The Indiana State men's basketball program has officially added a promising international talent to its roster, announcing the signing of Aleksa Vlajic on Monday. The 6-foot-9 forward from Belgrade, Serbia, brings a blend of size, shooting, and versatility that could make an immediate impact for the Sycamores.
Vlajic spent his freshman season at the University at Buffalo, where he saw limited action in two games, recording two points and two rebounds. However, his journey to Indiana State is far more extensive than those brief college appearances. Before his time in the NCAA, he honed his skills with the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague U18 team and represented the U18 Serbian National team—experiences that have shaped him into a well-rounded player.
Head coach Matthew Graves expressed enthusiasm about the addition. "We are very excited to add Aleksa to the Sycamore family," Graves said in a press release. "He brings excellent 3-point shooting with size in the front court. He also gives us versatility with his ability to defend multiple positions. We look forward to having him with us on campus this summer."
Vlajic's statistics across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, split between different teams and leagues, paint a picture of a consistent performer. In 57 total games, he averaged 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 57.8% from two-point range and 72.6% from the free-throw line. His most recent stint came in 2024-25 with the Dubai U19 team, where he elevated his game over three contests, posting averages of 19.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
Before his overseas and college stops, Vlajic made his mark at Hoosac School, a prep powerhouse. There, he averaged an impressive 20.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting 44% from beyond the arc—a stat that underscores the shooting touch Coach Graves highlighted.
As the Sycamores prepare for the upcoming season, Vlajic's arrival adds depth and international experience to a program looking to build on its recent momentum. With his ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, he could be a key piece in Indiana State's rotation this fall.