Ziga Daneu has committed to the University of San Francisco in the 2026 class, sources told DraftExpress.
The 6-foot-11 Slovenian big man brings extensive professional experience to the Dons. He has competed in the EuroCup, ABA League, Slovenian League and with Slovenia’s senior national team.
Daneu, who turned 24 this week, has spent most of his career developing within the Cedevita Olimpija system. He also played for Ilirija and Kansai Helios Domžale before returning to Ljubljana.
His experience at the professional level should immediately separate him from most players entering college basketball. Daneu has already faced experienced competition across several European competitions.
He appeared in the EuroCup during the 2025-26 season, averaging 0.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in limited playing time. He also recorded 1.1 points and 1.1 rebounds per game in 16 ABA League appearances.
Claim Now Ziga Daneu had a frightening moment in ABA League before coming to San Francisco
Daneu’s path has also included a frightening moment during the 2024-25 ABA League season.
During Cedevita Olimpija’s road game against FMP in Zeleznik on September 22, 2024, Daneu suffered a heavy fall underneath the basket. He fell from significant height and struck his head against the court.
The incident immediately silenced the arena, while medical personnel attended to Daneu on the floor. He was eventually carried from the court on a stretcher and taken to a hospital.
There were understandable concerns about his condition following the frightening incident. Fortunately, medical examinations showed that Daneu had not suffered serious consequences from the fall.
Cedevita Olimpija confirmed that his condition was good after the hospital examinations. He later returned to Ljubljana for additional medical checks before gradually returning to basketball.
Daneu subsequently continued his career without the incident preventing his development. He earned a place with Slovenia’s senior national team and appeared in four official EuroBasket 2025 qualifying games.
He also enjoyed a productive 2024 Slovenian postseason, particularly in the quarterfinals. Daneu averaged 11.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game against GGD Sencur.
Daneu now moves to San Francisco with a résumé rarely seen among incoming college players.
His combination of size, professional experience and international background could make him an intriguing addition for the Dons.
The move also gives Daneu an opportunity to showcase his game in American college basketball after several years competing professionally in Europe.
