By John Frierson | December 17, 2024
Georgia men’s basketball freshman Savo Drezgic is making waves in Athens after a stellar year of basketball across the globe. At just 6-foot-4, the guard from Belgrade, Serbia, has already showcased his talents on some of the biggest stages and is eager for more.
International Success and Professional Beginnings
Drezgic arrived at the University of Georgia with an impressive resume. He played a pivotal role in leading Serbia to a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 European Championships in Finland, where he averaged an impressive 20.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, he honed his skills at Serbian powerhouse club Partizan, one of Europe’s premier basketball programs, and spent time at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., for his high school years.
Reflecting on his debut with Partizan, Drezgic recalls, “I was 16 playing in front of 20,000 people. It was really amazing—and I also scored 2 points. I was nervous because I was the youngest player to ever play for Partizan.”
A Global Journey
Drezgic has already competed in countries like Finland, Germany, and North Macedonia, along with stints across Florida, California, and Arizona. His basketball journey is now taking him to new places in the U.S., with conference games set in Oxford, Miss.; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Auburn, Ala. However, one place he’s particularly excited to visit is New York City during the winter.
Adjusting to College Life
The transition to college basketball and life in Athens has been smooth for the Serbian guard. “It’s been nice. It’s a nice experience and it’s definitely different, but I like it. I’ve learned a lot of stuff by being here,” he shared.
Drezgic began playing basketball at the age of five and soon realized he had the potential to play at a high level. His hard work has paid off, as evidenced by his rapid rise in both the European and American basketball scenes.
Cultural Connections and Comforts
Though Drezgic is thriving in the U.S., he misses the comforts of home, particularly Serbian cuisine. “I miss my mom’s food,” he said. Traditional dishes like ćevapi, sarma, and börek are among his favorites, and he also appreciates European cuisines like Greek food. “The food here is different. I’m trying to eat as much healthy food as I can, but I like European food way more.”
Inspired by Greatness
Drezgic’s basketball idol is none other than the late Dražen Petrović, the Yugoslav and Croatian legend whose legacy inspires players worldwide. “He was my idol because he was practicing so much. I was trying to practice as much as him. I even met his mom, which was an amazing experience,” Drezgic revealed.
He also takes pride in the accomplishments of Serbian players in the NBA, especially Nikola Jokić. “It’s really amazing to have the best player in the world from Serbia—and Serbia’s a small country. It is really amazing.”
Team Chemistry and Fun
When asked about his new teammates, Drezgic pointed to De’Shayne Montgomery as the funniest guy on the team. “It’s just the way he talks, it’s so funny. And he’s loud, always loud. I like him a lot,” Drezgic said with a smile.
Savo Drezgic’s journey from Belgrade to Athens is just beginning, but his impressive skill set, work ethic, and infectious personality are already leaving a mark. With his international experience and drive, he’s poised to become a standout for Georgia basketball in the years to come.