Why are there so many serbian basketball players 98 m, he primarily plays at the shooting guard position. Boban Marjanovic, Yao Ming, and Gheorghe Muresan are three examples of NBA players with gigantism. Basketball was not very popular in Albania, but Yugoslavia's proximity helped him develop his love for the game. Players must have debuted in the NBA/BAA or ABA to appear on this list. I was wondering what made Serbia specially good at basketball. There are also recent NBA players from Serbia like Bogdan Bogdanović, Boban Marjanovic, and Aleksej Pokusevski. Apr 1, 2025 · The NBA and NCAA have set up an international pipeline for foreign players to come to the US to play basketball. A country of six million can only generate so much top-level talent but, for its Jun 16, 2021 · Jokic is the first player from Serbia to win the league MVP award (much to the delight of fellow Serbian NBA players) and the third European to do so, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nowitzki. Nov 9, 2025 · Serbian basketball players have had a profound impact on international basketball, both in terms of individual achievements and team success. Ivan Paunić (Serbian Cyrillic: Иван Паунић; born January 27, 1987) is a Serbian professional basketball player and politician who last played for Mega Bemax of the Basketball League of Serbia. 7%) with three or more foreign-born […] The following is a list of Serbian basketball players that play or have played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Jul 15, 2025 · From humble gyms in Belgrade to the bright lights of the NBA, Serbian players carry with them the values of hard work, basketball intelligence, and team spirit. Jun 27, 2025 · The NBA league is richer for another Serbian basketball player! Bogoljub Marković was chosen as the 47th pick in the second round of the NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, so the former Mega player is now a new member of the famous Wisconsin club and one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Jun 25, 2024 · That’s almost six times as many international players as the league had in 1992, the year that the Dream Team helped basketball take off internationally. Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options morethandork •• Edited Aug 3, 2023 · Serbia has a long history as a basketball-playing nation. Nicknamed " Joker ", [2] he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players and centers of all time, [3] and is often considered Oct 19, 2021 · The slick-passing big man is the only Serbian and just the third European player to win the prestigious award, joining Dirk Nowitzki (2007, Germany) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019, 2020, Greece). Serbia has a well-structured and highly competitive youth basketball development program. Mar 7, 2025 · MIES (Switzerland) - It doesn't come as a newsflash for any viewers of the Netflix series Court of Gold that Nikola Jokic is maybe the greatest player in the game right now. this is soo true , its why u have to develop thick skin in basketball because even if you are just trying to get some exercise there is always gonna be those jackass that just wants to trash talk , thinking he Kobe and the min you show his ass up he wants to throw hands . Players from Serbia Currently In The NBA * Stats from the 2025-2026 season. these athletes are not just playing the game; they're redefining it. Quick access to players bio, career stats and team records. And his Jul 1, 2023 · At 28, Jokic, with his first NBA title with the Denver Nuggets as of June 12, is the greatest Serbian basketball player of all time already. These are some of the best Bosnia and Nov 19, 2019 · Do the arithmetic. Stockton and Havlicec are American. I'm just assuming it's correlated with Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its history as I suck at European history. Honest question from a person from the USA: How has Serbia developed the best basketball player AND best tennis players in the world right now (Jokic and Djokovic)? So why does the US produce so many great black Basketball players, but - other than Europe - no great white Basketball players anymore? Locked post. Aug 31, 2025 · The impact of these Serbian players is a reminder of the universal appeal of the game, how basketball can build bridges and celebrate the diversity of cultures. but trust me, Serbian basketball players are making waves in the sport like never before. Aug 5, 2024 · Team Serbia has arguably the best NBA player, Nikola Jokic, competing during the 2024 Paris Olympics. 