Future of Serbian NT

[Serbian_Layup]

For upcoming 2 tournaments Serbia seem to have everything they need to aim for nothing but the final no matter he tournament, specially if some Kalinic or any other defensive glue guy can make an impact and connect good guard section defense with more of interior defense (cause youngsters as Jovic, Poku, Vukcevic, Petrusev are not good defenders), as well Jokic is not a good defender (Milutinov is likely better than him defensively, but he is injury prone). That's the only little concern likely. I'm not sold on Avramovic as very serious piece. I think he exceeded a bit in WC in some games, but overall not an elite player. I think 2 upcoming tournaments for Serbia are safe in terms of talent, but Bogdanovic gonna be 32 and 33 in those tournaments and likely his last 2 big ones, the clock is ticking. His contribution slightly reduced compared to 2019 and there's a question whenever he'll be motivated to suit up after OG 2024, knowing his injury record too. Micic career in NT has been fragmental and generally disappointed (even though he may turned out to be great vet and his best performances potentially ahead, but I wouldn't bet on it, really). Serbia yet didn't introduce any of big guard youngster on the NT stage. Topic and Durisic are NBA prospects, theoretically perfectly filling 1 and 2 positions as a long term starters, but we should still see if they are truly braking out at highest level (at least EL). Without guards, even Poku, Jovic, Vukcevic presence at combo forward position may not be enough. NTs without dominant PGs or very versatile SGs/combos (as Bogdanovic/SGA) basically have zero chances to win medals these days.

When talking about future, it's only reasonable to predict near future in terms of talent evaluation. In my opinion you could analyze max two next tournaments, everything beyond that is difficult to predict because situation changes really quick, like players coming out of nowhere and immediately making impact or some of them not living up to expectations. As for Serbia, picture for next two years is pretty clear. Topic, Djurisic, Poku, Jovic, Petrusev, Vukcevic are projected to make real impact starting from next Olympic cycle, remains to be seen to what extent. I'm not worried about guards. We always had them. We already have Topic as the next big guard (hopefully), with Micic being still in his prime and couple of excellent role players on PG. You can't ask for much better than that. Talents are there, in fact some big prospects on guard position are being mentioned very frequently, and that's also all you can ask for. Most of them won't live up to expectations but the key thing is to keep producing them because some of them will definitely pan out.

As for individuals in this current core of Serbian team. We don't need Avramovic to be elite player, we just need him to be elite role player as he has been ever since he arrived to Partizan. Obradovic changed his role and said to him something like 'if you want to play in NT, you are going to have to be a PG because there is a crowd at SG'. Before Partizan, Avramovic was a high volume SG, not particularly efficient. His transformation was a blessing for NT because we got guard with some elite skills like ball pressure, slashing, which we really needed in the backcourt. Not elite player, but quite possibly elite role player. If Topic lives up to expectations, Micic might not be very important anymore. However, he is still very valuable and in his prime, past results don't mean anything for upcoming tournaments.

Topic and Djurisic are most likely going to headline NT roster in upcoming windows. After Jovic and Petrusev, two more youngsters are going to be officially included in national team circle. If Topic continues to develop, it's going to be hard not to call him for Olympics. It's not a secret that Pesic is his big fan and already called him a serious candidate for Olympics. And there are Jovic, Petrusev, Poku, Smailagic. I don't think you will find that many young players ready to take a role in any other contender. Perspective right now and also in the future considering the talent in youth generations is very bright. Right now, the way I see it, Serbia has the best mix of experienced players in their prime and young talented players out of all contenders (outside of USA and Canada). This will enable them to make transition for the next Olympic cycle much less painful. Jokic, Bogdan, Micic, Milutinov, Kalinic, Dobric, Marinkovic, Guduric all in good prime years, and on the other side younger players like Topic, Djurisic, Jovic, Petrusev, Smailagic, Saranovic already realistically knocking on the door. Pretty good situation to make a smooth transition. Not to mention a bit younger but also big prospects like Markovic, Bosnjakovic, Radosic, Stankovic, Filip Jovic.

I've been watching basketball long enough and I don't think there was ever a time when Serbia didn't have an elite guard. And I don't think that will happen anytime soon for both historical reasons and talent pool.

