Bogoljub Markovic: Future of Serbia
Markovic is the next in the "unicorn" archetype, with skills that match his insane build. Can he get into the first round?
Markovic has been one of the most exciting prospects to follow this cycle. He confidently handles the ball, effectively spaces the floor, attacks the rim with authority, and finishes strong even when facing contact. He keeps the ball moving, crashes the boards with intensity, and brings along two years of high-level professional experience, shining in both seasons, plus a gold medal from the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship. But when you really dig into the analytics, that’s where the excitement kicks in. His stats pop. He stands out among the top forwards in his class across various efficiency metrics, and you can feel his impact on both ends of the court every time he plays. With the Olympics on the horizon, just imagine a 2028 Serbian team that includes Nikola Jokic, Nikola Jovic, Vasilije Micic, Bogoljub Markovic, Nikola Topic, and Tristan Vukcevic. That kind of lineup would be a nightmare for any opponent, combining experience, youth, and top-tier talent at every position. If you haven’t been keeping an eye on Serbian basketball, now is the time to start. Can Markovic get to a 1st round grade before June rolls around? Let’s take a look at what Markovic can provide to an NBA organization.
Basic Stats (2024-2025): 29.4 MPG, 13.7 PPG, 3.4 APG, 6.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.4 TO, 52.6% FG
PROS
Really good frame and physicals
Like mentioned above, he is 6’11” with a 7-foot wingspan, with potential for weight to be added on
Very coordinated and fluid, has some really good feet
Excellent shooter for his size (39% from three on 2.7 attempts, 89th %tile PPS Rank for Jumpers, 98th %tile for Guarded Catch and Shoot)
Mechanics look remarkably solid for a guy of his stature
Elbow is well-aligned, solid follow-through, very repeatable and compact without and noticeable hitches or flares.
Really solid passer, puts some velos on the ball (71st %tile PP(P+A) Rating)
Fits passes through some really tight holes, recognizes when the defense collapses and kicks it out, makes the right read, can fire skips passes from the corner to the wing
Shows off a TON of IQ in this realm. Makes really solid reads when it comes to breaking down the defense
Good cutter; can find open spots in the defense well (64th %tile PPP Rating for Cuts)
Shows off a lot of intelligence here; can pick up on little cues and make a really solid cut based on what is given in front of him
Runs the floor well in transition and displays a lot of quickness and ball-handling ability (72nd %tile PPP Rank for Transition Possessions)
Several instances of him going coast to coast this year, and everything looked really solid on each example: Displays high straight line speed and the ball-handling keeps up with that.
Operates as the lead man as well, able to run with the guard to spot up on the wing, or can play off the guard by cutting to the rim
Solid rebounder with active hands, tips in missed shots for easy putbacks (4.6 DRebs/Game, 1.6 ORebs/Game, 53rd %tile PPP Rating for Putbacks)
Fights super hard to get them and shows off his solid hands when he tips balls back out to save possessions when he can’t get two hands on it.
Superb finisher that can finish through contact VERY well and can maintain balance and concentration to get and-1s (5.1% And-1 Percentage)
Puts his head down to absorb contact like a runningback and uses his shoulders well to generate it as well
Solid defensively, good shot blocker with active hands that can also poke out some steals (0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG)
Despite not having elite athleticism, he can keep up with guys his size and can is good closing out, also uses his length well in this situation. Meets guys at the rim by getting vertical and utilizing length.
CONS
Can make some careless passes->careless turnovers (20% TOV Rate).
He often tries too hard to make a play happen when there isn’t a play to be made, or he just doesn’t make enough effort on a pass to make it good
Has a little bit of maturing to do, I’ve noticed several on-court moments of severe frustration and letting his emotion take over
I think it can also be seen as competitive fire in some instances, depending on who you ask.
If he really wants to be a KD type wing, the handle needs some work for sure.
While it’s really smooth and under control (he has the signature euro-league handle, if you know what I mean), he can crumble under tight on-ball pressure. Doesn’t protect the ball as much as he needs to at his height.
Needs to be better in the PNR, does’t generate a ton of contact when screening, looks to slip a little too early
This could definitely be improved by upping his weight and strength and would probably incentivize him more to work on it
He can definitely flare out and get a good shot off, but
I don’t think it will be in his game at the next level, but his post-up game could use a little work
Final Take: Incredibly offensively versatile big who can pass, shoot, rebound, handle, and finish while being a solid defensive player with really solid efficiency, but will need to develop his screening ability and bag in the post, while cutting down on needless turnovers
Draft Projection: Late 1st to Mid 2nd Round.
Player Comp: Heavier Aleksej Pokuševski:offensively versatile big man that can pass very well and shoot at a high clip