Marko Maric, a 7-0 forward from Croatia, has signed with Butler and head coach Ronald Nored. He will join the Bulldogs beginning with the upcoming 2026-27 season.
 
"Marko is a unique talent who brings a high level of versatility to our frontcourt," said Nored. "With a seven-foot frame, his ability to stretch the floor and make plays on the perimeter is something that fits perfectly with how we want to play. Beyond his skill, he has a great feel for the game and a competitive drive that our fans will love."
 
Maric most recently played for Novi Zagreb in the Croatian Prva Liga. He averaged 9.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 assists per game. He shot 37 percent from three-point range.
 
He represented his native Croatia in the 2025 FIBA U18 Eurobasket (Division B). He previously played for KK Split and Kosarkaska Akademija Mrav in Croatia.
 
While playing for Novi Zagreb's top team during the 2025-26 season, Maric would also play some games in the junior division. In a junior division game against Bosco in March, Maric scored 91 points to go along with 27 rebounds and 14 blocks. That was his final game in the junior division.
 
ABOUT THE BULLDOGS: Butler alum Ronald Nored takes over head coaching duties at his alma mater after spending the last decade on coaching staffs in the NBA. The Bulldogs return five players from last season's roster, headlined by starters Jalen Jackson and Drayton Jones. Jackson helped the Bulldogs to the 2025 Greenbrier Tip-Off title and 5-1 start to the 2025-26 season before missing the remainder of the campaign due to injury. Butler's newcomers include Asim Djulovic, who starred for Mega Superbet in his native Serbia, and Samu Adler, who led his Salon Vilpas team to the Korisliiga league title and earned Player of the Year honors in his native Finland. Three of the team's incoming transfers averaged double figures last season: Treyson Anderson (North Dakota State), Jordan Ellerbee (Florida Gulf Coast), and Christian Moore (The Citadel); that trio joins two power conference additions in Eduardo Klafke (Ole Miss) and Samis Calderon (Kansas).
 
TICKET INFORMATION: Season tickets for the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season are on sale now at butlersports.com/seasontickets. The Bulldogs will once again host all 10 BIG EAST rivals at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Fans can email tickets@butler.edu or call the ticket office at 317-940-3647 for more information on securing season tickets.