[Straight forward]

If Avramovic keeps being this good, with Topic breaking out, our guard depth chart for the next at least two tournaments should be something like this:

PG: Micic, Avramovic, Topic, S. Jovic

SG: Bogdanovic, Gudurić, Marinkovic

Elite backcourt - playmaking, scoring, shooting, leadership, ISO prowess, defensive intensity. Basically, everything you wish to have in the backcourt.

Frontcourt is also loaded with talent as a mix of experienced and young players. Especially if Jokic shows up.

To sum up, great position to keep contending for medals un all upcoming tournaments.

For upcoming 2 tournaments Serbia seem to have everything they need to aim for nothing but the final no matter he tournament, specially if some Kalinic or any other defensive glue guy can make an impact and connect good guard section defense with more of interior defense (cause youngsters as Jovic, Poku, Vukcevic, Petrusev are not good defenders), as well Jokic is not a good defender (Milutinov is likely better than him defensively, but he is injury prone). That's the only little concern likely. I'm not sold on Avramovic as very serious piece. I think he exceeded a bit in WC in some games, but overall not an elite player. I think 2 upcoming tournaments for Serbia are safe in terms of talent, but Bogdanovic gonna be 32 and 33 in those tournaments and likely his last 2 big ones, the clock is ticking. His contribution slightly reduced compared to 2019 and there's a question whenever he'll be motivated to suit up after OG 2024, knowing his injury record too. Micic career in NT has been fragmental and generally disappointed (even though he may turned out to be great vet and his best performances potentially ahead, but I wouldn't bet on it, really). Serbia yet didn't introduce any of big guard youngster on the NT stage. Topic and Durisic are NBA prospects, theoretically perfectly filling 1 and 2 positions as a long term starters, but we should still see if they are truly braking out at highest level (at least EL). Without guards, even Poku, Jovic, Vukcevic presence at combo forward position may not be enough. NTs without dominant PGs or very versatile SGs/combos (as Bogdanovic/SGA) basically have zero chances to win medals these days.

[Serbian_Layup]

If Avramovic keeps being this good, with Topic breaking out, our guard depth chart for the next at least two tournaments should be something like this:

PG: Micic, Avramovic, Topic, S. Jovic

SG: Bogdanovic, Gudurić, Marinkovic

Elite backcourt - playmaking, scoring, shooting, leadership, ISO prowess, defensive intensity. Basically, everything you wish to have in the backcourt.

Frontcourt is also loaded with talent as a mix of experienced and young players. Especially if Jokic shows up.

To sum up, great position to keep contending for medals un all upcoming tournaments.

[Serbian_Layup]

Pretty good scouting report on Topic. Still too early to tell, but seems like a big piece of NT going forward.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-serbias-nikola-topic

[Serbian_Layup]

Mitar Bosnjakovic averaging 19 ppg playing in Spanish EBA league with Real Madrid 2. Gonzalez is also playing in this league and occasionally suiting up for senior team in the last couple of games. I think it won't be too long before we see Bosnjakovic in Real's senior team. Potential to be a great modern two way player.

There are a lot of hot prospects currently playing in KLS. Bogoljub Markovic (211 cm forward) had 27/17 game a few days ago. Radosic doing really well in Dynamic so far, a prototype of aggressive SG with great scoring instincts. Musicki also had a great game, his ceiling is a very good defensive guard with potential to be a reliable spot up shooter. Filip Malesevic (220 cm center) with great shooting touch also very interesting to follow.

2005/2006 are filled with great talents led by Topic.

2008/2009 are even more stacked with highest level prospects such as Danilovic, Karalic, Kusturica (Barcelona) who are all top 3 Euro prospects in their generations. They are way too young to make any projections right now but talent is there.

[Serbian_Layup]

Indeed looks impressive. I was thinking he may be early bloomer who might struggle at PRO, but his transition at the moment is sensational. Lower gravity center, shorter legs seem to be working as an advantage for him (much like for K. Leonard in a way I guess) in terms of the explosive feet work, coordination, mobility, shiftness. Seems like he has NBA fit guard physicality which is rare for white Euros. He still will need to get a bit stronger and to add weight and if that doesn't take anything from him, he will be a strong NBA guard. The shot is still a question though. Nevertheless his slashing, touch, ability to make super quick decisions even in an air is ridiculous for18yo. We need to see him in at least EL or NBA environment first, but seems like Serbia might have the best guard in Europe after Doncic.

