Sebastián Rančík at the European Under-18 Championship in the summer of 2022. (source: FIBA)
He left for America aged just 14, and now he is being tipped to play in the NBA professional basketball league. Sebastián Rančík, a 19-year-old Slovak basketball talent, explains: “It was tough. Being without family or friends, I went through hard times. But it made me mentally stronger.”
The talented player, son of Slovak basketball legend Martin Rančík, has just completed his first university season overseas. After excelling at high school, he received offers from several prestigious universities, ultimately choosing the University of Colorado.
A promising first year, despite team struggles
The Colorado Buffaloes, part of the highly competitive Big 12 conference, saw three of its players drafted into the NBA last year. However, their departures left the team weakened, leading to its worst season in 15 years – it scored only three wins in conference play and made no NCAA tournament appearances.
However, Rančík’s individual performances stood out. According to Pat Rooney, a Colorado college basket expert writing in the Daily Camera, “The team struggled, but Sebastián had a very promising first year.”
Sebastián Rančík playing in the US. (source: REUTERS)
By the end of the season, he had secured a place in the starting lineup – a rare feat for a freshman. “That means something. He earned the coaches’ trust,” Rooney noted.
Better numbers than an NBA draft pick
Tristan da Silva, drafted 18th overall by the Orlando Magic, averaged 2.7 points, one rebound, and 0.3 assists in his freshman year at Colorado. By comparison, Rančík is averaging 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.
His standout performance came against the Kansas Jayhawks, where he scored a season-high 19 points. “His tenacity made the difference,” said Colorado Buffaloes coach Tad Boyle. “He fears no one and will only improve,” added Boyle.
Sebastián Rančík – Per-game averages
18.3 minutes
6.3 points
42.2% field goal percentage
2.9 rebounds
0.7 assists
0.2 blocks
0.4 steals
Rooney also highlighted his fearless offensive play: “He’s willing to attack the basket, even against bigger opponents.”
However, a summer of hard work awaits Rančík. To reach the next level, he needs to improve his shooting, defence and physical strength. “You don’t have much time to build muscle during the season, so that will be his focus this summer,” Rooney explained.
NBA in the future? His coach thinks so
At just 19, Rančík has at least two or three more years at university before considering the NBA. But his coach has no doubt about his potential. “For me, he’s a future NBA player,” said Boyle. “It’ll take some time, but he embraces big moments,” the coach concluded.
Rooney agrees: “He has similar skills to Tristan da Silva, who chose college over playing in Germany. I can see Sebastián following a similar path.”
