How Igor Milicic Jr. has led Charlotte 49ers’ men’s basketball on seven-game win streak

With so many avenues to playing professional basketball in today’s age, there aren’t many unicorns in modern college basketball. But Charlotte has one of the few, and Igor Milicic Jr. is poised to lead the 49ers back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.

The term “unicorn” generally describes a 7-footer with dribble moves and the ability to step outside and shoot the 3-pointer with consistency — all while being able to get to the rim and put mere mortals on posters. At 6-foot-10, Milicic is the closest the Queen City has seen to that status, and he is having a career season across the board, nearly doubling his production from his sophomore to junior years.

While 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game doesn’t necessarily scream next-level talent, Milicic’s efficiency is what is setting him apart.

Milicic is nearing the coveted 50/40/90 feat, meaning connecting on 50% of his field-goal attempts, 40% of his 3-pointers, and 90% of his free throws — something that the likes of even Steph Curry and one of Milicic’s idols, Kevin Durant, didn’t achieve at the collegiate level.

The Croatian forward is shooting 50.3% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc, and 87.1% from the free-throw line — all of which are career-bests. After spending his freshman season with coach Tony Bennett and the Virginia Cavaliers, Milicic found his stride with Ron Sanchez and the 49ers in his sophomore season.

“50/40/90, whatever, I don’t really pay attention. But it would be nice to join that (club). I’ve got to start shooting the ball a little better from outside and from the line,” Milicic told The Observer. “Coach Sanchez definitely helped me develop, and you can see it this year. I’m more patient with the ball, and even though he left us (for Virginia), his presence is still helping me be a better player this season.”

But Milicic is budding under Aaron Fearne, and NBA scouts are taking notice.

“(Milicic) is one of my favorite local guys. Incredible work ethic. Seems like there’s a lot of pressure on him to be great due to his brothers coming up behind him,” one NBA scout said.

“His IQ and feel are the best parts of his game,” added another scout.

While Milicic’s ultimate goal is to play his way to the NBA, the junior is comfortable in his skin. Whether it’s the NBA, EuroLeague, or another league, Milicic is focused on putting all of his efforts in and living with the results.

“Every hooper’s dream is to play in the NBA. And I would be lying if I was to say it wasn’t mine. At this point in my life, I’ve matured a little bit and I believe it is more important to be the best version of myself and do what I can do to the best of my abilities, rather than to set a goal that is everybody else’s goal. I’m just trying to be the best version of me, and whatever my mom and dad built in this frame, I want to fill in 100%,” Milicic said.

“If it’s NBA, I would love it. If it’s EuroLeague, it’s still good. Still an amazing story. But if the third division Germany is my ceiling, and I’ve hit my ceiling, I would be proud of it. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself. Whatever that is, I’ll be happy with it. As long as I hit 100%.”

Milicic’s basketball roots

Coming from a basketball family, Milicic was born in Pula, Croatia. Milicic’s father, Igor Sr, has coached multiple championship teams in Poland, as well as playing professionally in Belgium, Croatia, Turkey, Poland, Russia and Greece. He currently coaches the Napoli Basket of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and took over the Polish men’s national basketball team in 2021 — where he coached his son Igor Jr.

Returning home to play for his father was a new experience for Milicic, and one that has impacted his life both on and off the court.

“It was special. Representing the whole country trying to get into the Olympics and winning the pre- qualification tournament. It was special, and I hadn’t been a part of something like that before,” Milicic said. “I was playing for my dad for the first time. I was kind of stressed about that. After a few days, I figured out that we had a professional relationship, coach to player, and not just father-son.

“What helped my game was watching the older players who played professionally in Europe to see how they lead the team. How they make players around them better,” Milicic continued. “That’s where I’ve grown, and their work ethic doesn’t change. When it comes to shootaround and practice, they come out like it’s their last day on earth — locked in. During practice hours, it’s 100% focus, and that’s what I’m trying to imply on guys on Charlotte.”

Milicic’s younger brothers, Zoran and Teo, are both successful players, with Teo being tabbed as “the real deal,” according to an NBA scout.

“They’re what, four and six years younger than me, and I can already tell they’re going to be way better than me. I say that proudly, but it also hurts me because they always look up to me and I want to be that role model for them,” Milicic said.

“They’re awesome hoopers and awesome people, and I can’t wait for the summer to go and see them again — see how much they’ve grown.”

While Milicic is excited to return home this summer, his trip might be delayed — but for good reason.

The Charlotte 49ers are playing some of the best basketball the university has seen in the past decade, and a postseason berth is becoming more realistic.

But Milicic is focused on the next opponent, which happens to be in-state conference foe East Carolina (2 p.m., Saturday).

“We don’t even think two games ahead, definitely not 10. We just lock in on the next opponent and we want to win every game. As long as we keep this going, we’re going to be happy,” Milicic said.

Charlotte 49ers on a run

Picked to finish 13th out of 14 teams in the American Athletic Conference before the season, Charlotte’s found its footing in the first year in the league, winning seven consecutive games and sitting atop the conference with a 7-1 record, 13-7 overall.

Milicic has been one of Charlotte’s best players, stepping into a nightly starting role and leading the 49ers in both rebounds and 3-point shooting. One of four players averaging double-digit scoring, Charlotte’s offensive attack has been well-balanced in Fearne’s first year as head coach, but Milicic’s experience playing multiple positions is helping Charlotte across the board.

“I like running the four and the five, I feel comfortable in both positions. Last year I had to learn it, and it was kind of a struggle. This year, subbing in for Dishon (Jackson) also helps us with my speed and being able to spread the floor and open lanes.”

With a chance to add to their conference-best win streak on Saturday, Milicic expanded on Charlotte’s community buying in and what it’s doing for the team.

“The feeling is amazing. We’ve been hot lately, and we knew we were capable of it. Since the beginning of the season, we felt like this group was really special and something has been cooking here. We’re really excited about this opportunity to see a lot of people at Halton Arena this weekend,” he said.

What has already been a memorable season in the Queen City will add another chapter on Saturday, but Milicic isn’t ready to reflect just yet. He’s hoping the best is yet to come, and the Charlotte 49ers have a chance to add to their resurgence this weekend.

“It was definitely when the fans came on the court after FAU,” Milicic said of this season’s best moment to date. “But I hope the best moment of the season is still coming. I’m going to keep it quiet for now, and you can ask me that after the season.”