Luca Illeș joins U-BT Cluj-Napoca, bringing fresh talent to Romanian basketball

At just 19 years old, Luca Illeș has signed a four-year contract with U-BT Cluj-Napoca, marking a significant step in his burgeoning basketball career. Born on January 8, 2007, Luca's journey in the sport began at CSȘ Bega Timișoara before he moved to Serbia to join the prestigious Partizan Belgrad academy in 2021.

During his five years in Serbia, Luca excelled on the court, becoming the U17 national champion in 2024. He was not only the best player of his team that year, averaging 23.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, but he also earned the title of MVP at the final tournament.

His performance led him to train with the senior team at Partizan Belgrad during the summer of 2024, and he signed a contract with them shortly thereafter. Luca's journey continued with loan spells at Mega Basket and KK Metalac Valjevo, where he further honed his skills, averaging 6.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in the Serbian League.

In 2026, Luca represented Romania at the European U20 Championship, where he averaged 10.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, showcasing his potential on a larger stage. Despite the team's relegation, Luca's contributions were significant, and he is seen as a promising talent for the future.

Mihai Silvășan, the coach of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, expressed his excitement about Luca's arrival, noting his strong work ethic and character. He highlighted the importance of young players like Luca in the team's strategy, and with several new transfers this summer, including notable players like Otis Livingston II and Malcolm Hill, U-BT is poised for a competitive season.

As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, including the leadership of captain Patrick Richard, fans can look forward to seeing how Luca Illeș will impact the game in Romania.