B.B.A. student, Life U Men’s Basketball player

“Basketball Opening Up New Worlds”

Srdjan Popovich’s hometown of Belegrade. Serbia is something of a hub connecting much of the eastern and western world together. Perhaps beckoned by a sense of adventure and continuing that tradition of cultural exchange, Popovich sought to take his athletic talents in basketball to propel him into a collegiate career in America. He had played at a high level for 10 years in his home country, so he was eager to see where his talent could take him. He found a kindred spirit in Life University (Life U) Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Ogi Vasiljevic, a fellow Serbian who played ball in college at the University of Arkansas. From there, the process was pretty quick getting Popovich onboarded with assistance from Life U’s dedicated International Students Department.

He arrived in September 2022, hitting the ground running. Popovich is now in his junior year, working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree. He would like one day to have his own business, though he is still in the early planning stages of how that might take shape.

As a guard for Life U Men’s Basketball, Popovich has had to adjust to a new style of play and competition.

“Basketball back home in Europe, not just in Serbia, it’s like slow possession, you know, taking your time. But here’s like first chance you can, go to the rim to attack,” Popovich said.

It can be a particularly difficult challenge to adjust to a whole new way of life as an international student, but Popovich took it in stride, committing to the somewhat daunting training and school schedule set before him as a student-athlete. He enjoys the intense bonding and camaraderie of the friends he has made in his teammates. During the offseason, he also makes a point to interact with the International Student Association to connect with fellow international students from all over the world who are also adjusting to a different environment.

This season, he is confident that his team can make some great plays and give the competition a run for their money.

“I think we have that experienced team. We can really do something. We show we can play very well, also on the road, so I think we’re a good team. And I’m excited for playoffs later this season, and let’s see what happens,” Popovich says.