Who is Filip Petrusev? Closer look ahead of Serbia's Paris Olympics Basketball semifinals clash with Team USA

Filip Petrusev is making a name for himself at the 2024 Paris Olympics after some noteworthy performances. The Serbian power forward may not be a household name yet, but he is a player to watch for the future.

At just 24 years old, Petrusev has already broken through to the national team's starting lineup with strong performances in the European league and during the Olympic warmup games.

At 6-foot-11 and over 230 pounds, the Belgrade native is an imposing figure on the court. At the Olympics, he has shown that he can contribute on both sides of the court and has been especially strong on the rebounding and defensive front.

Petrusev has been a key figure in Serbia's semifinal run, starting every game for coach Svetislav Pesic's team. He is averaging 9.5 points, five rebounds, 1.3 assists and a steal over 21.5 minutes played per game. He has also been an extremely efficient shooter 69.6 field-goal percentage.

The powerful forward was particularly impressive during Serbia's 107-66 win over Puerto Rico where he finished with a team-high 15 points and fell just short of a double-double with nine rebounds.

Serbia will have a monumental task as they look to upset Team USA in the Olympic semifinals on Thursday. Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic will be the headline names for Serbia, but Petrusev will be key to the Europeans' chances of overcoming a talented United States side.

Filip Petrusev signed a three-year contract with Greek side Olympiacos

Forward Filip Petrusev (33) reacts during an NBA Summer League game against the Brooklyn Nets. Photo Credit: Imagn

Petrusev played high school ball in the United States and committed to Gonzaga University after his senior year. He played 65 games for the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2020 and averaged 12 points, 5.4 points and 0.9 assists per game.

In 2020, Petrusev decided to try his luck at the professional level and returned to Europe where he featured at several clubs, including Mega Basket, Anadolu Efes and Crvena zvezda. Last year, he signed a three-year contract with European giants Olympiacos in Greece.

Petrusev was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft but appeared in just one league game for the franchise. The Sacramento Kings also waived him after just two games in 2023.

Petrusev may have struggled to adapt to the NBA, but after a strong showing at the Olympics, a handful of scouts will regret not taking a chance on the talented Serb.