Jami Thompson
Luka “Amani” is a professional basketball player from Croatia who plays for the Maine Celtics in the NBA G League. He is a power forward who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Early Life, Family & Nationality
Marko Samanic, Luka’s father, and an unidentified mother welcomed him into the world on January 9, 2000. He was produced in Zagreb, Croatia.
In a similar vein, he has Croatian nationality, and as of this writing, neither his ethnicity nor religion has been made public on the internet.
While looking into his early life, parents, childhood, and education, no such tales were found.
Luka’s father, Marco, played basketball professionally for at least 20 years.
He had just turned nine months old when he relocated to Belgium. Luka did not grow up to be a huge basketball lover like his father.
He adored football and played it until he was eleven years old, which is known as soccer in America.
In addition, he believes that playing soccer gave him the foundation he needed to succeed in basketball.
Luka played tennis and handball among other sports. He also participated in breakdancing, although no video has yet been found.
However, he did it for pleasure when he was nine or ten years old. In particular, rap music made him want to dance uncontrollably.
Youth Career
At the youth level, he started playing basketball with the Zagreb neighborhood club.
Later, on November 16, he contributed 43 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 steals to Zagreb’s 160-21 victory over Samobor.
Luka was named the most valuable player after his side defeated Virtus Roma to win the championship in an Italian youth competition on January 3, 2016. (MVP).
In the same vein, winning was gaining popularity. Luka scored 32 points in a blowout against the Rude junior team on January 16 (111-43).
He and his squad had 26 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 blocks to lead the junior Cedevita team in scoring.
He won the Croatian Cadet Championship MVP award for the efforts he put forth on the floor with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds in a rout of the Cibona junior squad on May 29.
Luka took part in the Adidas EuroCamp, an international players’ three-day pre-National Basketball Association (NBA) draft camp, later in June in Treviso, Italy.
Professional Career
For the 2017–18 season, he joined FC Barcelona Basque B, the FC Barcelona reserve team, in the LEB Oro, the Spanish League Basketball System.
He just had four minutes on the field against Força Lleida, but he still contributed to the team’s victory.
Luka also participated in the Basketball Without Borders Camp in Los Angeles, which was attended by numerous other international NBA aspirants.
— Luka Šamanić (@SamanicLuka) November 28, 2021
San Antonio Spurs
Luka announced his intention to enter the 2019 NBA Draft on April 20, 2019. He’s had this dream since he was a young child.
He always worked very hard to improve his body, his shooting, and everything else that would enable him to be successful in the NBA as a modern big man.
Not to mention, Luka was one of the record-breaking 58 foreign prospects who declared their entry that year.
NYC🗽 #blessed pic.twitter.com/nywNsqdRfJ
— Luka Šamanić (@SamanicLuka) October 29, 2021
Later, on June 20, 2019, San Antonio Spurs selected him in the first round of the NBA draft.
The Austin Spurs, an NBA G League team that is an associate of the San Antonio Spurs, were given Luka’s first assignment.
On August 13, 2020, he started a game against the Utah Jazz, which sadly ended in a loss for his side. There, he finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds.
National Team Career
At the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Radom, Poland, he made his debut for the Croatian national team.
However, Croatia finished in fourth place, and Luka was named to the All-Star Five.
He took part in Division B of the 2017 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in Tallinn, Estonia.
After averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, he brought the gold medal back to his nation.
Year 3. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xAR16rppcX
— Luka Šamanić (@SamanicLuka) September 28, 2021
Additionally, Luka competed in the Latvian leg of the 2018 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.
In the tournament, he could only manage an average of 17 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game; Croatia finished in eleventh place.
Does Luka have a girlfriend?
Luka is a young, attractive man. He completely kills it with his charismatic attitude and good appearance.
There is no reason why any female wouldn’t fall in love with him and get down on one knee just in case. Regrettably, we were unable to locate any reliable information.
Perhaps he is currently unmarried and absolutely cautious when it comes to his career.
And that’s alright; he’s still young, and the day will come when he can actually meet someone who is meant for him.
Net Worth & Salary
Regarding his earnings, Luka signed a three-year deal worth $8,473,320 with the San Antonio Spurs, giving him an average annual income of $2,824,440.
Internet sources claim,
NOT YET CERTAIN, BUT AS OF 2021, LUKA SAMANICH HAD AN ACCUMULATED NET WORTH OF $8 MILLION.
Injury
Due to a foot ailment, Luka Samanic missed most of the games in December 2021. He did, however, make a comeback to participate in the team’s opening game of the 2022 campaign.
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Height and Weight
When it comes to h body measurement, he stands at the height of 6’10” (2.08m) tall. In terms of weight, he weighs around 227 lb (103 kg).
Social Media Presence:
When it comes to social media presence, Luka is not that socialite. That is to say, he only has 8,602 followers on Twitter and goes by the handle @SamanicLuka.
FAQS
Is Luka Samanic better at forwarding or defense?
Luka Samanic is regarded as one of the game’s most gifted forwards. But because he is often outplayed by players who are swift and explosive, he is regarded as an average defender.
Why did the Knicks wave Luka Samanic?
Luka Samanic was released by the New York Knicks after he missed time at Westchester due to a plantar fasciitis issue.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Luka Samanic |
| Birth Date | January 9, 2000 |
| Birth Place | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Nick Name | The Croatian Kevin Durant‘ |
| Religion | Not known |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Ethnicity | Not revealed yet |
| Education | Not revealed yet |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Father’s Name | Marko Samanic |
| Mother’s Name | Not known |
| Siblings | A sister |
| Age | 22 years old |
| Height | 6’10” (2.08m) |
| Weight | 227 lb (103 kg) |
| Wingspan | 6’10.5 |
| Standing reach | 8′ 11” |
| NBA Draft | Year-2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th Overall |
| Hair Color | Blonde Hair |
| Eye Color | Brownish Eyes |
| Career Highlights and Awards | 2017 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship B MVP |
| Build | Athlete |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Girlfriend | Not known |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Profession | Basketball player |
| Net Worth | $8 million as of 2021 |
| Salary | $2,824,320 base salary |
| Former Team | FC Barcelona B, Olimpija, San Antonio Spurs, Westchester Knicks |
| Currently Plays for | Westchester Knicks |
| Jersey number | #19 (San Antonio Spurs) |
| League | NBA G League |
| Active Since | 2017- present |
| Social Media |
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