Washington Signs Serbian International Nikola Dzepina
October 21, 2025 | Men's Basketball
SEATTLE โ Washington head men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle has announced the addition of Serbian forward Nikola Dzepina.
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Dzepina, who signed for top-flight Spanish club Valencia Basket in March of 2024, is expected to join the Huskies in December for the winter quarter.
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"Nikola possesses an uncommon blend of both size and skill that makes him a unique addition to our roster for the back half of the schedule," Sprinkle said. "His play during this summer's U19 World Cup really caught the eye of our staff. With his professional experience, Nikola is equipped for the size, skill and IQ necessary to compete in the Big Ten."
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Dzepina's profile rose during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup this past summer in Switzerland, which ultimately featured a Gold Medal Game between current Huskies JJ Mandaquit and Team USA against Hannes Steinbach and Germany.
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At the World Cup, Dzepina led Serbia and ranked 13th in the tournament at 16.4 points per game on 52.3 percent shooting from the floor, adding 5.4 rebounds per contest.
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During Serbia's opening game against Mali, the 6-9 forward dropped 20 points and seven rebounds. A week later, Dzepina put together one of the breakout performances of the tournament, knocking down 10-of-15 shots, including 2-of-4 from behind the line, en route to 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead Serbia over the Dominican Republic.
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The Belgrade native finished the tournament with an efficient showing against France, posting 17 points on 6-of-11 from the floor while grabbing a tournament-high nine rebounds.
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Washington opens the regular season on Nov. 3, hosting UAPB for an 8:00 p.m. PT tipoff at Alaska Airlines Arena. The game will be available for streaming through B1G+.
Follow @UW_MBB onย X/Twitterย andย Instagramย for the latest updates on Husky basketball.
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Dzepina, who signed for top-flight Spanish club Valencia Basket in March of 2024, is expected to join the Huskies in December for the winter quarter.
ย
"Nikola possesses an uncommon blend of both size and skill that makes him a unique addition to our roster for the back half of the schedule," Sprinkle said. "His play during this summer's U19 World Cup really caught the eye of our staff. With his professional experience, Nikola is equipped for the size, skill and IQ necessary to compete in the Big Ten."
ย
Dzepina's profile rose during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup this past summer in Switzerland, which ultimately featured a Gold Medal Game between current Huskies JJ Mandaquit and Team USA against Hannes Steinbach and Germany.
ย
At the World Cup, Dzepina led Serbia and ranked 13th in the tournament at 16.4 points per game on 52.3 percent shooting from the floor, adding 5.4 rebounds per contest.
ย
During Serbia's opening game against Mali, the 6-9 forward dropped 20 points and seven rebounds. A week later, Dzepina put together one of the breakout performances of the tournament, knocking down 10-of-15 shots, including 2-of-4 from behind the line, en route to 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead Serbia over the Dominican Republic.
ย
The Belgrade native finished the tournament with an efficient showing against France, posting 17 points on 6-of-11 from the floor while grabbing a tournament-high nine rebounds.
ย
Washington opens the regular season on Nov. 3, hosting UAPB for an 8:00 p.m. PT tipoff at Alaska Airlines Arena. The game will be available for streaming through B1G+.
Follow @UW_MBB onย X/Twitterย andย Instagramย for the latest updates on Husky basketball.
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