he had hoped for following some outstanding performances in Europe, Mikic decided to travel to the United States for his senior year of high school to play for Hamilton Heights in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite his hopes of playing college basketball. Hamilton Heights has always been a dominant force, and it provided Mikic with the necessary exposure to engage with high-level initiatives. Although Mikic had a strong season, high school recruitment was still sluggish, and he didn’t receive many looks above the mid-major level until teams like Rutgers and eventually Florida entered the picture. This was also the last season in which players could use a fifth year of eligibility.
Despite not receiving the attention he had hoped for following some outstanding performances in Europe, Mikic decided to travel to the United States for his senior year of high school to play for Hamilton Heights in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite his hopes of playing college basketball. Hamilton Heights has always been a dominant force, and it provided Mikic with the necessary exposure to engage with high-level initiatives. Although Mikic had a strong season, high school recruitment was still sluggish, and he didn’t receive many looks above the mid-major level until teams like Rutgers and eventually Florida entered the picture. This was also the last season in which players could use a fifth year of eligibility.
Mikic’s professional experience combined with the accomplishments of these international big men from Hamilton Heights make it difficult to imagine him failing to develop into a valuable collegiate player. Mikic may still push for some minutes even though Florida has a full frontcourt with Alex Condon, Reuben Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, and Sam Alexis. Florida would love to see Thomas Haugh play some small forward and play Condon and Alexis completely at the power forward position. Mikic would then have the opportunity to play backup centre, a position he is probably prepared for even as a freshman given his experience playing against mature players in Europe.
Florida benefits greatly from Mikic’s addition in terms of roster management as well. In actuality, there aren’t enough true centres to satisfy demand in college basketball, and it’s very costly and difficult to get true centres through the transfer site. In an attempt to replicate Alex Condon’s early productivity from the previous season, Florida is looking to bring in true freshmen at the centre position in the hopes of keeping them, as doing so will always be less expensive than acquiring comparable talent through the portal.
Viktor Mikic may not be the most well-known player heading into Florida’s 2024–25 campaign, but don’t be surprised if he eventually gets the chance to show off his enormous physique and expertise.
