Here’s a story that might surprise you: BYU’s latest basketball recruit didn’t come to Provo because of Jimmer Fredette, but the legend’s shadow might have unknowingly paved the way. Meet Aleksej Kostic, the 6-foot-4 Austrian sharpshooter who’s turning heads before he’s even stepped onto the court for a real game. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Fredette’s fame didn’t directly recruit Kostic, his presence in Austria might have sparked the connection that brought this talent to BYU. And this is the part most people miss: Kostic’s journey from the Austrian Basketball Superliga to Provo is as much about his own grit as it is about the global reach of college basketball.
The Cougars’ roster was already stacked. They’d landed AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top recruit, paired him with Big 12 standout Rob Wright III, and brought back veterans like Richie Saunders and Keba Keita. Yet, it was Kostic, the last addition, who made waves during the preseason scrimmage. His shooting prowess—averaging 6.5 points per game and hitting 36.3% from three-point range last year—immediately caught the eye of fans and coaches alike. But what’s even more impressive? This kid was once a U12 judo champion in Pfaffstätten, and his father played for the Yugoslavian national team. Talk about a diverse athletic background!
Kostic’s path to BYU began in Vienna, where he met Fredette during a 3x3 tournament. ‘I actually have a picture with Jimmer,’ Kostic recalled with a smile. ‘It’s kind of a fun story that I ended up playing here.’ Fredette, upon hearing the news, wrote on Instagram, ‘That’s awesome! Can’t wait to see him have a great year!’ But let’s be real—Kostic’s talent isn’t just a product of luck or connections. Two years ago, he averaged 19.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for Austria’s U-18 team, shooting a staggering 40.6% from deep on 6.4 attempts per game. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a testament to his skill.
Now, as Kostic prepares for his college debut, he’s leaning on BYU’s coaching staff, including head coach Kevin Young and assistants Tim Fanning and Will Voigt, who bring a wealth of international experience. ‘I think I’ve adjusted pretty well,’ Kostic said. ‘The opportunity I have here is crazy, and I don’t take that for granted.’ But here’s the bold question: Can an Austrian sharpshooter truly make an impact in the competitive world of NCAA basketball? Some might doubt it, but Kostic’s preseason performance suggests he’s up for the challenge.
Off the court, Kostic has fallen in love with Provo. ‘Everyone I’ve met so far has been super nice,’ he said. ‘I love the mountains; I’ve been up to Sundance. There’s nothing negative I can say.’ And on the court? He’s already fitting into Young’s offense seamlessly. ‘He can really shoot the ball,’ Young said. ‘He’s a guy who’s probably the most potent when he’s off the ball. That sucker can shoot, and he gets it off quick.’
As the Cougars gear up for their exhibition opener against Nebraska on October 18, the buzz around Kostic is palpable. But let’s not forget the bigger picture: this roster is loaded with talent, from Kennard Davis Jr. to Nate Pickens. ‘The ceiling is high,’ Davis said. ‘We’ve just got to live up to the potential.’ So, here’s the real question for you: Is BYU’s 2025-26 team the one to watch, or is the hype just that—hype? Let us know in the comments!
