According to recent reporting from the Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, the Boston Celtics might have had two players competing in this summer’s FIBA EuroBasket tournament, had the timing worked out. Per Fischer, Backup Boston big man Luka Garza has been petitioning FIBA to join the Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team as a naturalized player.
The move would have had him competing against the likes of Celtics teammate Neemias Queta and his Portuguese National Team in EuroBasket play this summer, but that does not mean such a matchup is off the table in the future despite the petition not being resolved in time for Garza to suit up this offseason for FIBA action. “Garza was hoping to suit up for Bosnia and Herzegovina and honor his grandfather’s heritage,” writes the Stein Line reporter. “Garza recently sent a letter to FIBA seeking the approval of basketball’s international governing body to clear Garza to join the team as a naturalized player.”
“The family maintains optimism that Garza — who submitted paperwork for his citizenship and received his passport at 21 — will ultimately be cleared by FIBA to join the national team that most notably features (Utah Jazz)’s Jusuf Nurkic,” adds Fischer.
“The Garzas’ appeal will be heard after EuroBasket concludes, meaning that the 26-year-old could be eligible to play for his grandfather’s country in the 2027 World Cup in Qatar as long as Bosnia and Herzegovina qualifies,” relates the Stein Line.
“It’s a cause of utmost importance to Garza, who I’m told turned down multiple opportunities to play for various USA Basketball youth teams with the long-term goal of playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
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