Why Serbians Are So Good At Basketball

Have you ever wondered why Serbians are so successful in both the NBA, the EuroLeague & FIBA? Well, apparently it’s a combination of 4 different factors that Gytis breaks down in this video. From Nikola Jokic type of selfless mentality to a culture of winning that runs through Serbia’s veins. Big thank you to Mozzart Sport journalist Nikola Stojkovic for helping out with this video!
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Why do you think Serbians are that good at basketball? 👀 Let us know in the comments below ✍ If you enjoyed the video, help us grow by hitting the like button & subscribing to our channel! 🙌 Lastly, follow us on social media for more content: Twitter: twitter.com/basketnews_com/ Instagram: instagram.com/basketnews/ Inquiries for partnership: [e-mail]

[@korkicz-7515]

То је српски инат🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸

[@krajisnik4168]

When child is born in the serbia project "bogdanovic"starts 🔴🔵⚪ Beograd je samo zvezda🔴⚪

[@yonelconstant7274]

Right lol if Yougoslavia was still united, they would get the most Olympic medals per inhabitant 😂

[@goranlojancic8420]

Well, it is simple. We would rather see Vasa Micic playing basketball then singing.🤣

[@milanmujezinovic]

​@@korkicz-7515ne, nego smo fizički jaki i glupi, za školu. Tako da je jedini put za uspeh u Srbiji sport.

[@yttt167]

Romanian here proud of my neighbours. Baddest mfkers on Earth. 🇷🇴 ❤🇷🇸

[@a_l_e_k_sandra]

Thank you, favourite neighbor. 🇷🇸❤️🇷🇴

[@serb9814]

Hope Cluj wins Eurocup brothers ❤️

[@BatkoBrat]

Ce faci fra? 😎

[@serbianwarrior385]

Thank u good neighbor, we love Romanians here in Serbia 🇷🇸❤️🇷🇴

[@aleksaladjarevic6732]

romanians only have two brothers- forest and serbia! ❤️

[@loadedmusic3192]

As a Greek, MAD respect to Serbian nation! Amazing athletes, musicians, filmmakers, etc. 👍✌️

[@anazunic8292]

From my point of view, there is no music without greek music. Also, I have learned Greek thanks to Alexandro Riga. He is greek Almodovar. Kisses from Serbia ❤

[@aygijovanovic8769]

Εσείς Έλληνες είστε αδέρφια μας! Πολλή αγάπη από την Σερβία!❤

[@kristinastan6939]

❤🇷🇸🇬🇷💙

[@newworldorder6764]

A lot of serbian musicians and filmmakers come from Bosnia, and some small portions of athletes, same thing goes for croatians.

[@aygijovanovic8769]

@@newworldorder6764 They are Serbians!

[@zumpic7695]

Always rooting for 🇷🇸 from czech 🇨🇿

[@robija21000]

Thank you my friend, that is very nice of you :)

[@maxmagnus777]

ty brother

[@dejanfresco]

hvala brate zivela ceska veliki pozdrav

[@dionysise5008]

I'm Greek 🇬🇷 and we consider Serbians as brothers. We ourselves r good at bball but Serbians are the real masters. Respect

[@dejanfresco]

love greze nasa braca

[@audrius1683]

As a Lithuanian, in every international competition Serbia is my favourite, apart from my own country, of course. Huge respect! 🤜🤛

[@-zbrdazdola-]

Thank you broski !

[@Sammy-be5dc]

Thanks brother

[@miljanmatovic880]

And as a Serbian, the first thing I am checking is when we are facing Lithuania... the others I KNOW we can beat but Lithuania is always a problem...

[@Sammy-be5dc]

Your basketball team is good , gives serbia a problem. Greetings brother from serbia 🇷🇸

[@TheDurlaneze]

Respect is mutual

[@maxahissou7574]

I played an older Serbian person at the park here in LA. He had handles, shooting and everything. We later drank a couple of beers, Serbs also know how to party.

[@shimanosv9143]

Serbs also know how to make plum brandy, šljivovica... Živeli - Cheers

[@ZA-MunZeStyle]

Word !!!

[@MediMeda]

R A K I J A !!!!

[@emde6]

As a Hungarian I played against Serbs in two sports, basketball and American football. What always amazed me was the resources they put behind sports in a relatively poor country. Basketball courts everywhere, a lot of resources even in American football which is an amateur sport there. But the underlying main driver I saw was not only the desire to win but also refusing to lose. When we would break another team's back up by double digits in the 4th quarter they would not give up, a Serbian team would just find a way to come back and win. Much respect to my Serbian brothers for that!

[@bgd.11]

Greetings to you and to all Hungarians! really true friends who have always supported Serbia for the last 20 years and more!

