VCU Star Lazar Djokovic Shares Name but No Family Ties with Tennis Icon

VCU forward Lazar Djokovic has been making headlines during the Rams March Madness run, but not just for his basketball prowess. The 6-foot-11 center frequently fields questions about his connection to tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, despite the two Serbian athletes sharing only a surname and homeland.

Lazar Djokovic is not related to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, though both hail from Serbia and have achieved athletic excellence in their respective sports. The basketball player parents are Dragana and Nenad Djokovic, while the tennis legend parents are Srdjan and Dijana, confirming no family connection between the two sporting figures.

The confusion is understandable given their shared Serbian heritage and identical last name. Lazar comes from Gornji Milanovac, Serbia, while Novak was born in Belgrade, the nation capital. Both athletes have represented their country on international stages, with Lazar competing for Serbia in the FIBA U19 World Cup.

At 22 years old, Lazar has carved his own impressive athletic path through college basketball. After beginning his collegiate career at Xavier, he transferred to Charleston where he averaged 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season. His performance caught VCU attention, leading to another transfer that would prove transformational.

The move to VCU has elevated Lazar game to new heights. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 235 pounds, he provides the Rams with elite size and interior scoring that has been crucial to their success. His development into a consistent starter has coincided with VCU return to national prominence.

During the 2025-26 season, Lazar has averaged 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while becoming one of the primary offensive weapons for an Atlantic 10 championship team. His size advantage and improved skillset have made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses throughout conference play.

The statistical improvement reflects Lazar growth as both a player and leader within the VCU system. His ability to score inside while providing defensive rim protection has been instrumental in the Rams transformation from NCAA Tournament first-round exit to Atlantic 10 champions in consecutive seasons.

Lazar international experience has also contributed to his college success. During the FIBA U19 World Cup, he demonstrated versatility by averaging 14.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while representing Serbia against elite global competition. Those performances showcased skills that would later translate to college basketball success.

VCU March Madness run has been highlighted by their stunning upset victory over sixth-seeded North Carolina in the first round. Lazar contributions were significant in that breakthrough win, helping establish the Rams as a legitimate threat to continue advancing through the tournament bracket.

The transfer portal era has allowed players like Lazar to find optimal fits for their talents, and his journey from Xavier to Charleston to VCU exemplifies how persistence and development can lead to breakthrough success. Each stop has contributed to his growth as both a player and person.

Prior to his college career, Lazar attended Graficko-Medijska in Belgrade, where he developed the fundamental skills that would serve him throughout his basketball journey. His Serbian basketball development provided a strong foundation that has been enhanced through American college coaching.

As VCU continues their NCAA Tournament run, Lazar will undoubtedly continue receiving questions about his famous namesake. However, his focus remains on creating his own athletic legacy through basketball excellence rather than tennis connections.

The coincidence of sharing a name with one of tennis greatest champions has provided interesting conversation starter throughout Lazar career, but his basketball achievements speak for themselves as he helps lead VCU through March Madness as one of the tournaments most effective big men.