Pavle Backo

Eurocamp Treviso - June 2026
By Albert Juncà

Crafty big who shows impressive physical improvements, looking slimmer compared to last summer. His above-average IQ is his best tool to camouflage his lack of athleticism. Elite footwork and body usage allow him to operate in the paint against other bigs. Facing up to the basket, he can occasionally put the ball on the floor against traditional bigs, showing flashes of coordination to gain space and finish. Not only does he use these skills to finish, but he also shows court vision, passing from multiple positions, whether facing up or from the post. Defensively, Backo struggles to turn his hips against faster players on the perimeter. For this reason, he looks more comfortable playing in drop coverage, covering ground.

FIBA U18 European Championship- August 2025
By Artau Pascual

Lefty, skilled big with wide hips, thick legs, and a massive upper -body. Not muscular yet: needs to get leaner and fill in with muscle. It will take some time for him to physically demanding leagues, since his conditioning is poor. Most of his production happens when he can play post-up situations: he relies on skill to score over his matchup. Because of his lack of core strength, he can’t move the defender. Solid pick&pop scorer: he’s a threat from the top of the key 3PT line, and his mechanics are good and quick enough. Poor defensive effort: he can’t slide his feet against opponents who attack him face-up, and he’s easy to push when an opponent tries to score in the paint. 

ANGE Abu Dhabi- May 2025
By Artau Pascual

Skilled, left-handed, chubby big. His main areas for improvement are related to conditioning and motor. Appealing offensive skillset: he can play from the post or stretch the floor, depending on what his team needs him to do. Relies a lot on touch and size to score: he doesn’t use power moves and doesn’t lift his foot off the floor to finish. Talented passer from the post: understands the attention he draws and has a good touch. Needs to add some strength. As a floor-stretcher, Backo shot the ball from the top of the key, but the mechanics have significant room for improvement: he doesn’t lift his foot off the floor, neither, and his release is somehow short and flat. Defensively, Backo needs to be better: his positioning isn’t bad, but he doesn’t have an impact as a rim protector, and he’s very slow-footed to guard in space. 

ANGT Istanbul 2024 - November 2024
By Artau Pascual

He has a commanding presence on the court, with a massive frame reminiscent of Nikola Jokic. Though lacking athleticism, his length, strength, and sturdy build provide a physical edge. A left-handed player with quick reactions, he compensates for limited mobility with a good basketball IQ and an excellent feel for the game. He is excelling in the post with polished moves like an up-and-under and a reliable left-handed hook. He finishes effectively at the rim despite minimal elevation and operates well from the high post, using his solid passing skills and vision to create opportunities. His left-handed three-point shot adds valuable floor spacing when given time. While not an elite rebounder, he uses his size and positioning to secure boards. Defensively, he struggles with lateral quickness and pick-and-roll recovery, though he holds his ground well in the post. Despite his limitations, his versatile inside-out game, high basketball IQ, and passing ability make him an intriguing prospect with notable upside.