Drawing on high-level experience, Aleksej Kostić seeks a big role for new-look Northwestern men’s basketball

Jan 31, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; BYU Cougars guard Aleksej Kostic (6) shoots against Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Aleksej Kostić is no stranger to high-level competition.

Kostić, the sixth transfer addition for Northwestern men’s basketball this offseason, began his professional career at 17 years old with the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions of the Austrian Basketball Superliga. After four seasons in Austria, Kostić transitioned to the college game at BYU. He appeared in 27 games as a three-point shooting threat and started the final five contests of the season, playing 21 minutes in the Cougars’ first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas.

Now, Kostić is set to play in Evanston, hoping to take on an even bigger role during his sophomore campaign. “At BYU, I was just spacing the floor, shooting, catch-and-shoot,” Kostić said. “Here, I really want to develop my game so I can also play more versatile, put the ball on the floor and show that I can do that as well.

” Kostić, who turns 21 in October, has played against numerous high-level opponents in his playing career so far. With the Wildcats, he will have an opportunity to progress further, seeking to build on past experience while becoming an important piece of a new-look roster. Kostić’s professional career began in late 2021, as he joined a Lions squad that had no other players below 19 years old at the time.