"Pure Shooting Fire Meets Fearless Confidence and Two-Way Grit"

Boris Perkovic

@perkovic_boris

6'3, Class of 2027

Australia

Boris has built his game behind a lethal shooting touch that makes defenses pay from deep, but there's much more in his bag than just waiting for a catch-and-shoot look. He considers himself one of the best catch-and-shoot threats in Austria, while also having the ability to create jumpers off the bounce from behind the arc and a smooth middy. When defenders fly at him to take away the jumper, Boris can attack the closeout, finish the play himself, or find an open teammate. His defense doesn't always receive the same attention as his shooting, while his ability to operate in the pick-and-roll is another weapon that can get overlooked because he is often stationed outside as the shooter; defenses can't afford to leave.

His production in Austria's second men's league showed exactly why his jumper demands respect, as Boris averaged 11.82 points and 2.91 rebounds in 23:34 minutes per game while shooting 47.42 percent from the field and a scorching 43.94 percent from three. His exact U19 numbers weren't available, but he averaged roughly 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while taking on a much larger role. That combination of efficiency and production gave Boris the chance to prove his scoring could translate against different competition without losing the shooting touch that has become his calling card.

His biggest improvement since last season came during U19 play, where increased chances demanded more from his game, and Boris responded by delivering. Practices with Austria's first men's league also pushed his development because battling bigger and stronger players forced him to adjust and sharpen what he could do. His biggest moment came in the second men's league when his coach trusted him with the final three despite having another player available who also competed with the first-league team. Boris rewarded that confidence by nailing the game-winner, giving him a moment that showed exactly what his shooting can deliver when everything is on the line.

His journey also included a setback when an injury forced him to miss two months and several games. Boris fought his way back in time for the U19 quarterfinals and quickly found his scoring rhythm again, averaging roughly 20 points after returning to action. That comeback taught him not to quit when adversity hits because a setback does not have to decide how the story finishes.

There were no Nationals for his age group this year, but Boris experienced that competition the previous season and helped his team accomplish something special for Austrian basketball. They became only the second Austrian team in history to remain in the A Division, giving him a chance to compete in a different environment while being part of an achievement that meant plenty to the program.

The work behind his shooting touch requires serious dedication because Boris travels an hour by train every day just to get into the gym. Once he gets there, he puts in an hour and a half of shooting work, while three days each week also include time in the weight room after his shooting session. His offseason focus has been gaining weight, improving his finishing, and tightening his handle, giving him more ways to attack when defenders sell out trying to erase his jumper.

His goal moving forward is that Boris wants to earn a JUCO commitment next season and prove his game can thrive in the United States. His family provides the fire that keeps him chasing that dream because their support means everything to him. Any coach bringing Boris into a program can expect him to give everything he has while continuing to learn something new every day, making his hunger for growth just as important as the shots he can rain in from deep.

Boris already understands that basketball in the United States will present a different challenge from what he has experienced in Austria. He sees American basketball as faster and more dependent on one-on-one offense, but he believes his shooting and defense give him two valuable strengths for that transition. A shooter who can punish defenses off the catch, create jumpers off the bounce, attack aggressive closeouts, and compete defensively gives Boris a foundation that can fit the faster tempo he wants to test himself against.

Boris is a dangerous perimeter weapon with the numbers to back up his confidence as a shooter. His ability to fire off the catch or create his own jumper makes him difficult to chase off the line, while improved finishing and ball handling can make closeouts even tougher to defend. Add his overlooked pick-and-roll ability, and there is more offensive versatility waiting to be unleashed than his reputation as a sharpshooter might initially suggest.

The grit behind Boris' journey deserves attention because daily train rides, long gym sessions, and a successful return from a two-month injury show how seriously he attacks his development. Competing against older, stronger talent has challenged him physically, while delivering a game-winning three showed he welcomes trust when a possession matters most. His family remains the driving force behind the chase, and his pursuit of a JUCO home gives every workout a clear purpose as he prepares to bring his Austrian roots to American basketball.