[@ZaklinaIvkovic]

Dragi prijatelju hvala na lepim rečima,mislim da je to nama u genima,pošto smo dosta ginuli u prethodnim ratovima ,želja za pobedom je u stvari želja za preživljavanjem.Puno pozdrava našim najboljim mađarskim prijateljima.

[@PeachwiseSyndrome]

Our resources for American Football are weak, people mostly volunteer in the teams (other than USA imports that have some meh salaries) but I remember us destroying you on both club and national team scene every time I watched. Last time it was almost 100 to zero. They never lifted the foot off the gas pedal in that match. It was somewhere around 2015 I think.

[@yemuppet8102]

Respect to you and your country, from Belgrade!

[@mimaputovanja-mimatravel]

@@ZaklinaIvkovic Upravo sam to htela da dodam. Stalno se borimo, pa nam i sport dođe kao igra za život.

[@billk942]

I am Olympiacos fan and glad to have two Serbians in our team...brothers orthodox!!!

[@user-ls8us2pg5l]

♥♥♥♥

[@vwasic]

🙏❤

[@nali514]

Helas Helas Helas from Serbia. Bothers for ever ❤❤❤

[@milenajelich276]

Thank you brother! ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@warukraine9650]

as far as I know, they are the best in the world in basketball, water polo, tennis, volleyball..... unbelievable that a country of several million has better athletes than the whole world....but those who know Serbian history should not be surprised... those people have the heart of a hero, athletic build, courage, pride, mentality.... greetings from Romania

[@sloboda3510]

Hvala❤

[@timprex317]

They are not the best in the WORLD in any sport you mentioned, but they are good in all of them.

[@warukraine9650]

@@timprex317 some may cringe with envy and write something that proves to them that you are dying of envy.... low value complex looks like….

[@vojindivljak4322]

​@@timprex317average zero ball knowledge guy

[@MatDjolic]

Hvala brate moj!

[@fab9727]

As a German I feel ashamed for my country how the majority of the people honored the historical win last year 🇩🇪 Really like the Serbian pride 🇷🇸

[@simojovic6358]

Yeah all Germans care about is Football and its a shame

[@nikolamedic9402]

Danke :)

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

Liberalism and westerners making you feel guilty cos you are German thats why, i remember when Merkel won some elections and one party member wave with small german flag and she took it from him and drop on the floor, she was very angry coz of that, so weird

[@user-dw3jo1hd8j]

What you talking about?

[@jlaserna123]

As a Filipino, Serbians are the best because they have that special fire and desire to win 🔥 They also love horse -racing 😊

[@robija21000]

:) This about horse racing is only true for Nikola Jokic. Horse sports are not too popular here.

[@BojanaL.]

And we also love roosters 😂

[@georgeudovicki5861]

I'm Serbian and I married Filipina women

[@Lena-lm1nm]

@@georgeudovicki5861 Zivim u Kanadi, moj brat je ozenio Filipinku. Dugo su u braku, predivna zena. You are a lucky man!

[@mihailoniciforovic2666]

Serbians don't care about horse racing that is more Jokic things, and desire to win is not entirely true. It is more like win when everything is stacked against you, win when it is impossible too win. Win when everyone tells you you can not. Good chunk of population has this engraved in DNA. This is why Serbians will lose in anything against weakest opponent and win against unbeatable one.

[@black_jesuz5457]

I am from Russia and my basketball coach is Serbian. He is exactly like you said. One day I didn't come to the game without warning and He said that's a crime in their country XD. I really love Serbians and how tough they are. And I learned a lot of stuff besides basketball❤

[@johnnybravo437]

In my time you'd run circles until the end of practice. My couch was like a father to all of us. You don't train if you have bad grades at school, but you must come to practice. Our coaches are like Samuel L. Jackson in Coach Carter.

[@bogdanpajkic9750]

And we love our russian brothers 🇷🇸❤️🇷🇺

[@aygijovanovic8769]

You Are our brothers! Serbians love Rusians!❤❤❤

[@Eddggaa]

Serbians are something special, and that balkan music 🤯🤯🤯 love from Lithuania 🤝

[@markopecinovic4475]

OPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@srpskivitez3]

Love back to Lithuanian friends 🇱🇹🇷🇸. I have an obsession with lithuanian names hahah

[@milanognjenovic980]

Thanks bro, love to Lithuania. Btw we are the Serbs, Serbian refers just to citizenship of Republic of Serbia or possessive noun, Serb is nationality member

[@erikk.137]

It is hard to call this a music. You can get impression, that you are at the middle east. Yea, Turk heritage...

[@aleksandaraleksic4051]

😁

[@chrisrev1793]

As a Greek grown up with the sport motivation of 90's I am thankful to Serbia and I have a huge respect and pure love for this country! Theyhave pushed sports steps forward! Only love from Greece!

