Northwestern has secured a commitment from Aleksej Kostic, a 6-5 guard originally from Austria, for the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season. Kostic previously played at BYU, where he contributed to an NCAA Tournament team. Head Coach Chris Collins emphasized Kostic's elite shooting, size, and competitive nature. Known for his strong work ethic, Kostic is expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s culture and performance.

By the Numbers
  • Kostic appeared in 27 games at BYU, averaging 4.4 points per game.
  • During the 2023 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, he averaged 19.1 points per game, including a career-high 34 points against Montenegro.
Yes, But

Despite Kostic's potential, concerns remain about his transition to a higher level of competition in the Big Ten, where he will face tougher opponents than those in both the NCAA and European leagues.

State of Play
  • Kostic is expected to enhance Northwestern's backcourt depth and shooting prowess.
  • His international experience may provide valuable insight and skills that can benefit the team's dynamics.
What's Next

As Kostic integrates into the Northwestern roster, eyes will be on how quickly he adjusts to the competitive atmosphere in the Big Ten and what role he will play in the team's strategy moving forward.

Bottom Line

Kostic's addition to Northwestern offers a promising blend of talent and experience, positioning the team for significant enhancements in shooting and competitiveness, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming season.