The BYU Cougars have officially finalized their 2025–26 men’s basketball roster with one more name — and it’s already turning heads. Aleksej Kostic, a 6-foot-4 freshman guard from Austria, joins the program with both a powerful outside shot and the blessing of one of BYU’s most iconic players — Jimmer Fredette.
From Austria to Provo — With Jimmer’s Connection
Kostic’s basketball journey began thousands of miles away in Pfaffstätten, Austria, where he balanced basketball with a surprising early pursuit — judo. His father, a former Yugoslavian national team player, inspired his path toward professional basketball.
The connection to BYU came serendipitously through Fredette. The two met when the former Naismith Player of the Year was playing 3×3 basketball in Vienna. “I actually have a picture with Jimmer,” Kostic said. “It’s kind of funny that I ended up playing here.”
When Fredette learned of Kostic’s commitment, he responded on Instagram: “That’s awesome! Can’t wait to see him have a great year!”
A Proven Shooter With European Experience
Before arriving at BYU, Kostic spent last season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions in Austria’s Basketball Superliga, averaging 6.5 points per game while shooting 36.3% from three-point range. He scored in double digits 20 times, including two standout 24-point performances that helped lead the Lions to the league semifinals.
At the U-18 European Division B Pre-Qualifiers, he posted impressive stats — 19.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc on more than six attempts per contest.
Kostic’s combination of size, precision shooting, and international experience makes him a valuable addition to a BYU roster already loaded with talent — including top recruit AJ Dybantsa, Big 12 standout Rob Wright III, and returning veterans Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, Dawson Baker, and Mihailo Boskovic.
Earning Respect in Practice
Despite joining late in the offseason, Kostic quickly earned praise from head coach Kevin Young and teammates. “He can really shoot the ball,” Young said. “He’s most dangerous when he’s off the ball — that shot comes off fast, and he’s got great feel for spacing.”
The Austrian guard also impressed in the team’s preseason blue-white scrimmage, showing why he’s already considered one of the most promising international newcomers in college basketball.
“I’ve adjusted pretty well,” Kostic said. “The opportunity I have here is amazing. I just try to prove myself every day in practice.”
BYU’s New Season Begins
The Cougars enter the season ranked No. 8 nationally, riding high expectations under Coach Young’s leadership. Their preseason schedule tips off Saturday, Oct. 18, when BYU faces Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln (11 a.m. MDT, Big Ten+). The team will then return home to host No. 25 North Carolina on Oct. 24 in Salt Lake City (7 p.m. MT, ESPN+).
“We’ve been working for this moment,” Kostic said. “Now it’s time to show what we’ve got.”
Loving Utah — On and Off the Court
Off the court, Kostic has embraced his new home in Utah. “Everyone here has been super nice,” he said. “I love the mountains. I’ve been up to Sundance — it’s beautiful. There’s nothing negative I can say.”
As he settles into life in Provo, his focus remains steady: improve every day, fit into BYU’s dynamic offense, and live up to the potential of a team stacked with national-level talent.
“We have all the tools,” Kostic said. “We just need to keep working, stack days, and get a little better every time we step on the court.”
