Tennessee’s Igor Milicic Jr. Signs with NBA Team After Going Undrafted.

Igor Milicic Jr., the talented forward who spent the past season making his mark with the Tennessee Volunteers, has found a new home in the professional ranks after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft. Although he was not selected during the two rounds of the draft, Milicic quickly garnered attention from multiple NBA teams and ultimately agreed to terms with a franchise eager to tap into his unique skill set and European experience. His journey to this point has been anything but conventional, and his story continues to resonate with those who’ve followed his path from Croatia to Knoxville and now into the NBA.

Milicic’s journey began in his native Croatia, where he honed his game under the guidance of his father, Igor Milicic Sr., a respected basketball coach. Growing up in a basketball household, he developed an early understanding of the game that helped set him apart from his peers. That foundation laid the groundwork for a steady progression through European basketball circuits and eventually brought him to the United States, where he first joined the collegiate ranks at Virginia before transferring to Tennessee.

When Milicic made the decision to transfer to Tennessee, he did so with the belief that head coach Rick Barnes and the Volunteers program would help him unlock the next level of his game. The transition to the SEC was not without its challenges, but Milicic handled the spotlight with maturity and professionalism. Over the course of the season, he carved out a vital role for himself on a Tennessee team that relied heavily on its defensive identity and disciplined style of play.

Standing at 6-foot-10 with a wingspan that allows him to defend multiple positions, Milicic demonstrated a versatility that became increasingly valuable throughout the season. Offensively, he showed flashes of perimeter shooting, interior finishing, and smart decision-making with the ball. While he wasn’t the focal point of the offense, his ability to play within the system and make timely plays made him an indispensable part of Tennessee’s rotation. He was often tasked with guarding some of the SEC’s toughest forwards, and he responded with effort, physicality, and basketball IQ.

Milicic’s stat lines didn’t always tell the full story, but NBA scouts were paying attention. They saw the potential in a player who could stretch the floor, hold his own defensively against quicker players, and serve as a connective piece on both ends of the floor. As the NBA Draft approached, his name was floated in conversations as a possible late second-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent. Despite going undrafted on draft night, Milicic’s phone lit up with interest once the final pick was in.

Several teams had tracked his progress throughout the season and were quick to reach out. Ultimately, he chose to sign with a team that not only offered a strong player development environment but also had a clear need for a player of his profile. The decision wasn’t purely about roster openings or financial guarantees—it was about finding the right culture and coaching staff to continue his growth. It was about the fit, the opportunity, and the belief that he could make an impact at the next level.

Now on the verge of beginning his NBA career, Milicic faces a different set of challenges. Summer League will be his first major test, as it provides him with the platform to prove he belongs among the league’s elite. It’s an opportunity to show how his game translates against top-tier athleticism, how well he can adapt to NBA spacing, and whether he can handle the speed and physicality of professional basketball. If his college and international experiences are any indication, he’s ready to meet those challenges head-on.

There’s an element of intrigue surrounding Milicic’s game. He’s not the flashiest player, nor the most explosive, but there’s a steadiness to how he operates that coaches appreciate. He understands his role, doesn’t force the issue, and makes the types of reads that can turn into winning plays. He’s the kind of player who may not dominate a highlight reel but ends up on the court in meaningful minutes because of his consistency and commitment to team basketball.

One of the biggest assets Milicic brings with him is his international experience. Before arriving in the NCAA, he played professionally in Germany, which gave him an early taste of high-level competition. That background has contributed to his strong fundamentals and his ability to adjust to different playing styles. In today’s NBA, where the international influence is stronger than ever, that kind of background can be an advantage, especially for players navigating the fringes of a roster.

The NBA franchise that signed Milicic is banking on his long-term potential. They see in him the qualities of a modern forward—length, defensive mobility, and shooting touch. While he’ll have to earn his way onto the roster and fight for playing time like every undrafted player, he has a path forward. Whether that means starting in the G League to get more reps or earning backup minutes off the bench, Milicic now has the opportunity to showcase his talents on a larger stage.

Back in Tennessee, the reaction to his signing has been one of pride and celebration. Milicic may not have had the star power of some of his teammates, but he was deeply respected within the locker room. Teammates often praised his work ethic and his willingness to do the little things that don’t show up in the box score. Fans who watched him over the course of the season understand how much he contributed to the Vols’ success and are excited to see what he can accomplish in the pros.

For Rick Barnes and his staff, Milicic’s success serves as another validation of the program’s ability to prepare players for the next level. While Tennessee has produced its share of NBA talent in recent years, each player’s path has been different. In Milicic’s case, the journey from overseas to Knoxville to the NBA underscores the importance of development, patience, and finding the right fit.

As the NBA continues to evolve, players like Milicic are becoming increasingly valuable. The league is moving toward positionless basketball, where versatility is king. A 6-foot-10 forward who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and make smart decisions fits perfectly into that modern blueprint. The key now will be for Milicic to continue refining his skills, growing his confidence, and finding ways to consistently contribute when his number is called.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, especially for undrafted players. The margins are razor-thin, and the competition is fierce. But if there’s one thing Milicic has shown throughout his career, it’s resilience. He’s had to adapt at every step—adjusting to new countries, new coaches, and new systems—and each time, he’s found a way to grow. That adaptability may prove to be his greatest strength as he transitions into this new chapter.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Summer League and training camp. Those are the proving grounds where fringe players either break through or fade into the background. Milicic will enter those arenas with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. For him, the lack of a draft selection isn’t a disappointment—it’s motivation. It’s fuel for the fire that drives so many undrafted players to beat the odds and earn their spot.

There’s a long road ahead, but Milicic isn’t a stranger to long roads. He’s walked them before. From European courts to American college arenas, he’s taken a path filled with twists, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Now, he begins the next leg of that journey in the NBA. And if his past is any indication of what’s to come, it would be unwise to bet against him.

While the spotlight may shine brighter on lottery picks and big-name signees, there’s something special about the grind of players like Igor Milicic Jr. They represent the heart of basketball—those who play not just for glory but for the love of the game, those who rise through sheer will and work ethic, those who make their names not in headlines but in hustle. His story is still being written, and the next chapter begins now.