Boban Marjanovic Surprises Geno Auriemma at UConn Women’s Basketball Win

Former NBA center Boban Marjanovic made an unexpected appearance at the UConn women’s basketball game against Creighton, bringing a dose of humor and excitement to the night. Standing at a towering 7-foot-4, he slipped into the student section, joining their traditions and even popping into the postgame press conference with UConn coach Geno Auriemma.

Marjanovic’s visit didn’t just entertain fans—it put a spotlight on UConn’s growing international basketball presence. There’s something about seeing a global star just hanging out with students that makes the night feel bigger, right?

Boban Marjanovic’s Surprise Appearance

Boban Marjanovic, famous for both his height and his big personality, showed up at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night for the UConn women’s game. Despite being instantly recognizable, he blended in with the students, joining their antics and soaking in the energy.

He ducked behind a newspaper during Creighton’s starting lineup announcement, then waved his cellphone flashlight with the crowd during UConn’s intros. Throughout the game, Marjanovic snapped photos and videos, clearly enjoying himself.

Engagement with UConn’s Student Newspaper

After the game, Marjanovic didn’t just disappear. He teamed up with UConn’s student newspaper, The Daily Campus, as a guest reporter for the postgame press conference.

Sitting among the student journalists, he fired off the first question to Coach Geno Auriemma. The room lit up with laughter as Auriemma traded jokes with Marjanovic, making for a genuinely memorable moment.

Highlighting UConn’s International Talent

During the press conference, Auriemma and Marjanovic chatted about Serbian guard Jovana Popovic, who’s set to join UConn’s roster soon. Popovic, already a standout in Serbia, will be the first player from her country to suit up for the Huskies.

She led her club ZKK Art Basket to its first championship in the First League of Serbia and picked up honors like league MVP and Best Shooter. That’s no small feat.

Popovic’s Impressive Background

Popovic’s achievements go beyond her club. She debuted with Serbia’s senior national team at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, matching up against active WNBA players.

She also led the junior national team to a bronze medal at the 2024 U18 EuroBasket. UConn fans are buzzing about her arrival, and honestly, it’s hard not to look forward to what she’ll bring.

UConn’s Growing International Presence

Popovic isn’t the only international recruit coming in. The 2025 class also brings Ecuadorian forward Blanca Quinonez and Irish center Gandy Malou-Mamel into the fold.

In recent years, UConn has sent several European players to the WNBA: Hungarian forward Dorka Juhasz to the Minnesota Lynx, French-Mexican guard Lou Lopez-Senechal to the Dallas Wings, and Croatian guard Nika Muhl to the Seattle Storm.

Auriemma’s Enthusiasm for International Talent

Auriemma couldn’t hide his excitement about Popovic joining the team. He even joked about Croatian guard Nika Muhl, saying she almost made him *quit coaching*.

He’s got high hopes for Popovic and keeps showing how much he values international players. It’s clear he wants to keep the roster strong and diverse.

Marjanovic’s Invitation to Auriemma

At the press conference, Marjanovic invited Auriemma to visit Serbia. He promised to take care of the coach and even offered to help scout more talent.

The exchange felt genuine, showing the mutual respect and easy camaraderie between the two. It’s a reminder of how basketball really does connect people across the globe.

Conclusion

Boban Marjanovic showed up at the UConn women’s basketball game, and honestly, the crowd loved it. Fans and players both seemed genuinely thrilled to see him courtside.

His visit kind of shines a light on how UConn’s basketball program keeps drawing in international talent. There’s something special about seeing that global mix on the team, and it feels like it’s only going to get more interesting from here.

If you want more details about Marjanovic’s visit or what’s happening with UConn women’s basketball, check out the full article on the Hartford Courant.