Report: Croatian forward Michael Ružić to withdraw from 2025 NBA draft
Report: Croatian forward Michael Ružić to withdraw from 2025 NBA draft
Croatian forward Michael Ružić is reportedly withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft and returning to Joventut Badalona, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Ružić averaged 3.2 points and 1.7 rebounds on 49.3% shooting from the field in 25 games across the Liga ACB, Eurocup and Spanish Cup. He finished in double figures three times, including a season-high 13 points on Oct. 13 against Casademont Zaragoza.
The 7-footer competed in the combine last month, totaling three points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot in two scrimmage games. He received permission to participate in the event, with Joventut Badalona still in its season.
Ružić began the season projected to be a first-round pick this year, with his size, length, rebounding and ability to space the floor. He is viewed as one of the top international prospects after becoming one of the youngest players to start for Joventut Badalona.
The 18-year-old dropped down draft boards after missing three months due to a thumb injury and falling out of the rotation upon his return. Those two factors, along with an inconsistent showing at the combine, likely played a significant role in his opting to withdraw from the draft.
Ružić will now have the opportunity to return to Europe and improve his draft positioning for the 2026 NBA draft. He should be among the prospects to watch next year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Red Sox call up top prospect Roman Anthony
The post Red Sox call up top prospect Roman Anthony appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Boston Red Sox took two out of three games against the New York Yankees on the road this weekend. It may be the set that turns their season around after a dreadful first two months. Since Tristan Casas went down with an injury, fans have been clamoring for one particular reinforcement from Worcester. On Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the Red Sox have called up top prospect Roman Anthony, finally granting those fans their wish. Advertisement 'The Boston Red Sox are calling up outfielder Roman Anthony, the best prospect in baseball, sources tell ESPN. Anthony, 21, is expected to join the team today,' Passan reported. And if Passan was not enough, a fan took a video as Roman Anthony pulled his car out of a parking lot. He confirmed that he is heading to the Red Sox. Over the weekend, Roman Anthony stunned the baseball world with a 497-foot grand slam for the Worcester Red Sox. As the Boston club was beating their bitter rivals, Alex Cora clearly took notice. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Wilyer Abreu went to the injured list to facilitate this move. He also reported that Anthony will make his debut, batting fifth, on Monday. Advertisement Anthony is the top prospect in baseball, according to He is hitting .288 with a .914 OPS in AAA this season in AAA and plays a solid defensive outfield. Boston picked Anthony in the second round of the 2o22 draft, and he quickly rose through the ranks. He started in rookie ball in 2022 and made a stop at every level before Monday's promotion. While the Red Sox do have a poor record to start this year, they have a big week that can turn it around. They welcome the Tampa Bay Rays to Fenway starting on Monday and have another series with the Yankees over the weekend. Anthony could help them make a statement in the AL East. Related: Red Sox' No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony gets roaring ovation in first MLB at-bat Related: Red Sox pitcher Hunter Dobbins backs controversial Yankees quip with 'fun' admission
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony gets brutally honest on embarrassing gaffe in debut
The post Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony gets brutally honest on embarrassing gaffe in debut appeared first on ClutchPoints. Baseball's top prospect Roman Anthony took the field in the big leagues for the first time on Monday night and it was a mixed bag for the Boston Red Sox rookie. Anthony had an RBI groundout in the 10-8 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, but also made a two-base error in the fifth inning when a ball rolled under his glove, leading to a run. Advertisement 'It just can't happen,' he said, via ESPN. 'It's tough when you lose a game like that, you feel like that's the reason we lost — little things like that. Just got to learn from it and be better.' Still, Anthony took the field to a standing ovation as he became the youngest Red Sox player to debut since Rafael Devers in 2017, per ESPN Stats and Info. 'It was nice to finally take the field, forget about all the outside noise and just be able to take the field with the guys,' he said. 'Unfortunate we couldn't get a win, but it was a good experience — good to just get the first one over with.' Prior to his call-up, Anthony played 58 games at Triple-A Worcester where he slashed .288/.423/.491 with 10 homers. Red Sox teammates cheer on Roman Anthony's debut Brett Davis-Imagn Images Anthony is the second top Red Sox prospect to debut this season with Marcelo Mayer coming up before him. Mayer, who is hitting .243 in 13 games, shared how he heard the news with Molly Burkhardt. Advertisement 'I actually heard through the grapevine here,' he said. 'Right when I heard I shot him a text, called him. Just expressed how excited I was for him, and that I'd see him soon.' Jarren Duran, a former Red Sox farmhand who is coming off his first All-Star appearance couldn't hold back his excitement either. '[Cora] called me into his office and then just kind of told me and kind of gave me the breakdown, and I was super ecstatic,' Jarren Duran said. 'I mean, I love that kid. He's so funny, and I can't wait to see him and Marcelo back together and see the craziness they cause in the clubhouse.' The Red Sox and Rays continue their series Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Related: Ken Rosenthal's Red Sox truth bomb after Roman Anthony promotion Related: 1 trade Boston Red Sox must avoid making before 2025 deadline
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool considering Osimhen move - Friday's gossip
Liverpool are considering Victor Osimhen while Bayer Leverkusen target Reds defender Jarell Quansah, and PSG have warned the Premier League champions off Bradley Barcola. Liverpool are considering a move for Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, 26, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray. (Givemesport) Advertisement Bayer Leverkusen have made Liverpool's £40m-rated English central defender Jarell Quansah, 22, a summer target. (Athletic - subscription required) PSG will not allow France forward Bradley Barcola, 22, to leave this summer amid interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. (Foot Mercato - in French) Manchester United are interested in signing French striker Hugo Ekitike, 22, from Eintracht Frankfurt in a potential £85m deal. (Sky Sports) Arsenal are considering a move for Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams, 22. (Sun) However Williams has been given permission to move to Bayern Munich after they met his release clause. (Sky Germany) Advertisement Arsenal have also asked Ajax about the Netherlands central defender Jorrel Hato, 19. (Mail) AC Milan are interested in a move for Arsenal's versatile Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, 28. (Sky Sports) Luka Modric, 39, will postpone his move to AC Milan in order for the Croatian midfielder to play at the Club World Cup with Real Madrid. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian) Newly promoted Premier League side Leeds are in talks with Udinese for 26-year-old Slovenia defender Jaka Bijol. (Sky Sports) Real Betis have offered a three-year contract to free agent full-back Junior Firpo, 28, after the Dominican Republic international was released by Leeds. (Fabrizio Romano) Advertisement Brentford will block attempts by new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank to bring Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard, 31 with him from his former club. (Givemesport) West Ham and Brentford are both interested in Rangers and Morocco striker Hamza Igamane, 22, after he scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership last season. (Foot Mercato - in French) Four Premier League clubs are willing to meet the £1.2m release clause of Millwall's English defender Japhet Tanganga, 26. (Sky Sports) Former Luton manager Rob Edwards is the lead candidate to take over at Championship side Middlesbrough. (Sky Sports)
