Miami Secures European Star Timotej: Perimeter Sniper with a Deadly First Step,” Lucas Says — But Is He the Final Piece or Simply Hype?

The Miami Hurricanes made waves this week by landing one of Europe’s most intriguing basketball prospects—Slovenian guard Timotej Radosavljevic. The 18-year-old phenom, often simply known as “Timotej,” has officially committed to the University of Miami, sending shockwaves through both recruiting circles and college hoops fans across the globe. Lauded by European scouts for his elite shooting, deceptive speed, and natural feel for the game, Timotej’s arrival has prompted both excitement and skepticism. While some fans are calling him the missing link in Miami’s championship puzzle, others question if the hype is outpacing reality.

Miami assistant coach Kyle Lucas, one of the key figures in securing Timotej’s commitment, didn’t hold back his praise.

Timotej is a perimeter sniper with a killer first step,” Lucas said in a statement. “He creates separation better than most players we’ve scouted in the last five years. He’s fearless, he’s skilled, and he’s hungry. This kid has been playing against grown men in Slovenia since he was 16. He’s not coming in wide-eyed—he’s coming in ready.”

Those within the Hurricanes’ coaching staff believe Timotej brings an international polish and discipline rarely seen at the NCAA level. At 6-foot-6 with a long wingspan and fluid mechanics, he projects as a dual-threat guard who can not only stretch the floor but also break defenders down off the dribble.

Before committing to Miami, Timotej was a standout in Slovenia’s premier junior league and logged meaningful minutes in the senior league for KK Cedevita Ljubljana. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.5 assists, and shot an eye-popping 44% from beyond the arc last season, often going head-to-head with players years his senior. His performances earned him comparisons to past European stars like Goran Dragić and even a few whispers invoking the name of Luka Dončić—not because of playing style, but because of the early impact he’s had on professional courts.

Recruiting analysts point out that Miami beat out several high-profile programs, including Gonzaga, Arizona, and even Real Madrid’s youth team, for Timotej’s services. That battle alone speaks volumes about his perceived potential.

This feels like another European experiment that’s going to take two years to adjust,” one Hurricanes fan wrote on a popular message board. “Yeah, he can shoot, but can he guard an ACC-level wing? Can he handle the physicality of college basketball right away?”

Another fan took a more optimistic tone: “He’s the exact kind of guard we’ve been missing. A confident shooter who doesn’t hesitate. Imagine him alongside our returning core—this kid could be special.”

The debate centers around how well Timotej’s skills will translate to the American game. While his offensive toolkit is advanced, his defense, physicality, and transition play remain areas of concern. Critics argue that past international prospects have come in with similar hype only to struggle with the pace and grind of the college schedule

Head coach Jim Larrañaga, now entering his 14th season with Miami, believes Timotej is a perfect fit for the Hurricanes’ up-tempo system.

“Offensively, he fits everything we’re trying to do,” Larrañaga said. “We space the floor, we let our guards create, and we need guys who can knock down open shots. Timotej has the potential to thrive here, but he’ll also be challenged. Nothing will be handed to him.”

That challenge may include competing for minutes with returning guards and newly arrived transfers. But Larrañaga hinted that Timotej’s arrival could push the entire backcourt to elevate their play.

For Miami, landing Timotej signals more than just adding a talented player—it reflects the program’s growing global reach. Over the past five years, the Hurricanes have increasingly scouted Europe and South America for hidden gems, and Timotej might be their most high-profile international signing yet.

Moreover, his commitment arrives at a pivotal moment. After a rollercoaster 2024 season that ended in a disappointing early tournament exit, Miami fans are desperate for a fresh spark. Timotej’s arrival may offer just that, or at the very least, renew energy around a program that’s shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency.

Only time will tell if Timotej Radosavljevic becomes a star in Coral Gables or joins the long list of international recruits who never quite found their footing in the NCAA. For now, he arrives with a dazzling highlight reel, a glowing endorsement from his coaches, and the hopes of a fanbase eager for a breakthrough season.