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Scout Report
A seventh grader's growth spurt is one thing. A sophomore walking around at 6-11 with real shot-blocking instincts and offers from three high-major programs is another thing entirely. Stra Zelic is barely old enough to drive, and college coaches are already circling.
Background
Zelic grew up in Mount Pleasant, Utah, a small town that happens to be home to Wasatch Academy, one of the premier prep basketball programs in the country. Rather than relocate across state lines like so many top prospects, he's essentially playing in his own backyard, surrounded by a roster that reads like a recruiting service's top 100. Sharing practices and games with names like Isiah Harwell, Junior County, and Katrelle Harmon has put him in daily competition against players several grades ahead, which has accelerated his development in ways a typical freshman or sophomore season wouldn't allow. It's a unique setup — small-town roots, big-time exposure.
Playing Style
Zelic plays center the way most programs wish their bigs did at this age: he runs the floor, he protects the rim on instinct rather than just length, and he doesn't try to do things his body isn't ready for yet. In the half court, he's a load to deal with around the basket — soft hands, good hips for a kid his size, and enough touch on his jump hook that defenses can't just sag off and dare him to shoot over the top. Defensively is where he separates himself right now. He reads angles well on drives and has a knack for contesting without fouling, which is rare for a player his age who's still growing into his frame. He's not a stretch five yet, and he's not asked to be one — Wasatch uses him as a screener and roll man, letting the guards create and feeding him on cuts and duck-ins. Effort level stays consistent possession to possession, which matters more than flash at this stage. The tempo he plays at suits a team built around ball-dominant guards — he fills space, finishes what's delivered to him, and doesn't force the issue.
Strengths
The physical profile alone — 6-11 as a sophomore — gives him a ceiling most players his age simply don't have access to. His timing as a shot-blocker is advanced; he's not just jumping and hoping, he's reading the ball-handler's hips and closing passing lanes before help is even needed. He finishes above the rim on lobs and dump-offs with good hands, and his footwork in the post, while still developing, already shows better sequencing than most centers his age who rely purely on size. Playing alongside high-major committed guards daily has sharpened his feel for playing off others, which will translate well once he's the one being fed the ball consistently.
Areas to Watch
Strength is the obvious one — he needs to add mass to hold position against bigger, more physical post players as he climbs levels. His offensive game beyond five feet of the rim is still mostly untapped; if he can extend his jumper even to the mid-range, it opens up the driving lanes for Wasatch's guards and makes him far harder to game-plan against. Lateral quickness on the perimeter, particularly in ball-screen coverage, will need continued work as he's asked to defend further from the paint.
Player Comparison
His frame and shot-blocking instincts bring to mind a young Walker Kessler — not the finished product, but the early traits: length, timing, and a willingness to do the unglamorous work around the rim instead of chasing highlight blocks. Like Kessler, Zelic's offensive game is secondary to his defensive impact right now, and that's by design. If his skill level catches up to his length, that comparison only grows more relevant.
Recruitment
Illinois, Kansas State, and East Carolina have already extended offers, which is notable given Zelic is still two-plus years from signing day. Being a 2028 prospect means this recruitment is in its earliest stages — no commitment is expected anytime soon, and more programs will almost certainly enter the picture as he continues to develop at Wasatch. His geography and the Wasatch pipeline could make Big 12 and Big Ten programs with western recruiting ties particularly aggressive. For now, expect a long runway before any real decision takes shape.
Projection
If the frame fills out and the skill level progresses at the same rate his body has, Zelic projects as a high-major starting center capable of anchoring a defense and finishing as a lob threat in ball-screen actions. The range of outcomes is wide this early — he could develop into a legitimate NBA draft prospect as a rim-protecting five, or he could top out as a productive college rotation big if the offensive skill package stalls. Given the trajectory and the environment he's in daily, the former feels more likely than not.
Updated Oct 14, 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
Had to start off the new season with my Serbian brother 🤙🏼😮💨 #chatusup #serbia #espn #basketball #fivestar
Honored to team up with @novussportsgroup , an agency that puts athlete health and longevity first while helping players, families, coaches, and agents navigate the U.S. basketball pathway. Excited for our rising star Strahinja Zelic… the best is yet to come! 💪🏽📈 #functionalsportsmedicine
The next move is official. Strahinja Zelic joins Novus Sports Group. A 7’0” Serbian big with a unique combination of shooting, passing, court vision, mobility and feel for the game. For us, representation is about more than the announcement. It is about the right environment, the right opportunities, informed decisions and a clear plan for what comes next. Welcome to NSG, Stra. 🔱 Clear direction. Protected pathway. #NovusSportsGroup #NSG #StrahinjaZelic
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