Zak Smrekar Scouting Report

Evaluating the Slovenian prospect after the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

• BIRTHDAY: Aug. 10, 2006

• PREDICTION FOR FUTURE: Future mid-to-high major D-I commit who will play in Europe at a decent level

• ROLE: Connective wing

• SWING SKILL: Three-point shooting percentages

• RAW STATS: 16.1 PTS, 4.7 REB (1.3o), 3.7 AST to 2.3 TOV, 1 STL, 0.6 BLK, 2.6 PF in 29.6 MINS in 7 GAMES (207 total minutes)

  • 39.8 FG% (39/98) / 51.9 2P% (27/52) / 26.1 3P% (12/46) / 74.2 FT% (23/31)

• ADVANCED STATS: 28.1 USG%, 50.3 TS%, 5.5 OREB%, 15.9 DREB%, 30.4 AST%, 12.3 TOV%, 1.8 A/TO, 2.2 STL%, 2.9 BLK%, 0.2 FTA/FGA, 19.6 PER

• HEIGHT: 6-foot-7

• PLAYS FOR: Krka (Slovenia)

Keep reading for background, film, and in-game notes on 18-year-old wing Žak Smrekar, who played for Slovenia at the 2025 Under-19 World Cup and plays for Krka at the club level:

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Background:

• From Novo Mesto, Slovenia.

• Joined Krka in 2012.

• Played at ANGT 2023-24 Podgorica with SC Derby, averaging 7.8 PTS, 5.5 REB, 2.8 AST to 1.2 TOV in 24.7 MINS over 4 games.

• In 2024-25, appeared in 26 Adriatic League games and averaged 4.2 PTS, 2.2 REB, 0.5 AST to 1 TOV, 0.4 STL, 0.2 BLK, 2.7 PF in 14.1 MINS.

  • In the Slovenian league, averaged 6 PTS, 2.4 REB, 1 AST to 0.9 TOV, 0.6 STL, 0.4 BLK, 2.3 PF in 17.9 MINS.

• Signed his first professional contract in June 2024.

• Previously represented Slovenia at the U-16 and U-18 levels.

• Debuted with the senior national team for the 2025 EuroBasket qualifiers.

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Strengths:

• Three-point shooting

  • 26.1 3P% seems low, but I’m more focused on his volume and process.

    • 6.6 3PA per game. 10 3PA per 40 possessions.

  • Clean and quick shot with decent range. Ball comes clean out of his hands. Stays on balance.

    • Reliable spot-up shooter, but still needs to prove himself off movement imo. Better when his feet are stationary.

  • Percentages need to improve, though.

• Functional passing

  • 47 pick-and-roll ballhandler possessions.

  • 3.7 AST to 2.3 TOV is also very good.

  • Leverages his shooting to make quick decisions as a passer.

    • Understands how to attack a closeout, for instance.

  • Sees over the top of defenses.

  • Decent at finding the strong side corner.

  • Displayed some flash on a few passes.

  • Touched the paint when he ventured in from the perimeter.

• Driving

  • Usually needs a screen.

  • Takes his time. Good pace. Doesn’t play at one speed. Likes a hesi. Has a bit of craft.

  • Frame allows him to play with some contact.

  • Gets to two feet.

  • Only an okay run-and-jump athlete, but can throw down a dunk if given a runway.

    • 8 dunks in 7 games. 61.1% (22/36) at the rim.

• Sturdy defense

  • Very disciplined closeouts. Times himself very well.

  • Doesn’t take unnecessary risks.

  • Does well to stay on feet.

  • Not jacked, but plays with contact on this end.

  • Solid positional size.

• Post-up flashes

  • Some glimpses iso’ing in the post. Largely in single coverage, though.

  • Preferred spot is the left block.

  • Patient. Leverages his size to see over the top. Likes to lean in.

    • Solid frame, but nothing more.

  • More of a tool against smaller ballhandlers, rather than against positional defenders.

    • Needs to be careful with his ball security down low.

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Improvements: