Missouri Lady Basketball Star Lucija Milkovic Shocks Nation with De-commitment and Decision to Join Tennessee Vols
In a stunning turn of events, Lucija Milkovic, a highly touted recruit for the Missouri Lady Tigers, has de-committed from her commitment to Mizzou and announced that she will be joining the Tennessee Lady Vols for the 2025 season. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, particularly in the SEC.
Milkovic, a 6-foot-4 forward from Croatia, had been one of the most coveted international recruits of the 2025 class. She had originally committed to Missouri after a standout performance at the FIBA U19 World Cup, where she showcased her exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and basketball IQ. Her commitment to the Tigers had been seen as a major coup for Mizzou, but less than a year later, she shocked the basketball community by announcing her decision to switch allegiances.
In a statement, Milkovic explained that her decision was driven by a desire to play for a program with a rich tradition of success and a strong track record of developing elite players. “I have the utmost respect for Missouri and everything they have done for me, but after much consideration, I feel that Tennessee is the right place for me to continue my basketball journey,” Milkovic said. “Their coaching staff, facilities, and history of excellence were key factors in my decision.”
The Lady Vols, under head coach Kellie Harper, have been one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, and Milkovic’s commitment is a huge boost to their already impressive recruiting class. Harper expressed excitement over the addition of Milkovic, calling her “a transformative player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.”
The unexpected change has left many wondering how it will affect the landscape of college basketball recruiting, as well as Missouri’s future plans.
