Nikola Djurisic (G | 202 cm | ‘04) ~ Mega Mozzart Belgrade

20 pts, FG2-36.8%, FG3-20.6%, FT-78.5%, 4.3 reb, 5 ast, 1.3 st, 6 to, 0 blck

MVP of the tournament was one of the most battle-tested players in the entire competition, having played even for the senior Serbian National Team. Was on a different level in terms of overall polish, but was a bit out of his character on this occasion. He really wanted to step up, but instead was responsible for slowing down the offense and it wasn’t hard to spot how much the flow had improved once he got the ball moving. I don’t expect him to play like that at the pro level, but regardless he shouldn’t be a primary instigator in the future in my eyes. Improvement in decision making and a consistent shot are still pending.

(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

19.3pts, 2FG-45.8%, 3FG-15.4%, FT-87.1%, 6.8reb, 5.3ast, 2.8stl, 3to, 0blk
(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

Nikola was a great Robin to Jovic’s Batman throughout the whole tournament. Led Mega in assists and steals per game, but was also second-best in both points as well as rebounds. Standing at 6’8” (203cm) he is a big guard with a nice pop and some room still left on his frame which should get more refined with time.

Great slasher, changes speeds very well and gets rid of his man with nice hesitation moves. Solid finisher around the rim, but needs to become more confident both with the left-hand finishes as well as drives. Does a good job of selling his pump fakes in the lane on more persistent defenders, getting them off balance and taking a step closer to the rim. Times his off-ball cuts very well.

Although he had some wild moments passing the ball recklessly on longer distances in the open court, in the half court he was usually spot on while on the move, finding cutters in time or open teammates on the perimeter.

Not an efficient long-range shooter at the moment, selection is not always the best, his shot is sometimes flat and has a low release point. On the other hand, the mid-range jumper looks better, sets his feet well off the dribble and usually elevates a lot higher which gives his shot a better arc. With how well he presents himself at the line and with a tweak or two to his release he should become a lot better at stretching the floor in the future. Fair defender, picked pockets with ease on this level, but needs to make sure his head is on the swivel. Could be a versatile defender in the future.

Nikola Djurišić (SG/SF | 202 cm | ‘04) ~ Mega Bemax

One of the youngest players who got some serious minutes here in Belgrade. Even though he has not played his best tournament, the potential is there for sure. Nikola was struggling with his shooting all tournament from all spots – shooting just 7/20 (35 %) for 2, 3/11 (27.3 %) for three and 6/13 (46.2 %) from free throw line. He is not an elite shooter but surely capable of better percentages. Shooting mechanics look fine but needs to do some modifications in his release and follow through to become a more consistent shooter. A swingman, with good size and body, capable of playing on perimeter and posting up smaller players. Not elite athlete, struggling sometimes in one-on-one situations offensively and defensively. Has good basketball IQ and court awareness, with good instincts for rebounds on both ends. Showed some good passes out of pick & roll situations too. I missed more aggressiveness from him in offense and defense but surely one of the best long term prospects in this region.

Nikola Đurišić (Mega Bemax; SG/SF | 202 cm | ‘04)

Even though he was one of the youngest players in the tournament (that had a bigger role in his team), he was one of the best players in his team that finished the tournament without a loss. He has all the tools to become a great player. High IQ, good body (even though it isn’t fully developed yet), great instincts, good athlete, confident and focused on the court. In offense he has an almost complete game. Great court vision and passing out of pick&roll situations, good scorer – especially in spot up situations. Reads the defense really well and knows when it’s better to shot and when to penetrate. Also moves really well without the ball and has really high court awareness. Needs to work on his ball handling skills so he can beat his opponents easier on 1vs1 situations but his handles are decent for his size and age. In defense he has good reactions and legs, can also defend on post up situations and rarely late on rotations. He is an active rebounder and has a great anticipation and feel for rebounds. His game is at a really high level for his age already but has some room to improve in all aspects.