In a stunning reversal, UNC guard, Luka Bogavac, has entered the NCAA transfer portal just days after publicly committing to return for his final season under new head coach Michael Malone.
Earlier this week, Bogavac told TarHeel247 that he planned to stay in Chapel Hill. He expressed excitement about playing for Malone and continuing his college career with the Tar Heels. That announcement was viewed as a positive sign of stability for a program navigating major coaching changes after Hubert Davis’ departure.
However, earlier today, reports confirmed that Bogavac has reversed course and will seek a new destination. The 6-foot-6 guard, who joined UNC as a transfer from overseas last offseason, appeared in all 33 games during the 2025-26 season. He averaged 9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 40% from the field and 35% from three-point range.
Bogavac’s decision comes amid a flurry of roster movement in Chapel Hill following Malone’s hiring. While some players like Maximo Adams have reaffirmed their commitments, others are testing the waters.
Sources indicate Bogavac met with Malone and the new staff in recent days, and something evidently shifted in those conversations that led to his portal entry. There's probably a good chance that the minutes he was going to be getting with new players coming in under Malone was not to his liking.
Whatever the reason, Bogavac’s move highlights the fluid nature of modern college basketball, where even recent public commitments can change rapidly. As the portal window continues, all eyes will be on how Malone and his staff put together a roster for their first season in Chapel Hill.
Other names to watch, in terms of guys who were on the team this year, will be Derek Dixon who is already in the portal and Henri Veesaar who has yet to make a decision on entering the NBA Draft.
Luka will likely be most remembered by Tar Heel fans for the brief eligibility question mark going into the season and his 20 point performance, hitting six threes, in the Heels' home finale in a win against Clemson.