**“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙” – UNC Tar Heel Star LUKA BOGAVAC Thanks Fans as He Receives TIME Award for Excellence; Becomes First Ever Collegiate Athlete to…**

**“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙” – UNC Tar Heel Star LUKA BOGAVAC Thanks Fans as He Receives TIME Award for Excellence; Becomes First Ever Collegiate Athlete to…**

In a moment that will be remembered in college sports history, UNC Tar Heels basketball sensation **Luka Bogavac** stood before a roaring crowd and declared, **“You are the best fans in the world!”** The heartfelt statement came shortly after he was honored with the prestigious **TIME Award for Excellence**, making him the **first-ever collegiate athlete** to receive this historic recognition.

The TIME Award, known for celebrating individuals who go beyond athletic performance to inspire, lead, and create positive impact, was awarded to Bogavac not only for his exceptional play on the court, but also for his leadership, academic excellence, and community service off the court. For Luka, however, the spotlight wasn’t just about his own achievement—it was a chance to celebrate the unwavering support of Tar Heel Nation.

**“None of this would be possible without you,”** Luka said, pointing to the sea of Carolina blue in the stands. **“Every game, every moment, you showed up. Whether we were winning by 20 or grinding through tough losses, you believed in us. And that belief—it pushed me to be better, to work harder, and to never give up.”**

A sophomore guard from Montenegro, Bogavac has become a fan favorite at Chapel Hill. His electrifying style of play, humility, and tireless work ethic have made him not only one of the most exciting players in the NCAA but also a role model to countless young athletes. From buzzer-beaters to community outreach programs, Luka has embodied what it means to be a true student-athlete.

Beyond the hardwood, Luka’s impact is equally impressive. He’s maintained a 4.0 GPA in economics, led volunteer initiatives for youth literacy in North Carolina, and recently helped launch a mental health awareness campaign for college athletes. TIME Magazine described him as **“a once-in-a-generation leader with a global heart and a Carolina soul.”**

With this award, Bogavac etches his name into history. He becomes the **first collegiate athlete** to earn this recognition in a field usually dominated by professional figures, activists, and public leaders. It’s a powerful testament to the changing face of college athletics—where character, leadership, and community are valued just as much as talent.

As the ceremony ended, Luka had one final message:
**“This isn’t just my award. It’s ours—every teammate, every coach, and every single fan who believed. You’re not just fans. You’re family.”**

In Chapel Hill and far beyond, one thing is clear: Luka Bogavac is more than a star athlete—he’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets purpose. And with fans like Tar Heel Nation behind him, the sky is truly the limit.

*🏀 GO HEELS!*