Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
Finding a 6-foot-11 center in the class of 2028 is a rare feat, but unearthing one with legitimate upside in the relatively quiet basketball outpost of Mount Pleasant, Utah, feels like striking gold. Stra Zelic isn't just a physical presence; he's a developing anchor whose frame and instincts are already turning heads nationally.
Background
Zelic hails from Mount Pleasant, Utah, a small town perhaps better known for its scenic beauty than its basketball factory. His enrollment at Wasatch Academy, a national prep powerhouse, immediately thrust him onto a bigger stage, surrounded by blue-chip talent. Playing alongside high-major committed guards like Isiah Harwell, Junior County, and Katrelle Harmon means Zelic is consistently competing against, and benefitting from, a collegiate-level pace and intensity day in and day out. This environment is accelerating his development rapidly, pushing him to contribute effectively even as one of the younger players on a loaded roster.
Playing Style
Zelic is primarily a defensive-minded interior presence right now, whose impact is felt most acutely in the paint. He plays with a disciplined approach, rarely venturing too far from the basket unless needed for a defensive switch or a pick-and-roll. His decision-making on offense is largely predicated on high-percentage looks around the rim or quick passes out of a double team. While he isn't dictating tempo, his ability to clean up misses and deter shots allows Wasatch's guards to play with more aggression, knowing they have a safety net behind them. He sets firm screens and understands spacing, acting as a crucial cog in the team's half-court offensive sets. On the defensive end, he's a true rim protector who forces opponents to adjust their shots, affecting the game without necessarily needing to block every attempt.
Strengths
His calling card is undoubtedly his size and the defensive presence he brings to the paint. Zelic possesses excellent timing as a shot-blocker and alters countless attempts with his sheer length and good verticality. He's a robust rebounder, securing boards effectively on both ends of the floor through positioning and a strong two-hand gather. Offensively, he has a developing soft touch around the basket and shows flashes of solid footwork in short rolls to the hoop. Coaches will appreciate his coachability and willingness to execute defensive schemes, already demonstrating a solid understanding of angles and rotations.
Areas to Watch
To unlock his full potential, Zelic needs to continue refining his post-up game, especially developing a go-to move beyond simple drop steps and put-backs. Adding significant strength to his frame will be critical for holding position against more mature college bigs and finishing through contact more consistently. Extending his shooting range to 10-15 feet would also diversify his offensive threat, forcing defenders to guard him closer and opening up driving lanes for his teammates.
Player Comparison
Zelic's game currently bears some resemblance to a younger Jakob Poeltl from his early college days at Utah. Both possess impressive size and an instinctive feel for protecting the rim and gobbling up rebounds. Poeltl developed a reliable interior scoring game and improved his passing over time, which offers a blueprint for Zelic. The comparison focuses on the defensive anchor role and the foundation of a solid interior offensive game built on efficiency and smart positioning.
Recruitment
Despite being only in the class of 2028, Zelic already holds three Division 1 offers from Illinois, Kansas State, and East Carolina, an indicator of the early recognition for his raw tools. Expect this list to expand dramatically over the next year or two, especially as he continues to develop physically and refine his skills at Wasatch Academy. High-major programs prioritizing defensive anchors and long-term potential will certainly be in the mix. While a commitment is years away, his recruitment will be one of the more watched in his class, with Power conference programs likely to become the main contenders.
Projection
Zelic projects as a high-major center with the potential to be a significant defensive presence and effective rebounder at the collegiate level. His ceiling is that of a multi-year starter who anchors a defense, cleans up on the glass, and provides efficient interior scoring. A professional trajectory is certainly on the table, likely as a rotation big, if he continues to add offensive versatility and strength, maximizing his physical gifts and defensive impact.
Updated Sep 13, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Wasatch Academy
PREP SCHOOL
Career Highlights
Offers
3
Illinois
Kansas State
East CarolinaOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
Blessed to announce that I will be joining @MtZionPrep next year! https://t.co/aFmCiyBKCm
2027 Vuk Zelic (6'7 SF) of @ctkroyals & @RiversideHawks has heard from Drexel, Hofstra & Pepperdine since the contact period began. https://t.co/GMDxxXh3h4
Two of the hottest prospects right now 2028 Wing, Abrahim Taiwo of LuHi & 2028 Forward Stra Zelic of CTK The @RiversideHawks duo has been collecting some Big Time Offers https://t.co/5tGvtpAVTL