Quick first step and acceleration with ball in his hands is what makes big difference. Give him just a little space and he is beating everyone already on the first step. One big skill is also that he has natural ability to protect his body when finishing on drives combined with great touch around basket. Also, he seems to be relentless, playing 30+ minutes without getting tired. What he should add to his game is more midrange shots. But he has just turned 18, so what he is showing right now is more than enough. He is projected to be in the first round in 2024 draft, but if he keeps developing like this, top 15 might be very realisitic.

[Straight forward]

Topic is just ridiculous. 25 pts vs Cedevita in 1st round of ABA league in a very competitive game. I don't remember if we have ever had a point guard with that kind of skill set. Aggressive scoring combined with great passing vision. Some scouts compared him to Josh Giddey, probably true in some aspects, but the way he gets to the rim with such speed and all kinds of crafty finishing around the basket reminds me very much of Tony Parker.

Indeed looks impressive. I was thinking he may be early bloomer who might struggle at PRO, but his transition at the moment is sensational. Lower gravity center, shorter legs seem to be working as an advantage for him (much like for K. Leonard in a way I guess) in terms of the explosive feet work, coordination, mobility, shiftness. Seems like he has NBA fit guard physicality which is rare for white Euros. He still will need to get a bit stronger and to add weight and if that doesn't take anything from him, he will be a strong NBA guard. The shot is still a question though. Nevertheless his slashing, touch, ability to make super quick decisions even in an air is ridiculous for18yo. We need to see him in at least EL or NBA environment first, but seems like Serbia might have the best guard in Europe after Doncic.

[Serbian_Layup]

Topic is just ridiculous. 25 pts vs Cedevita in 1st round of ABA league in a very competitive game. I don't remember if we have ever had a point guard with that kind of skill set. Aggressive scoring combined with great passing vision. Some scouts compared him to Josh Giddey, probably true in some aspects, but the way he gets to the rim with such speed and all kinds of crafty finishing around the basket reminds me very much of Tony Parker.

Djurisic also with good game, his shot looks better. Watching him and Topic playing for NT in upcoming windows is going to be so fun. Great opportunity to integrate a few more top prospects.

[Serbian_Layup]

https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1557527/nikola-jovic-talks-miami-heat-fiba-world-cup/

If he was able to have such impact in his rookie campaign with NT, that only tells how much upside he has and I assume he is going to be really difficult to contain as soon as next year at Olympics. Jovic/Jokic frontcourt could be just devastating. I don't see how you can stop that with helping on Jokic of off Jovic for example. With Bogdan in the back. Jovic is a no brainer NT fan and if he is healthy, his commitment is not questionable.

[Srle]

In my opinion Topic should have been playing at World Cup. I wish he went there instead of Simanic. That was my hope before the tournament have started , maybe tragedy would have been prevented and Topic would have had great experience, he's the future of the Serbian NT at pg position. We have some interesting prospects at pg, sg positions Topic,Stankovic,Bosnjakovic,Radosic,Srnzetic etc. If two or three of them pan out we should be alright for the next decade.

[Serbian_Layup]

https://twitter.com/EHoopsScouting/status/1703808586499936472

Kind of two way player with many skills on both ends. Big time talent. Potentially, Topic and Bosnjakovic are fantastic fit togethter for NT.

[Obina]

Mega is good choice for him.

[Serbian_Layup]

https://twitter.com/ABA_League/status/1704514688938090534

It may not have been exaggeration when Pesic said Topic will be serious candidate for Olympic team. It doesn't matter how young the player is if he is already this good.

[Serbian_Layup]

https://twitter.com/ABA_League/status/1704105471806681309

Topic with 21/5 against Cedevita. After weaker game vs Partizan, completely dominated team which is suppossed to be 4th best team in ABA league. Filip Jovic also with great game in limited minutes. Djurisic had strong game vs Partizan, his shot looks improved with higher arc. Saranovic from FMP continues to display very intriguing skill set. Very nice SF in the making.

A lot of talents to watch this season in ABA league.

[Serbian_Layup]

Topic with 20/11/7 in friendly game against Cluj (Eurocup team). I didn't watch it, but this is looking nice. Gonna be a blast to watch this kid in senior basketball next season and in NT during those windows.

Djurisic seems to be in some kind of isolation, not playing with Mega. I suposse he is working individually on his game. Sky is the limit for this kid if he improves his shot and get it all together.