Serbian level ahead Bogoljub Markovic has quietly emerged as one of many sleepers forward of this yr’s draft.
Standing at 6-foot-11 and possessing guard-like abilities, Markovic blends measurement, mobility, ability and flexibility that scouts dream when describing trendy mildew of an influence ahead. His journey from guard to frontcourt weapon started after a development spurt in his mid-teens, however his deal with and passing instincts caught with him – traits which have helped him stand out taking part in for Mega Basket.
On the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit, Markovic spoke with HoopsHype about his playstyle as a pass-dribble-shoot frontcourt participant, the position Mega performed in his growth, the NBA draft and extra.
Bogoljub Markovic: Yeah, at this time’s focus was really to get to know higher guys round me. So I believe it was simply team-wise preparation sport for Saturday, so no particular person concentrate on that.
Soobum Im/Getty Photographs
BM: My identify is Bogoljub (BOH-go-lyoob) Markovic (MAR-ko-vich). Individuals name me Bogi, which is rather a lot easier, however full identify is Bogoljub.
BM: Yeah, nicely I imply actually easy. I performed guard till I used to be perhaps 15, 16. Had a development spurt, however I didn’t need to cease to dribble the ball. So mainly it’s that easy. Clearly I get taller, muscle tissues clearly don’t comply with the way in which the peak goes, so the dribbling bought looser, nevertheless it’s nonetheless adequate so the fellows at my positions can’t guard that.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photographs
BM: I imply, after I was actually younger, I type of watched basketball only for enjoyable, proper? I didn’t analyze it. The primary participant I heard of was LeBron James, Kobe Bryant. I imply, simply watching these guys for enjoyable, proper? However as quickly as I began coaching professional at about 17, you type of turn into extra practical and watch what you are able to do at your age and your capabilities on the court docket. So I don’t know who I watch. Actually there’s not many tall guys who need to dribble. So I don’t know, clearly you have a look at the fellows out of your area like [Nikola] Jokic, Ivica Zubac, Filip Petrusev, type of guys which have comparable backgrounds to mine. So yeah, these are guys that I’ve perhaps most important focus.
BM: I believe the intelligence, the way in which we need to play basketball, the way in which that we don’t need to drive some issues on the court docket. Clearly the crew that we performed at this time, I do know they don’t know one another, they didn’t practice, however they’re the precise showmen of pressured pictures. Clearly we make robust on them, however nonetheless they didn’t need to play the appropriate sport of basketball. So I believe for us, crucial is the sensible, the great pictures, the good performs, however clearly we preserve engaged on it.
Nike
BM: I imply I used to be all the time assured, proper? Even when you’ve got a nasty sport, you understand you’ll be able to bounce out of it. It’s a professional league in Europe, in my view the third greatest in Europe. So clearly confidence is all the time there, however the crew Mega and all of the individuals which might be working with me and my coach all the time give me confidence. In order that’s all I ask, I imply all you may get. So different issues will not be underneath my management.
BM: Yeah, I don’t know, I assume I’m simply too good. However for all seriousness, it’s simply the way in which that Mega works they usually gave me a whole lot of possibilities and nice work so I can type of develop my expertise and clearly religion in God, I’m actually non secular so all of these issues mixed make me who I’m.
Noah Graham/NBAE through Getty Photographs
BM: Everyone’s totally different, proper? I’m not Nikola Jovic, I’m not Jokic, I’m not Nikola Djurisic, all of these guys, Subject, no matter. So everyone’s totally different. However they’re getting ready us rather well when it comes to, as you stated, confidence and our versatility. So I all the time imagine in them and all the time believe in them and I believe it’s paying off.
BM: At all times giving possibilities to younger gamers, clearly in Europe you’ve a whole lot of guys, nearly all, that haven’t any minutes in skilled leagues in Europe, High 2-3. You see them coming to school as a result of they don’t have minutes there. Mega does otherwise, Mega provides minutes to younger guys. Clearly we earned it, each apply, each sport we earn issues and you must present as much as each sport, proper? However at first, they actually offer you minutes and confidence in you and that’s all you need as a younger participant in Europe.
David Damnjanovic/DeFodi Photographs through Getty Photographs
BM: I don’t actually, I don’t know. I spoke to some scouts, I don’t actually care about what different individuals suppose, to be trustworthy. I have a look at myself, I do know I can get rather a lot higher attributes in all of my video games. So actually the reply is that I don’t actually care what different individuals suppose.
BM: Formally I entered the draft about one or two days in the past. However you understand, I’ve seen some younger guys, while you ask them what they need, they go instantly to the very best issues, like championships and no matter. My most important purpose is to come back right here (to the NBA), be drafted if doable and simply proceed growing, proper? Keep within the NBA, be part of successful crew and that’s all I would like. All different issues can come simply, however staying within the NBA is my most important level.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Photographs
BM: LeBron James.
