SALT LAKE CITY – Jusuf Nurkic had a strong outing to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina in his first official game since being acquired by the Utah Jazz in June.
Bosnia and Herzegovina downed host country Cyprus 91-64 in the team’s first meeting at EuroBasket.
Related: Lauri Markkanen Lifts Finland Past Sweden
Jusuf Nurkic Bounces Back After Slow EuroBasket Friendlies
Nurkic led Bosnia and Herzegovina with 18 points and six rebounds despite playing just 22 minutes against Cyprus.
The Jazz’s offseason addition shot 6-11 from the floor, including 2-4 from three and 4-5 from the foul line.
The center’s performance against Cyprus was a welcome sign after what had been a controversial summer for the 31-year-old overseas.
The national team’s coach called out Nurkic for his poor conditioning early in exhibition play as Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered two surprising losses earlier this month.
Jusuf Nurkić led the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina!
18 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/8VVpH3fkok
— NBA (@NBA) August 28, 2025
“Nurkic is out of shape and can barely run,” coach Adis Beciragic said after dropping back-to-back games to Serbia, and Montenegro.
However, Nurkic’s Bosnia and Herzegovina team bounced back with consecutive wins over Great Britain and Belgium, leading up to the EuroBasket tournament.
The center will be back on the floor on Saturday as Bosnia and Herzegovina takes on Spain.
Procida Sits As Italy Falls To Greece
While Nurkic impressed on Thursday, Gabriele Procida, whose draft rights belong to the Jazz, failed to see the floor for Team Italy.
The Italians fell to the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Greek team 75-66 in their first matchup of Group Play.
Giannis getting hot early in the game, in his opening night at #EuroBasket2025 , as Greece faces Italy! pic.twitter.com/LwLfVXCsGS
— Phasma Scouting (@PhasmaScouting) August 28, 2025
Former Jazzman Simone Fontechio struggled for Team Italy, scoring just four points on 3-11 shooting.
Procida was one of two players who didn’t see the floor to open EuroBasket play.
Italy will retake the floor on Saturday against Georgia.
Finland – EuroBasket 2025 Schedule (Mountain Time)
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Bosnia and Herzegovina – EuroBasket 2025 Schedule (Mountain Time)
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Italy – EuroBasket 2025 Schedule (Mountain Time)
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.