98 m) tall. Explore the latest data on Serbian players in the NBA, including notable names and recent additions to the league. The following is a list of Serbian basketball players that play or have played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Players from Serbia In The NBA Since 1946-1947 * Career stats since the 1946-1947 season. At first, I thought they are "sport students", but they are just normal students in Croatia after I asked them. You know, just randomly wondering who’s out there representing Serbia on the court. Up next, we have Germany, with 7 players, followed by Serbia, with 6 representatives. Dec 5, 2024 · Let's take a look at the greatest Serbian NBA players of all time. May be 15 boys and 20 girls ( perhaps 16-18 year old). He also represented the Serbian national basketball team internationally. What makes Serbia so good at basketball? It’s a potent blend of historical success, exceptional coaching, a passionate fan base, and the early identification and nurturing of Nikola Jokić (/ ˈjoʊkɪtʃ / YOH-kitch; [1] Serbian Cyrillic: Никола Јокић [nǐkola jôkitɕ] ⓘ; born February 19, 1995) is a Serbian professional basketball player who is a center for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). ‘Jokers’, they laugh now, but how? Aug 6, 2024 · A look at the Serbian men's national basketball team, headlined by Nikola Jokic, ahead of their Olympics bout with Team USA. Basketball is a beautiful game but some people just wanna ruin it for We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. He is currently the director of player personnel and development for the Sacramento Kings. Nov 9, 2025 · The players have inspired generations of athletes around the world. The country's new social and cultural emphasis on physical activity and competition has brought forth greats such as Nikola Jokić and his brother Strahinja. There are 108 international players on NBA rosters — nearly one-fourth of the league. Boban Marjanović (Serbian Cyrillic: Бобан Марјановић; born August 15, 1988) is a Serbian professional basketball player who last played for the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Can you complete the grids? Predrag Stojaković (Serbian Cyrillic: Предраг Стојаковић, born June 9, 1977), known by his nickname Peja (Peđa, Пеђа, ), is a Serbian professional basketball executive and former player. That being said, you might ask who the top European NBA players are. Bosnia and Herzegovina has produced some very talented basketball players over the years, including centers, guards and forwards. The basketball culture expanded even more once Serbian kids were exposed to Michael Jordan and then Kobe Bryant. Now, go out there and enjoy the game! — Kansas City To New Orleans Road Trip: Fun, Food, And Festivities Nov 4, 2025 · So far, more than 30 Serbian basketball players have experienced the courts of the world’s strongest basketball league – the NBA. Individual Skill Development Genetics obviously influence a sport prioritizing and rewarding height, but the video also identifies athleticism and We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Bird, West, Nowitzki. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. BogdanBogdanović (born August 18, 1992) is a Serbian professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nash is also not from Serbia. Serbia's basketball story is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Discover Serbia’s impact on the global basketball stage. “Nikola’s success [means] so much to Serbia fans because Serbia is [a] country of basketball and especially Sombor, people talking on every corner about finals today,” said Srdjan Vlaskalic, a Sombor resident. He was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 27th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, with his draft rights The historical presence of eastern european players (mostly ex-yugoslavia and baltic states) in the nba and basketball in general is hard to miss, from Kukoc to Sabonis to Peja, to modern day Jokic, Porzingis, Saric and Bogdanovic. Feb 13, 2024 · Many discussions about skill development in Europe center on coaching or drills or playing too many games in the United States. After all, the Serbian center has claimed three of the last four MVP awards in the NBA. The 2025 draft class will certainly have their share of internationals picked, although this class is… Nov 19, 2024 · The Serbian basketball program is well-respected all over the world, and the fact that so many of their players have made it to the NBA just goes to show how strong their system is. Jul 3, 2024 · List of famous basketball players from Bosnia and Herzegovina, listed alphabetically with photos of the players when available. . The Balkans Basketball Boom - How did such a small region in Europe produce so many NBA players—including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and potential future MVP Luka Doncic? One reporter went there to peel back the layers to the rise and sustained success of the Balkan “basketball