After Nikola Jokic or Nikola Jovic, Nikola Topic East there latest attraction of Serbian basketball. So much so that it is a “lottery pick” in power of the Draft 2024 and that it is directly announced by certain specialists in the Top 3 of the upcoming vintage.
While waiting for next June, the 18-year-old leader will continue his development atRed Star Belgradean eight-time Serbian champion club, to which he belongs and with which he grew up, but which has continued to lend him since 2022. His latest team being, moreover, the KK Mega Basket (or Mega MIS).
“ My dream for many years is to play for Red Star » he assuresESPN. “ I grew up a fan of this club and it will mean a lot to me to play in front of 20,000 Red Star fans. I couldn't refuse to play in the Euroleague. »
A “huge” risk-taking
The end of Nikola Topic's loan to KK Mega Basket means, in fact, that he will now be able to rub shoulders with the elite of European basketball, Red Star Belgrade obviously being involved in the Euroleague this season. In difficulty, she ranks in 15th place (out of 18), even if she remains as always at the top of the Serbian championship.
“ It's a huge risk, but I'm ready » warns the young leader, who had a say in this choice. “ I have 100% confidence in myself. My father, my agent and I understand that this change could affect my chances in the Draft if it does not go well for me. But I'm ready to fight. »
In Belgrade, Nikola Topic will be able to receive valuable advice from his compatriots (now competitors) Milos Teodosic and Nemanja Nedovic. In any case, he says he is ready to do whatever his new coach asks of him.
A major challenge ahead of the Draft
What is certain is that the NBA franchises will have the opportunity to see what the talented prospect Serbian has it in his stomach, since the challenge will be significant for him, who has never played at such a competitive level.
A double-edged decision, because his popularity rating and his place in Draft projections could explode as well as fall…
This season, Nikola Topic averaged 18.6 points, 6.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds with Mega MIS in the Serbian championship (52% shooting, 29% 3-point shooting and 85% shooting).
In a squad as rich and extensive as that of Red Star, his role will obviously not be the same, but his dribbling, passing and finishing qualities should help him get playing time, despite less offensive freedom. On the other hand, he will have to improve in defense and shooting, further from the basket.
“ I don't think about all that at all » he confides, however, about the Draft. “ It's still far away, [il reste] five to six months… I only see my next match » while his schedule will, in fact, be busier from now on, with two to three matches scheduled per week with Belgrade.
