Djordije Jovanovic reportedly won’t join St. John’s men’s basketball team due to visa issues

On March 24, 2024, Montenegrin basketball player Djordije Jovanovic reportedly will not join the St. John’s men’s basketball team due to visa issues. The move would have benefited both Jovanovic and his professional club KK Buducnost. Jovanovic had agreed to join St. John’s University, which would have been advantageous for both parties.

However, visa complications prevented him from traveling to the United States, leading him to stay in Podgorica and continue his contract with KK Buducnost. This news was confirmed by independent news accounts and later by Buducnost’s news account. Jovanovic’s departure marks the second international addition to leave St. John’s before the new season begins.

Previously, Spanish wing Gildas Gimenez was ruled academically ineligible. Jovanovic averaged 5.1 points and 1.8 rebounds during the 2025-26 season for KK Buducnost, and had previously played in the NBA G-League with the Ontario Clippers from 2022-2024. Losing Jovanovic creates additional roster space for the Red Storm, who may fill the vacancy with an eligible fifth-year transfer or former players such as Georgetown’s Vince Iwuchukwu.