school. Find out how many Serbs are making a mark in the world of basketball! Serbian Players in NBA Overview Current Numbers How many Serbian players currently strut their stuff on the court in the NBA? According to recent statistics, there are approximately 10-15 Serbian players Alright, so the other day I got curious about Serbian NBA players. They then competed as FR Yugoslavia (1992 to 2003) and Serbia and Montenegro (2003 to 2006). Young players begin honing their skills at a very early age, often starting in local clubs before progressing to more prominent teams. Also players such as the Antentokoumpo Brothers have rejuvenated young fans' interest to become basketball players amd watch top tier Basketball such as the NBA (of course that interest was always there but now more casual fans pay attention). Lest we forget NBA Serbian basketball greats Vlade Divac and Peja Stojaković. Jul 29, 2025 · "I think Serbia is currently producing the best players in the world" – Adrian Wojnarowski breaks down why Serbian players are so dominant in today's game Wojnarowski is well aware that Serbia is a goldmine for young basketball talent. Feb 6, 2025 · The international side of recent WNBA drafts has been in greater focus in recent years with teams often opting against popular college prospects to select players that many of the fans of the league do not know as well. Feb 16, 2021 · 3 of the best white basketball players of all time did not come from Serbia. Why are there so many Serbian NBA players? For a relatively small country, Serbia has produced numerous NBA players (second only to France out of all countries outside USA and Canada). May 15, 2025 · International prospects from some of the top professional leagues in the world are about to become household names in college basketball. Ginobli and the Gasols are not, either. From the pioneers who first opened the doors for Europeans to today’s superstars, Serbs have left a deep mark on American basketball. These players have brought their unique skills and flair to the league, showcasing the strength of Serbian basketball on the global stage. Why Are Serbians So Good At Basketball? Have you ever wondered what makes Serbian basketball players stand out on the global stage? In this engaging video, w So next time you watch an NBA game, take a moment to appreciate the Serbian players who have traveled thousands of miles, navigating both their personal journeys and the basketball court with finesse and tenacity. Every guy is taller than me, every guy!!! I am 191 cm tall! As girls, the shortest one is around 165, the tallest one is 184 cm, most them are 170+. 5%), including 105 teams (29. Here’s an overview of all our players who have ever played in the NBA. The following is a list of players, that play or have played in the NBA, who have citizenship of Serbia or Serbian parentage or who are Serbs of former Yugoslav republics (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia). Nikola Jović (Serbian Cyrillic: Никола Јовић, pronounced [nǐkola jǒːʋitɕ]; born 9 June 2003) is a Serbian professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Its influence on the game continues to be felt, shaping the future of basketball. Greek expatriate basketball people in Canada · 1T 2002 FIBA World Championship players · 155T Apr 17, 2025 · When you think about basketball, Serbia might not be the first country that comes to mind. Sep 20, 2024 · Serbia – a two-time silver medalist in men’s basketball – will take its shot at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris with a roster that features Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Their contributions have helped shape the landscape of the sport, influencing playing styles, tactical approaches, and the overall level of competition. Aug 6, 2024 · PARIS (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Serbia surged back to beat Australia 95-90 in overtime Tuesday to reach the Olympic basketball semifinals. A 2007 junior world champion, Marjanović played abroad in Russia and Lithuania between 2010 and 2012 We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Complete list of Euroleague players for the 2025-2026 season. In 2004, Darko Miličić became the first basketball player from Serbia to win an NBA championship. This video about Serbian basketball identified three main things: Genetics, a fanatical desire to win, and hard work. "He changed the landscape of Yugoslavian basketball," says Zoran Radovic, a retired Serbian basketball player and a FIBA senior director. Serbia has seen some very talented athletes over the years, many of who have gone on to represent their country in the Olympics. with their unique style, unmatched skills, and a passion that's hard to ignore, Serbian players are becoming household names across