MURRAY, KY — Future Murray State guard Mark Padjen is headed to Murray with one of the biggest honors in European youth basketball.
The Slovenian standout was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 FIBA U20 EuroBasket after leading his country to its first U20 European championship in 22 years.
Slovenia finished the tournament a perfect 7-0, capping its run with an 84-65 victory over Serbia in Sunday’s championship game. Padjen totaled 14 points and six assists in the title game.
Throughout the tournament, Padjen was one of the event’s top performers, averaging 15.7 points and 5.6 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field. He also delivered in the biggest moments, including a 25-point outing in the semifinals against France to send Slovenia to the championship game.
Padjen was also named to the tournament’s All-Star Five, recognizing him as one of the top five players at the event.
The MVP award adds to an already impressive international resume and gives Murray State another reason to be excited about one of the newest additions to Ryan Miller’s roster heading into the 2026-27 season.