Picture this: A colossal freshman giant from the heart of Europe, stepping onto the court in Bloomington, Indiana, with dreams of dominating the hardwood – but facing the daunting task of catching up in a sport that demands lightning-fast adaptation. As the college basketball season looms just around the corner, we're shifting gears from our deep dives into other Big Ten teams (check out our previews at https://www.insidethehall.com/tag/2025-26-big-ten-preview/) to spotlighting each player on the 2025-26 Indiana University basketball squad (explore the full roster here: https://www.insidethehall.com/2025-2026-indiana-basketball-roster/). Today, we kick off these individual profiles with the newest Hoosier, freshman Andrej Acimovic. But here's where it gets intriguing – this isn't just about raw talent; it's about the long game of growth in a competitive environment.
Andrej Acimovic was the last piece added to IU's 2025-26 lineup, officially joining the team in late July. Hailing from Bijeljina, Bosnia, this 6-foot-10, 240-pound center didn't set foot on the Bloomington campus until August, missing out on the program's preseason trip to Puerto Rico. That means he's got some serious catching up to do, learning the nuances of college-level play – think faster-paced games, tougher physical demands, and strategic complexities that differ from international leagues. As the 13th scholarship player, Acimovic is primarily seen as a backup option behind seasoned upperclassmen like Reed Bailey and Sam Alexis, providing depth rather than immediate playing time. In fact, it would be a shock if he sees significant court action this year; instead, he's viewed as a project for future seasons.
IU head coach Darian DeVries expressed enthusiasm about Acimovic's potential in a late July announcement, stating, 'Andrej is a talented big man that we are excited to get in our program and develop. He has good size and is able to score the basketball in different ways. He is strong on the glass and has good defensive instincts and timing when blocking shots.' For beginners wondering what 'strong on the glass' means, it refers to rebounding prowess – grabbing missed shots off the rim or backboard – which is crucial for centers in basketball.
Before arriving in the U.S., Acimovic honed his skills in the U19 ABA League, a regional competition featuring teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia. This league is like a stepping stone for young European talent, offering high-level competition similar to college basketball but with its own cultural flair. There, he averaged an impressive 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and board presence. He also competed in a senior-level league, where his stats were equally eye-catching: 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocked shots, while shooting 65.3% from the field and 39% from the free-throw line. To put that in perspective, a 65% field goal percentage is elite, meaning he was highly efficient at making shots close to the basket, though his free-throw shooting suggests room for improvement under pressure.
Acimovic's international pedigree extends to representing Bosnia and Herzegovina on the U16 and U18 national teams, giving him experience against top youth talent worldwide. During last week's open practice in Bloomington and the short Cream and Crimson scrimmage, he was mostly with the second team and scout squad – essentially practicing against stand-ins for opponents to simulate real-game scenarios. Observers noted his smooth shooting form and willingness to pass, but his contributions in an 18+ minute scrimmage were limited. In practice, he showed hustle, yet he's still adapting to the speed and physicality of college ball, where players are bigger, faster, and more aggressive than in many international settings.
In a quick chat with media last Tuesday, Acimovic highlighted the importance of building strength and adding weight for his development. 'I think it’s very important,' he shared. 'If you are not strong, I think you cannot play here. I think I need to get strong. My goal for here is to get to 250 or 255 pounds. I think that’s probably my perfect weight here and to be able to run and everything.' This makes sense for beginners: In college basketball, especially at the center position, physical strength helps with post moves, defending against powerful opponents, and enduring the grind of long practices and games.
Looking at IU's frontcourt setup this season, particularly the center spot, most minutes will go to Bailey – a standout from Davidson who earned All-Atlantic 10 first-team honors – and Alexis, who suited up for Florida last winter. North Florida transfer Josh Harris will add depth once he's back from injury. Acimovic offers a valuable asset for the scout team and practices, giving the Hoosiers a big body to train against, but he's probably at least a year away from regular rotation time. And this is the part most people miss – his role isn't about instant stardom; it's about laying the foundation for a player who could stretch the floor with his skills down the road.
To wrap it up: After the NCAA turned down eligibility waivers for Anthony Leal and Luke Goode, IU's staff brought in Aleska Ristic and Acimovic to strengthen the roster's depth. This season is all about Acimovic acclimating to college hoops and bulking up. With solid ball-handling, passing instincts, and the potential to score in various ways, he could evolve into a versatile big man. But here's where it gets controversial – is investing in a raw international talent like Acimovic worth the wait, especially when the team needs immediate contributions? Some fans might argue for quicker results, while others see the long-term payoff. What do you think? Will Acimovic defy expectations and make an impact sooner than predicted, or is patience key to unlocking his full potential? Share your opinions in the comments below – let's debate!
Quotable: 'I think it’s a great place to develop my skills. It was always like a dream to play in the United States as a kid.' – Acimovic on choosing IU.
(Photo credit: IU Athletics)
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