the globe. The Balkan states pale in comparison. Their ability to speak multiple languages fosters connections with diverse fan bases globally and reflects the NBA's commitment to inclusivity. The population of France is 67 million, Canada 37 million, Australia 25 million. com Feb 21, 2023 · None of these players ever reached the NBA, in part because the league wasn’t scouting Europe much, and in part because Yugoslavia worked to keep its top athletes from leaving the country. Glossary, Contact and Media Information, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, NBA Data Coverage, ABA Data Coverage, Put your basketball knowledge to the test with our daily basketball trivia games. These are some of the best Serbian athletes of all time, so if you're a native of Key takeaway: Many NBA players, past and present, are not only exceptional athletes but also highly educated, multilingual individuals. He has been serving as the vice president of the municipality of Grocka since 4 September 2020. Widely considered the best-passing center in the sport’s history, Jokic won three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards (2021, 2022, 2024) and led the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA title. Thread title does not check out. There has always been a big interest in team sports such as football, basketball and waterpolo in former Yugoslavia. Oct 19, 2023 · Which great basketball players are from Serbia? Many people acknowledge two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić as the best Serbian NBA player ever. Dame! Balkan kids are so tall!! Basketball is becoming more and more a global game and college hoops make no exception to this slow but constant evolution. However, the Serbia side we know today only has a short history. Also the fact that we are one of the tallest people in the world may help in basketball. This is what makes Serbian basketball so special. Jun 2, 2023 · And the 28-year-old, 7-foot Serbian basketball star is certainly making waves with fans back in his hometown of Sombor, Serbia. Jul 31, 2023 · Serbian players in the NBA Serbia has a rich basketball history and has produced a number of players who are currently playing in the NBA. May 8, 2024 · "He changed the landscape of Yugoslavian basketball," says Zoran Radovic, a retired Serbian basketball player and a FIBA senior director. He also represents the Serbian national basketball team. Aug 11, 2025 · Serbia’s remarkable success in basketball, particularly in recent decades, stems from a deeply ingrained sporting culture, a strong Yugoslav basketball legacy, and a consistent focus on player development programs. He also represents the Serbian national team in international competition. Jul 26, 2024 · Since joining the NBA in 2015, Nikola Jokic has amassed a string of individual accolades and trophies that even many past players pale in comparison. Quick access to player profiles, stats and bios. This is because Serbia’s players competed at the FIBA Basketball World Cup as part of Yugoslavia between 1950 and 1990. Serbian basketball players have left an indelible mark on the NBA, showcasing their talent, skill, and passion for the game. New comments cannot be posted. Not to memtion players amd teams from east europe dominating european basketball for decades. Sep 3, 2025 · 2025-2026: Serbia roster and stats. Balkan Basketball is producing NBA level talent like never before. Center Vlade Divac and forward Žarko Paspalj were the first Serbian players to play in the NBA, in the 1989–90 season. Conclusion: Serbian Basketball's Legacy So there you have it, guys! Feb 13, 2023 · NBA players are tall. ” For those who speak serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, there's an amazing podcast with Ermal Kuqo who was an albanian Efes legend who also represented Turkey. The question that captivates many observers is: Why does this relatively The following is a list of Serbian basketball players that play or have played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Oct 24, 2025 · Overall, there are 74 current European NBA players from 27 different European countries in the 2025-26 season France has the most NBA European players, with 19 representatives. Most of Division I Men’s Basketball programs have at least one international scholarship player on their roster (277 out of 353, that is the 78. For a small country with small population Serbia is impressively good at sports whether being Basketball, Football or Volleyball why is it so good at sports despite having only 6. Conclusion: Serbian Basketball's Legacy So there you have it, guys! While I was watching it, I couldn't help wondering why there were Serbian and Croatian players in Yugoslavian national basketball team back in 1988. Conclusion: Serbian Basketball's