Nikola Jović (F | 208 cm | ‘03) ~ Serbia

18.1 pts, 2FG-55.1%, 3FG-36.4%, FT-65.2%, 8.3 rebs, 2.9 ast, 0.1 stl, 1.9 to, 1.7 blks

Jović is also one of the players that is drawing more and more attention. Really fluid on open court, with and without the ball. Possesses great handles for a player his size and likes to attack with drives and play on perimeter. His shot looks more reliable too and capable of making shots even from NBA range. Not an elite athlete but uses his body and athletic tools well. He is not shying away from contact and goes strong to the rim. Could improve as a passer/playmaker to become a complete offensive player. More to improve on the defensive end but in some possession against smaller players he has shown that he can follow with his legs and maintain a good position. Sometimes lacks effort in defense but overall shouldn’t be a liability in defense when his body develops. Should use his length more often and try to get more steals.

29.3pts, 2FG-65.6%, 3FG-16.7%, FT-75.7%, 10.3reb, 4.5ast, 0.8stl, 2.8to, 1.8blk
(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

Nikola had one of the best and most consistent performances at AdidasNGT in the last couple of years. Not only that he also helped his team fairly easily glide through the group stage and then rose to great heights in the Final. Leading Mega to a win after an incredible comeback from a 19-point deficit.

Quick and agile, very good balance and body control, moves lightly on his feet. A versatile offensive machine, a nightmare to defend. His dribble is a bit high and exposed but confident, easily beating bigger and slower opponents in the open court or face up in the half court. Smaller players he overpowers on his inside or dominates on the low block from where he can also distribute the ball very effectively. As a facilitator he often finds teammates cutting through the middle, or baseline even if a double team is on its way. Doesn’t usually panic but has moments of poor accuracy on his passes. Great finisher inside, shrugs off contact, confidently finishes with either hand and managed to squeeze in some very difficult attempts. Foul magnet. Able to space the floor, has nice shot with quick trigger but not so consistent on this occasion. Aggressive on the glass with an impressive second jump, reads the ball very well off the rim and will go after it tenaciously.

On the other end, he also has a very high potential. Despite having some moments where he was a bit caught off guard focusing too much on the ball, he understands rotations, can quickly cover a lot of ground and fly over from the weak side to swat the ball away at the last moment. On perimeter too often on straight legs losing his position easier than he should given his agility and feet. Needs to lower his stance. Over time with more muscle on his frame, improved footwork and stance will be a major obstacle inside and outside.

Nikola Jovic was probably the biggest positive surprise of the event. Relatively unknown prospect is maybe not outstanding but should lead Mega Bemax youth teams next years and definitely looks like a project for their ABA League team. Tough minded forward played with aggressive approach and presented nice combination of physical potential and versitality on offensive end. He has a bit loose dribble and weak left hand but it didn’t stop him from bringing the ball up multiple times and making plays in transition. Grabs many rebounds and has a smooth shooting motion.