[@nenadpopov3601]

We feel the same way about Greece ❤️

[@markopecinovic4475]

Greece is my favorite country in the world, Serbs and Greeks will always be brothers.

[@bojanmiletic4113]

We love 🇬🇷

[@banjah3845]

Pozdrav za Grčku💪

[@randomserb761]

Αδελφέ μας! Σ' αγαπάμε, ευχαριστώ ❤️🇬🇷

[@Seyf0734]

As a Turkish, even though they usually beat us in international tournaments, I always admire them. Trying to beat them made us better in basketball for sure. And there is Obradovic too, with his purple angry face 😂😂😂. We love him too 😅

[@ostalasitidasenapijeszamen3927]

🤣🤣🤣

[@user-by6ri3cu4y]

Except that one day at 2010. in Turkey when judges definatelly weren't heavily bribed to overlook blatant stepping out of bounds at the last second?

[@Seyf0734]

@@user-by6ri3cu4y They were bad I accept maybe even what you say :). But they werent worse than 2002 referees where Yugoslavia ( you were a big part of that team ) beat Argentina. They beat tye shit out of Ginobili and still was no fault. No offence but Serbia was always a favourite team of referees. I dont think you should talk about them. Because they very very usually favour Serbia.

[@user-wi8rn1sn3l]

​@@Seyf0734; Поздрав. Regards. You are a little wrong here. Serbia or Yugoslavia was never favourite in any sports true decades. We have a sentence in our nation when it comes for a game, :"we are always playing against opponents, crowd and judges". So reorganise yourself 😅. And when you mention that, for example the only European volleyball team backthan against "flying Dutch" that take a set was Yugoslavia /Serbia alsso many finals in same sports against Brazil was only Serbia. In water-polo over 20-30 years we played exactly the same. Basketball was no exception at all. In that particular game 2001-2 in final, against Argentina we was worse but as Novak Djokovic we never gave up so Divac didn't get faul and Dejan Bodiroga got those hard 3-es like badass for shore. Regards once more.

[@robertgross9180]

There was an American, Peter Maravich, both his parents were of Serbian ethnicity. Maravich played in the NBA in the seventies, and he was the first million-dollar player in the NBA. With his no look passes, behind the back dribbles, and his shooting abilities he was mesmerizing to watch.

[@nebojsa1stevanovic355]

Pistol Pet...

[@user-wi8rn1sn3l]

Поздрав. Regards. And he had a fired head 😅 But great talent of sport.

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

Gregg Popovic is also serbian

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

There is also a first country west of Serbia. With the same sports genes.

[@pgplaymakerforrb3714]

Serbians are definitely built different

[@vladimirtrifunovic9367]

❤

[@milanognjenovic980]

Serbs* more accurate

[@attysthoughts3253]

slavic@@traytyler9951

[@vukkaiza3992]

Serbians=Spartans

[@disidentkv]

@@traytyler9951 nonsense. DNA analyzes were done on people in the Balkans. There is no Turkish gene among Serbs, which surprised many, but only those who do not know Serbs. At the time when the Turks ruled our territories, the Zane killed the children made by the Turks. So that story doesn't hold water. After all, Turks are dark-skinned, with black eyes. No similarities with the Serbs. Mentally we are as different as a dog and a cat. The only thing left of the Turks in Serbia are certain dishes and certain words. And that is all.

[@AlexGreat87]

Argentinian here: Weirdly enough, in many sports, we have suffered you, and made you suffer. Maybe both of our countries have that in common, that and Emir Kusturica being loved in the underground and artistic circles of Buenos Aires.

[@keltberanski2757]

There is so much similarities between Serbs and Argentina..one of them is that both hate to lose..hot blood is in our veins. Maradona number 1 forever

[@VojvodaSloboda]

Thats very interesting to hear about Kusturica. Also, FK Crvena Zvezda official name of stadium is "Rajko Mitic", but we have always called it as Marakana

[@zikaperic2133]

@@VojvodaSloboda Marakana je u Brazilu, a Brazilici i Argetinci su ko mi i Hrvati, nemoj se blamiras

[@nenadilic7851]

True!

[@bobar84c]

​@@zikaperic2133hrvati i kosarka hahahahahahahh

[@SerbianHistoryX]

I'm Serbian. My wife is Austrian. When there is ANY sport on TV where Serbia is playing, I watch it.. and my wife is always like "oh god.. what is it now? A qualification game of the women's volleyball european championship?" THIS is how much we love sport here :D

[@vwasic]

😂😂😂100% istina!!!

