Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national basketball team has received a major boost ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window, with NBA center Luka Garza set to join the squad for its crucial July games.
Garza, a 27 year old center who spent the season with the Boston Celtics, is expected to be available for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s matches against Turkey and Serbia. His arrival comes at an important moment, as Bosnia and Herzegovina currently holds a 2-2 record in qualification, the same as Serbia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will first host Turkey on July 2, before traveling to face Serbia on July 5. The matchup against Serbia is expected to carry major weight in the qualifying race, especially after Serbia narrowly won the first meeting between the two teams, 74-72.
Garza is coming off a solid NBA season, averaging 7.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists across 76 games. His presence should give Bosnia and Herzegovina additional size, scoring and experience in the frontcourt.
The player said he was honored to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer after speaking with head coach Dario Gjergja.
“After speaking with coach Dario Gjergja, I can say I am honored to have the opportunity to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer. This means so much to me and my family. I can’t wait to be there with the rest of the guys and get to work,” Garza said.
Gjergja also welcomed Garza’s decision, saying the player and his father Frank expressed a strong desire for Luka to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The coach also confirmed that Xavier Castaneda will not be part of the July window due to private obligations, although he is expected to remain available for the national team in the future.
Garza previously had administrative difficulties playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a domestic player. He last appeared for the national team during the 2023 Olympic pre qualifying tournament, where he averaged 12.4 points and seven rebounds.
With Garza now back in the squad, Bosnia and Herzegovina enters the July qualifiers with renewed optimism and a stronger roster for two of its most important games of the campaign.
