Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s big man made a big move this week.

Postgraduate Luka Damjanac ’24 signed his National Letter of Intent to attend and play men’s basketball at the University of Massachusetts during a ceremony at the WMA Athletic Center Wednesday.

Luka, a 6-foot-10 post player from Vienna, Austria, and native of Bosnia, verbally committed to play at Coach Mike Mannix’s alma mater earlier in the week.

Luka and the Titans open the 2023-24 season Friday, Nov. 17, with a NEPSAC AA Conference home game at 6 p.m.

Quotes from Luka

On how WMA helped him in the recruiting process: “WMA gave me the exposure I needed, thanks to Coach Mannix and Coach (Andrew) Becil that I couldn’t have gotten in Europe and I really highlighted the best aspects of my game.”

On what drew him to UMass: “I visited there a few times and I got along well with the international group. They also have a really big campus, which is what I’m used to. I think I’ll be welcomed there.”

On the upcoming season: “I’m very excited for the season. I think we’ll win a lot of games and be competing for the league championship.”

On signing his NLI: “It’s very special to me. Division I basketball is a very high level of basketball, and I’ve always wanted to play at such a high level.”

Quotes from Coach Mannix

On Luka’s preseason: “His fall was exceptional. From the very first week that we had our preseason activities and workouts, it was clear to see we had a good player on our hands. Also, we knew the college coaches would be intrigued and interested in what he does with his size and skill wise.”

On Luka signing with UMass: “It’s a great fit. I think when you are a true center these days in college basketball, it’s the coach and what personnel he likes to put out on the floor. Coach (Frank) Martin has always liked to play with a big guy, sometimes two at the same time. That seemed like it was a good fit there. And then once he felt truly at home at the university, then it was a match made in heaven.”