By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Serbian forward Nikola Jovic is one of the few European players who expect this year to hear their name in the first round of the draft and he might end up playing with Nikola Jokic.
The name is similar, but the game is not so much, as Jovic despite being 2,08 m. tall (6ft10), he has a much more perimeter-oriented game.
“It’s kind of funny to me the people always talking about our names,” he said. “I haven’t met him; I’ve always wanted to. I think he’s one of the best centers ever. Everything he does for the Nuggets and Serbia. I love him.”
The 18-year-old Jovic is averaging 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 28 minutes in the Adriatic League, playing for Mega, the same club that groomed Jokic.
“People in Serbia love basketball. For him to win two MVPs, all the kids, everybody wants to play basketball,” Jovic said. “Everyone is up late to watch him.”
The best young player in the ABA league for the last season is projected to be picked in the first round and with Denver picking at 21, it’s more than possible to see the Jokic-Jovic duo becoming a reality.
As for his workout, Jovic added: “I showed a little of everything. Shot, pass, defense, play at low post. I look at myself as a person who always knows what the coach wants from me on the court. If he wants me to be a spot-up shooter, I will be. If he wants me to play in transition, I’ll do it. If he wants me to defend all five positions, I will try that as well”.