When asked about his adjustment and if he ever thought about returning home during his freshman year, Bogut replied, "Oh, definitely. I was very homesick. (Coach) Majerus was so demanding that everyone comes to a crossroads of whether they'll stay or not. Everybody who's ever been involved in the program would be lying if they said they didn't think about that. But things have turned out well."

After last season, teammate Tim Drisdom recognized some of the personal issues Bogut was facing and became a confidant of the teenager from the other side of the world. The two ended up becoming close friends and roommates and share an apartment in Taylorsville, of all places.

His hero is former NBA player Drazen Petrovic.

That's why you'll often see Bogut wearing an old blue New Jersey Nets No. 3 jersey.

Petrovic was a Croatian player who averaged 16 points a game over a four-year NBA career with Portland and New Jersey.

"He's the best European player ever to play the game," says Bogut, ranking his hero above the likes of Dirk Nowitski, Toni Kukoc and Vlade Divac.

Bogut, whose parents are both native Croatians, was just 8 years old when Petrovic was tragically killed in a car accident in 1993 at the age of 28. But the fact that Bogut shares the same Croatian heritage has inspired him to learn all about Petrovic and his career.

"His work ethic was so good," said Bogut. "After not playing much for Portland, he went to New Jersey and improved dramatically and shot over 40 percent on 3-pointers and averaged more than 20 points."

One of the first things NBA scouts ask Giacoletti about Bogut is his work ethic and passion for playing. In both, Bogut passes with flying colors.

"He plays with passion and is focused in everything he does as a person, as a student and as a player," says Giacoletti. "He's first-class in everything he does. The bottom line is, he's about winning, not about statistics or numbers. It's all about the team being successful."

He is known for his dry sense of humor.

It is evident to Bogut's teammates and coaches and also comes out when he's talking to reporters.

"He does have a good sense of humor, but he has a good balance and doesn't cross the line," said Giacoletti.

His humor shows up in the media guide where Bogut says he has a pet crocodile and a pet kangaroo, poking fun of a couple of Australian stereotypes. However, some media types took it seriously, prompting Bogut to have to write on his Web site that it wasn't true.

Last month when asked by a Colorado writer what his future plans were, Bogut replied with a straight face, "I think I'll stick around two or three more years. I might even redshirt next year."

"He's real playful," said Drisdom. "He's pretty laid-back, but likes to have a good time. We're always 'shooting' at each other. He always calls me the fattest point guard in America."