Bogoljub Markovic

Statistics: 16.3 PTS, 56% 2FG, 3/6 3FG, 11.3 REB, 2 ASS, 1.7 ST, 1.3 BL, 48% FT in 32:05 MIN

The Serbian forward, who brings an incredibly exciting length profile and solid athleticism, constantly looked for the way to the basket. Overall, he experienced a solid tournament. Although he performed at the highest level in the first game against Kaunas (22PTS, 11REB) and the last game against Badalona (24PTS, 16REB, 1.43 points per player possessions), he was also significantly involved in the loss in Game 2 against the Next Generation Team due to some poor shot selection, weak free throw percentage (1/9 FT) and high foul load after some clumsy fouls. 

If you exclude his weak second game, Markovic was able to finish several drives with contact due to his enormously long strides paired with spin-moves and euro-step sequences. He set cuts skillfully and was also very active as a ball handler in the fastbreak. Often, he finished above ring level and took a few opponents to poster. Defensively, he could easily keep up with guards (good lightness of foot and lateral agility), but also stronger bigs. His shooting continues to be his biggest weakness, as evidenced by his only 48% from the free throw line.

All in all, he showed his high ceiling again in his 4th ANGT participation, which combines his always-in-attack-mode style of play with his physical assets.

14 points – 13/22 2FG – 4/15 3FG – 6.5 rebounds

Bogoljub Markovic had a good showing in Belgrade and was a vital piece for MEGA. Markovic averaged 14 points and 6.5 rebounds in 4 games, showing offensive upside and some flashes on the defensive end. He initiated a lot of fast breaks for his team and often made the right plays as a big, gave out smart passes and slashed to the rim. He runs the floor well and gets to the right spots to get the ball. Markovic only made 4 of his 15 3-point attempts and didn’t have a good shooting performance in the tournament but has potential to stretch the floor. Gave some positive signs in terms of footwork around the paint but still is not a solid scorer in the post. He was active on rebounds too.

Playing defense hasn’t been one of his strongest qualities so far in his career and still isn’t, has slow first step on defense but he has upside as a shot blocker if he puts more effort into it. He was effective around the paint from time to time, should be more careful about his timing and positioning not to fall for the shot fakes. He contests 3s with the purpose to be the first one to run to the offense, can be dangerous when the opposing teams get second chance points, might need to concentrate more to finishing his job on defense cause when he does, he is capable of forcing bad shots. 

If he adds more muscle, improves as a shooter and add more tools to his scoring abilities in the half court offense, he has a shot at making it to the NBA in the long term.

Bogoljub Marković (PF | 210 cm | ‘05) ~ Serbia

13.1 pts, FG2-55.6%, FG3-33.3%, FT-63.0%, 5,4 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.0 st, 2.4 to, 1.1 blck

Marković was moved to the center spot for this tournament even though he was playing as a forward before in Mega. He was actually quite good in that role. With his long arms he was able to alter some shots and make deflections but he isn’t a player you could trust to protect your rim. Lack of strength was obvious on post ups where he struggled to hold his stance and his high gravity point and slow feet were an issue on perimeter defense. But Marković’s game is more about offense than defense anyway. On offense he can play inside and outside and probably has a higher future as an outside big/wing. There were possessions in this tournament where he showed that he can push the ball forward and initiate a fast break which could be a big strength for him in future. Loves to run the floor without the ball too and was first in offense quite a few times. His ball handling skills still need more polishing since his handles are loose and usually the dribbles are also too high and he was losing a few balls under pressure. The shooting motion is smooth and he is a player that can stretch the floor adequately well at the moment but has the potential to be a good stretcher. Marković’s talent is intriguing and it is hard to put a ceiling to it but I can imagine him being the next big project coming out of Mega’s system.