HE WENT UNDRAFTED BUT STILL MADE IT: Tennessee’s Igor Milicic Jr. Signs with NBA Team in Stunning Post-Draft Move
Igor Milicic Jr. may not have heard his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft, but the journey to the professional stage did not end there for the Tennessee standout. The versatile forward, known for his sharp shooting and defensive instincts, quickly turned the disappointment of going undrafted into a golden opportunity, signing with an NBA team and officially launching what many hope will be a long and successful professional career. For Milicic, the path wasn’t traditional — but neither is his game.
The story of Igor Milicic Jr. is one of resilience, development, and quiet determination. Born in Croatia and raised around the game due to his father’s background in basketball, Milicic brought international flair and a cerebral style of play to the Tennessee Volunteers. While he may not have been the flashiest player on the court, his consistency, size, and skill set turned heads during his time in college. At 6-foot-10, Milicic provided Tennessee with a unique weapon — a big man who could space the floor, guard multiple positions, and pass with precision.
During his final season with the Volunteers, Milicic carved out a crucial role in Rick Barnes’ system. He averaged modest numbers — just under 10 points and 6 rebounds per game — but it was his impact beyond the box score that drew attention. Coaches praised his basketball IQ, teammates leaned on his leadership, and scouts took note of his ability to affect games without monopolizing the ball.
Still, come draft night, 58 names were called — and his wasn’t one of them.
For many prospects, going undrafted can feel like the end. For Milicic, it was just another hurdle to clear.
Within hours of the draft’s conclusion, NBA teams were on the phone, looking to bring him into their summer league systems. Ultimately, it was the Charlotte Hornets who saw something special and extended him a contract. While details of the deal were not immediately disclosed, sources confirm it includes a two-way contract, giving Milicic the chance to split time between the Hornets and their G League affiliate as he adjusts to the professional level.
In a statement released through his agent, Milicic expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity: “Not hearing my name on draft night was tough, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I’m thankful to the Charlotte Hornets for believing in me and giving me this chance to prove myself. I’m ready to work and to show that I belong.”
It’s not the first time Milicic has had to prove doubters wrong. Coming to Tennessee as a transfer from Virginia, expectations were relatively low. However, he quickly earned a place in the rotation, often guarding the opponent’s best forward while knocking down timely three-pointers. His game was never loud, but it was always effective.
That quiet effectiveness is what drew the Hornets’ interest. Their roster, filled with young talent and potential stars, needs glue guys — players who can make smart plays, defend without fouling, and stretch the floor. Milicic checks all of those boxes.
An NBA scout who asked to remain anonymous said of Milicic: “He’s not going to be a 20-point scorer. But he’s the type of guy who sticks around the league for a long time because he understands his role. He makes the right plays, he plays defense, and he competes. You want guys like that in your locker room.”
The NBA is filled with undrafted success stories. Players like Fred VanVleet, Austin Reaves, and José Alvarado have all made names for themselves after being overlooked on draft night. Milicic now joins that fraternity of underdogs — with a chance to carve out a role and make his mark.
Summer League will be his first test. Set to take place in Las Vegas in July, Milicic will wear the Hornets jersey for the first time and go head-to-head with fellow rookies, G League players, and others fighting for roster spots. It’s a pressure cooker — but also a golden opportunity.
For Tennessee fans, the news of Milicic signing with an NBA team was met with excitement and pride. Social media quickly lit up with messages of support and celebration from Volunteers faithful. “Once a Vol, always a Vol,” one fan tweeted. “Go show them what they missed!”
Rick Barnes, Tennessee’s head coach, also weighed in, saying, “Igor is one of the hardest-working, most coachable players I’ve ever had. He made our program better, and I have no doubt he’ll make an NBA team better too. The Hornets are getting a great one.”
Indeed, Barnes’ system is known for preparing players for the pros — and Milicic’s development under his guidance is a testament to that. While others may have had flashier stats, Milicic leaves college with a full toolset and a pro-ready mentality.
His international experience adds yet another layer to his game. Before coming to the U.S., Milicic played in the Polish professional league and represented Croatia in FIBA youth tournaments. That diverse background has given him a global perspective and a mature approach to the game.
“I’ve been around basketball my whole life,” he said in a recent interview. “I’ve seen the game from different angles — European, American, professional, collegiate. I try to take the best from every experience and just keep learning.”
And now, he’ll continue learning at the highest level.
For the Hornets, the signing is a low-risk, high-reward move. Two-way contracts give teams the ability to evaluate talent closely without using a full roster spot. For Milicic, it’s a foot in the door — and sometimes, that’s all it takes.
What lies ahead for Milicic remains to be seen. He’ll need to prove himself in the G League and during practice with the Hornets. He’ll need to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA. But if his track record is any indication, he’s more than up to the challenge.
While his journey to the league didn’t follow the typical script, it’s a reminder that there are many roads to the NBA. Draft night may have passed him by, but Igor Milicic Jr. is officially an NBA player — and his story is only beginning.
From Croatia to Knoxville, and now to Charlotte, Milicic has stayed true to who he is: a smart, skilled, hard-nosed competitor with a love for the game and a drive to keep improving. If he continues on this trajectory, the Hornets — and the rest of the league — may soon realize that they got a steal.
In a league that values shooting, size, and switchability, Milicic checks all the boxes. Now, with an NBA contract in hand, he has the platform to show just how far he can go. And if history tells us anything, it’s that betting against Igor Milicic Jr. is not a smart play.
He may have gone undrafted, but his name is one fans should remember. Because players like him? They find a way. Always.
