Dragovic Selected to Represent Montenegro at U20 World Championship

After an impressive freshman season with UC Santa Barbara’s Men’s Water Polo team, Danilo Dragovic has been selected to represent Montenegro at the World Aquatics U20 World Championship in Croatia. This marks another achievement for the Gauchos, as he joins fellow player Dom Brown who debuted for Team USA earlier this year. Dragovic’s first match will be against reigning champions Hungary on June 14, followed by a game against host Croatia and then Team USA. The tournament runs through June 21, with all matches live streamed.

By the Numbers

• 34 steals, 35 goals, and 35 assists in the season for Dragovic, making him the Gauchos’ third-highest scorer.
• Recorded nine points across four games against top teams including UCLA, USC, and Stanford.

Yes, But

While Dragovic’s selection highlights his talent, there could be pressure as he faces elite international teams, which may test his skills further and impact Montenegro’s overall performance.

State of Play

• Montenegro will open its championship campaign against Hungary on June 14.
• Dragovic’s performance will be closely watched after a notable collegiate season.

What’s Next

Following group stage matches, Montenegro aims to advance to playoff rounds from June 17-20, with hopes for a strong performance leading to the finals on June 21.

Bottom Line

Dragovic’s representation at the U20 World Championship is a significant milestone, showcasing not only his individual talent but also elevating the profile of UC Santa Barbara’s water polo program on an international stage.