Croatia to Nba [2023 Update]

Luka Samanic is a professional basketball player who plays the position of power forward for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The Croatian has clearly been raising the bar high in Europe and also in the whole world.

He is, after all taking his country’s name above and ahead with his super impressive playing skills.

Samanic was rated as one of the top prospects for the 2019 NBA draft; after which San Antonio Spurs drafted him and later assigned him to play in its G League team Austin Spurs.  

Then, Luka played for the Westchester Knicks and Maine Celtics of the NBA G League.

Besides that, he is a highly embellished player who won the MVP in 2017 and won the gold medal at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship B.

Luka has all that it takes to fit into an NBA team. With his speed, agility, and body size, he wants to prove he is worthy of being a top basketball player. 

At the same time, he is pretty much familiar with the fact that you have to prove it in every game when you live an athlete’s life.

Added to some improved work ethic and the right mindset, the player aspires to rise and shine.

Let’s take a deep dive into his side of the story and explore Luka Samanic. But before that, having a glance at his facts is a must.

Quick Facts

Full Name Luka Samanic
Birth Date January 9, 2000
Birth Place Zagreb, Croatia
Nick Name The Croatian Kevin Durant
Religion Not Available 
Nationality Croatian
Ethnicity White 
Education No
Horoscope Capricorn
Father’s Name Marko Samanic
Mother’s Name Not Available
Siblings A Sister
Age 23 Years Old
Height 6 feet 10 inches/2.08 m/208 cm 
Weight 227 lb (103 kg)
Wingspan 6’10.5
Standing reach 8′ 11”
NBA Draft Year-2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th Overall
Hair Color Blonde 
Eye Color Blue 
Career Highlights and Awards 2017 FIBA Europe Under-18  Championship B MVP 
Build Athlete
Marital Status Single
Girlfriend Not Available
Position Power Forward
Profession Basketball Player
Net Worth $3 million 
Salary $105,522
Currently Plays or Utah Jazz
Jersey Number #19 (Utah Jazz)
League NBA G League
Active Since 2017- Present
Social Media Instagram 
Merch Rookie Card
Last Update December 2023

Early Life, Family & Nationality

Starting with the basics, Luka was born on January 9, 2000, in Zagreb, Croatia, to his father, Marko Samanic, and his mother’s name remains unknown. 

Luka’s father, Marco, was also a professional basketball player for probably two decades.

He played in the Euroleague with the Slovenian club Krka. He was a lefty, and it was from him that Luka learned shooting skills from the very beginning.

He lived quite a nomadic life earlier due to his father’s career. He got a chance to explore different countries, such as Belgium, Slovenia, and Germany.

Luka was just nine months old when he moved to Belgium. Unlike his father, Samanic was not much of a basketball fan earlier.

He pretty much enjoyed and played soccer until he turned eleven. Moreover, he attributes soccer as an experience that helped him to build a base as a basketball player.

Not only that, Luka played a variety of sports like handball and tennis. He was also involved in breakdancing, but unfortunately, no footage has been found yet.

But yes, he did it for fun when he was nine or ten years old. He would dance his heart out on rap music especially.

If Luka had to shake his legs, he would do it on Drake, Meek Mill, or Travis Scott’s tracks.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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