By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Reinforcing Rick Pitino’s aggressive pivot toward international talent, Serbian prospect Lazar Stojkovic has officially committed to St. John’s, as reported by insider Jonathan Givony reported on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old seven-footer arrives in Queens with a reputation as one of Europe’s most intriguing modern big man prospects, currently averaging 1.3 blocks per game in the 2025-26 Regular Season of the AdmiralBet Basketball League of Serbia with BKK Radnicki while showcasing a versatile skill set that extends to the perimeter. Standing approximately 2.12 meters and weighing 220 pounds, Stojkovic has spent this season between the U19 squad of Crvena Zvezda and Radnicki.
During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 editions of the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague tournament with Zvezda and Dubai, Stojkovic averaged 10.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His defensive prowess was on full display during the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2025, where he ranked third in the tournament in blocks, packing 1.6 per game to go with 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. Beyond his rim protection, the Obrenovac native is noted for a soft mid-range touch and offensive fluidity, making him a prototypical stretch center for the Red Storm’s evolving system.
His commitment adds to a roster increasingly defined by its heavy international flavor. Stojkovic joins a formidable 2026 class that includes fellow European standout Djordje Jovanovic, a 6’8″ sharpshooter from Montenegro, and Quinn Ellis, a British guard with EuroLeague experience as a key player of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The frontcourt is further bolstered by the return of Portuguese Ruben Prey, who was instrumental in the program’s recent Sweet 16 run.