By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Filip Petrusev was drafted last season by Philadelphia and it seems that the time has come for him to cross the Atlantic. The 23-years old big man had his best season yet as a member of Crvena Zvezda, averaging 10.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg.
Per Eurohoops sources, the Sixers intend to offer him a contract, probably for the next two seasons and they have the right to do so just after the 2023 NBA draft, since they have his NBA rights.
Born on October 15, 2000, Petrusev gained recognition during his college basketball career at Gonzaga University in the United States. He played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs from 2018 to 2020.
In his sophomore season (2019-2020), he emerged as a key player for the Bulldogs and was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Petrusev averaged 17.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game that season, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility in the paint.
After his sophomore year, Petrusev decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. However, he ultimately decided to withdraw from the draft and pursue a professional career overseas.
He signed a multi-year contract with Mega and then spend the 2020-21 season in the EuroLeague champions roster, Anadolu Efes, having limited contribution. He was drafted at no.50, spend one more season in Europe and he is now considered ready for the jump to the NBA.