Dan Hurley and his coaching staff continue to build the roster for their 2026-27 UConn men's basketball team, adding another depth piece on Monday.

The Huskies dipped into the transfer portal for the seventh time this offseason to gain the commitment of Elmir Dzafic, a 7-foot backup center from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express had the news first, with Dzafic sharing it on his Instagram account for confirmation.

Dzafic played his freshman season under another championship-winning coach, John Calipari, at Arkansas. His role was extremely limited.

Dzafic, 20, appeared in just seven games and played 16 total minutes with the Razorbacks. He didn’t take a shot from the field and scored his three points on the season by going 3-for-6 at the foul line. He pulled down one offensive rebound and had one block and one steal.

He undoubtedly will be the third-string center and a developmental player. Hurley went into the portal in April to sign presumed starter Na’jai Hines, a Seton Hall transfer, and Stanford transfer Oskar Giltay to man the position. They will replace the center tandem of Tarris Reed Jr. (graduation) and Eric Reibe (transfer to Southern California).

Before he arrived at Arkansas, Dzafic spent two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) on the roster of KK Bosna Sarajevo in the top-tier pro league in his native country. He played sparingly there, as well – only seven games over the two seasons. He represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2023 U-18 European Championship Division B competition and averaged 13.1 points and 10 rebounds in eight games.

Here is how the UConn roster is shaping up as summer workouts begin this week. The Huskies have one remaining roster spot, and it appears another forward is the priority.

Centers
Elmir Dzafic, sophomore
Oskar Giltay, sophomore
Na’jai Hines, sophomore

Forwards
Jayden Ross, senior
Isaiah Shaw, redshirt senior
Nik Khamenia, sophomore
Jacob Ross, sophomore
Colben Landrew, freshman

Guards
Solo Ball, senior (out for season due to injury, will return in 2027-28)
Silas Demary Jr., senior
Nils Machowski, senior
Jaye Nash, junior
Braylon Mullins, sophomore
Junior County, freshman

The Ross brothers, Ball, Demary and Mullins are the lone returners from the 2025-26 team lost to Michigan 69-63 in the national championship game on April 6 in Indianapolis.

Incoming freshmen Landrew and County are joined by the seven transfers.

The new-look Huskies will be attempting to win the program's third national championship in five seasons. Hurley led the team to back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

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