Where is Luka Doncic from? Home country, town and more to know about Mavericks star's European roots

Luka Doncic has solidified himself as one of the NBA's best players since entering the league through the 2018 draft.

He's playing in just his sixth NBA season, already reaching his second Western Conference Finals at the age of 25. He's also earned five All-Star nominations, four All-NBA selections and finished as an MVP finalist this past season.

The Mavericks are playing their best basketball as of late, defeating the No. 4-seeded Los Angeles Clippers and No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder en route to the conference finals.

Fans have become accustomed to what Doncic does on a night-to-night basis, but he didn't always have these lofty expectations. He was once a highly-touted international prospect with doubters.

He's proven just about every one of those people wrong.

The Sporting News breaks down where Doncic hails from, detailing his journey to NBA stardom.

MORE: Can Luka Doncic defeat Anthony Edwards' Timberwolves?

Where is Luka Doncic from?

Doncic was born and raised in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The 25-year-old was born into a basketball family, as his father Sasa Doncic played professional basketball in Slovenia. He went on to coach after his playing career ended in 2010.

Doncic's uncle, Rasho Nesterovic, also played professional hoops, competing in the NBA for 12 seasons. He won a championship with the Spurs in 2005.

Luka Doncic home country

Doncic had played solely European basketball until he entered the NBA via the 2018 draft. He did not go to college, instead playing professionally in the EuroLeague.

He began his basketball story at 8, playing for youth teams in Slovenia. He played in his home country until he was 13 when he signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid in Spain.

Doncic played for the U-16, U-18 and reserve teams in three years with the club. Real Madrid then called him up to the professional roster at 16. He became the youngest player to ever play for the club.

Along with his playing career at Real Madrid, Doncic regularly played for the Slovenian national team. He's continued to represent his country in FIBA tournaments and the Olympics since joining the NBA.

In 2018, Doncic would turn 19 in February, thus making him eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft. He had doubters citing his lack of athleticism, 3-point shooting and speed, but most had high expectations for one of the most decorated European athletes at his age.

MORE: How knee injury is limiting Luka Doncic in 2024 playoffs

The Hawks drafted Doncic, but they immediately traded him to the Dallas Mavericks, where Doncic still plays. Atlanta landed Trae Young two picks later, as well as a future first-round pick that ultimately became Cam Reddish. 

Because the trade occurred on draft night, there's a picture of Doncic and Young wearing Hawks and Mavericks hats. Atlanta fans may wish this could be erased from memory.

On this date in 2018, the Hawks selected Luka Doncic with the 3rd overall pick in the NBA Draft, and then completed a trade with the Mavericks to acquire Trae Young.

Both finished top-2 in Rookie of the Year voting, with Doncic taking home the honors. pic.twitter.com/umoqf8GcTz

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 21, 2023

Doncic is signed to a five-year, $215 million extension that will keep him in Dallas through at least the 2025-26 season. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season.

Where is Slovenia?

Slovenia is located in south central Europe, just below Austria. The country also borders Croatia to the southeast and Italy to the west.

Slovenia also touches a portion of the Gulf of Venice, which connects to the Adriatic Sea.

Doncic was born in Ljubljana, which is the capital of Slovenia. It's located in the center of the country.

Notable NBA players from Slovenia

There isn't a long track record of incredible talent from Slovenia. Doncic is clearly the best player to ever come from his country, but he doesn't have an NBA championship yet. That's one thing his uncle Nesterovic has over him.

* Active player
**Naturalized citizen