Legacy So there you have it, guys! Nov 9, 2025 · Serbian basketball players have had a profound impact on international basketball, both in terms of individual achievements and team success. Learn about the legacy of the top Serbian NBA basketball players and their impact on the league. The most-represented countries are Canada (16 players), Australia (nine), France (eight), Croatia (seven) and Serbia (six). Mar 19, 2025 · Serbia holds a celebrated position in the NBA, as the birthplace of the second most number of basketball players. And he carried Serbia to a bronze medal last summer in Paris. Conclusion: Serbian Basketball's Legacy So there you have it, guys! Serbia, a country with a rich basketball tradition, has produced numerous players who have made significant impacts in the NBA. Since then, Predrag Stojaković, Ognjen Kuzmić Nov 9, 2025 · The players have inspired generations of athletes around the world. so Aug 4, 2024 · Serbia - All leaders, participating players & roster, game results and stats from Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 Since the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991 Serbia won another 12 medals and produced so many great NBA and Euro league players that naming all of them would really be pointless but that leads me to my next point which is Serbian School of basketball let’s try to break After the breakup of Yugoslavia, the school kinda stayed in Serbia and the production continued, although more and more great players started being forged in youth programs of non-Yugo teams that employed the Yugoslavian, mostly Serbian, coaches like Pešić, Ivković, Obradović, Maljković etc - players like Bodiroga and Stojaković. May 17, 2024 · But because of Korać, playground courts and sports halls sprouted across his country -- then Yugoslavia, today Serbia -- and the generations that followed grew up with the game. He led the Denver Nuggets to their one and only title in 2023. So were all those pasty Celtic cacs. From trailblazers like Vlade Divac to modern stars like Nikola Jokić, these athletes have inspired countless fans and aspiring players around the world. Sep 3, 2023 · List of famous athletes from Serbia, listed alphabetically with photos when available. Why do people remember Yugoslavia so fondly through basketball? Why was Yugoslavian basketball so good? With Billie Addleman and Tilen Jamnik; an assist by Mitja Velikonja. See full list on time. Sep 11, 2020 · The natives of the former Yugoslavia, clad in T-shirts, basketball shorts and sneakers and slides, conversed in Serbian and Croatian, discussing life in the bubble, family updates amid the COVID Nov 13, 2025 · Nikola Jokic is a Serbian professional basketball player who is one of the most versatile talents of his generation. He was selected 27th overall by the Heat in the 2022 NBA draft. So, I decided to do a little digging. The players have inspired generations of athletes around the world. Jun 11, 2025 · Explore the 2024–25 list of active Serbian NBA players, from superstars like Nikola Jokić to rising talents like Nikola Topić. The players' quality stands out from other europeans, and at world level probably just behind the US. From the legendary Dražen Dalipagić and Vlade Divac to modern-day superstars like Nikola Jokić, the Serbian basketball legacy continues to flourish across generations. Height is a positive attribute for this sport, especially at the professional level, so much so that the average height of an NBA player is 6 foot 6 inches (1. While Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić are leading the way, the region has had a long relationship with the Jun 16, 2025 · In the world of international basketball, Serbia’s name resounds like a powerful echo, trailing behind it decades of glory, drama, and brilliance. Jul 28, 2024 · Nikola Jokic leads a group of Serbian players in the 2024 Paris Olympics, keen to make some noise and emulate or improve their best result in this tournament. The Serbia men's national basketball team (Serbian: Кошаркашка репрезентација Србије, romanized: Košarkaška reprezentacija Srbije) represents Serbia in international men's basketball competition, and is controlled by the Basketball Federation of Serbia. These early stages are crucial in shaping their Jan 16, 2025 · Josh Smith shares why European players are better than US players – "They've been coached extremely hard from a very young age" “J-Smoove” laments the lack of quality coaching for young players in the United States. Standing at 1. Jul 1, 2024 · A look at Yugoslavia's most successful sport. 9 million population and the same infrastructure or lack there of as the other Balkan countries? Oct 23, 2025 · Generally speaking, a player like izi would likely have emerged from the youth systems of Serbian basketball clubs.