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Michael Ružić, C, Joventut
Height: 6-10 • Weight: 220 • Age: 18
Summary: Ružić is a raw Croatian forward who was born in France and now plays in Spain. He projects as a knockdown shooter with passing feel, though at only 18 until October he is incredibly raw physically.
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Comparisons: Aleksej Pokusevski
STRENGTHS
Shooting: Ružić has a smooth stroke with a high release point. He shot 40.7% from 3 and 78.7% from the line in the two years before a thumb injury derailed his 2024-25 season.
Size: He stands at 6-foot-9 and has great length, so if he grows into his frame he could eventually become a highly versatile defender who can space the floor on offense.
Connective passing: He lacks the handle of a primary creator, but he keeps the ball moving and occasionally makes nice touch passes to cutters.
CONCERNS
Experience: Playing time was sparse for Ružić this season in Spain, in part because of his youth, but also because of a thumb injury he suffered in October that sidelined him until January. Upon returning, he had his worst shooting season.
Strength: He has a lean frame so he gets knocked off his spots on drives to the rim and struggles to make a great impact on the boards. In the NBA, opponents would attack him on defense.