[@MK-es2je]

I WILL GIVE YOU ONE EXAMPLE. MY 82 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER AND MY 65 YEAR OLD MOTHER WATCHING EVERY SINGLE SPORT ON TV.... FOOTBALL ,BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, WATERPOLO,TENNIS, ATHLETICS- YOU NAME IT- THEY ARE IN...❤ MY HUSBAND THAT IS GREEK WAS LAUGHING HIS HEART OUT SEEING THEM CHEERING AND NOT ONLY BIT KNOWING ALL THE RULES OF THE GAMES AS WELL. THAT IS SERBIA. ITS IN OUR BLOOD....❤❤❤

[@stevem4660]

@@MK-es2je I wish that was the case for football, but it really is not in our DNA/Blood at least for football it isn't. Because if it was in our DNA our Football stadiums would be packed full of crowds and its never full. Basketball is something else and i can agree with you on that one.. But Football is a whole different ball game/story.. Without crowds, footballers play like poop, without proper stadiums no motivation etc etc. So while there is a lot of people in Serbia who love sports, football,basketball tennis etc etc. Majority really doesn't give a 💩that is just a fact. Otherwise you would see us in stadiums a lot lot more. For example i live in Australia, and here in Australia no one gives a flying F about Football/Soccer. But their stadiums are always packed no matter what sport.. In Serbia the only time you will see our stadiums get packed is when Zvezda and Partizan play, otherwise no interest. This is very poor for football. If Serbia wishes to progress in football, it should promote football more, and invest it's money in newer and better stadiums etc. Look at Brazilian kids for example how much they love ❤football, that their kids play bare footed on concrete...

[@JimTrussell]

As an American who's great great grandparents came over from Serbia in the 1800s, I too love sports.

[@aleksandars.7782]

Omg, thats a long time ago, bro. Did you visit Serbia, or do you plan to visit?

[@JimTrussell]

@aleksandars.7782 possibly! I know both my uncle and my one aunt have both visited. I live in northeast Ohio. Lots of people of Serbian or Russian decent in Northeast Ohio (or just Eastern European in general) Haha so cool how immigration works on a large scale

[@JimTrussell]

@aleksandars.7782 my great grandmother's maiden name was Trbovich :)

[@aleksandars.7782]

@@JimTrussell So cool bro!!! My past grandfather had an Uncle in US but we never took some contact, would be cool to go to US. Oh i didnt know about Ohio, i knew there are in Chicago a lot of Serbians but i didnt know we are in Ohio also. Hm Trbovic, not a usual surname in Serbia :D

[@BikiG1]

​​​​@@aleksandars.7782Трбовићи су Срби из Лике. Одатле су се селили, махом за Америку, али има их и по Србији, видим, и по Црној Гори (Подгорица, Никшић). Иначе, сад се сетих да је рођена сестра Николе Тесле, Ангелина Тесла, била удата за Трбојевића...

[@bayushisezaru]

As an Italian, where every non-football sport is merely an afterthought of the media system, I can only admire the drive for success in every sport sparking from a country with less than 7 million people! I root for Virtus Bologna, and every Serbian player who wore our jersey has been a stud, or even a true legend like Danilovic or Teodosic! 🤍🖤 Serbia 🇷🇸 is a great country, even beyond sports!

[@Brave2standalone]

Much love to our favorite foreign country of Italy from Serbia!!!

[@MrDuncanquasar]

Also a Virtus fan and have some great Serbian legends, especially Lo Zar!

[@djpunisha29]

I am from Serbia, and I love Italian food, Italian cars and Italian people ❤❤❤

[@stefan2serb]

Of the media system yes but bro Italy is ALWAYS producing world class athletes and teams in every single sport. Serbia is amazing because we are tiny and poor. Somehow we have produced world champions in basketball, 3x3 ball, waterpolo, tennis, volleyball, but you guys produce world and European champions in basically everything. I really respect Italy so much ❤

[@dusanmiljkovic7479]

Thank you 🖤🤍🖤🤍

[@southgooner86]

As a Turk I always got along with Serbs and they are amazing sports players period. Also smart people same with the rest of the Balkans. 💪 respect to all my brothers, sports kills racism/fascism

[@bookinsights1092]

No. In sports you have many ultras and fans that hate other countries.

[@mda990]

lol no we talk about Balkans. nothing would kill racism there. rather racism kills brains there

[@erikk.137]

You have the same DNK...

[@chefFamos]

tatars and charpatians have same DNA

[@gloopdogg1145]

Its sad how people dont know what is Balkan ...Half of Serbia aint on Balkan and one part of Italy is ...

[@NoOne-xu4fw]

I'm Polish, we played them in eybl and u18 European championships, and I also visited basketball camp in Serbia. It was hard to meet these guys. I've always been the player who gave ALL I got on the court and on the practice. My thing, that got me high, despite not enough physical tools and skill at first. I played hard and worked a lot on my game. Or that's what I thought. Seeing kids and young players spending WHOLE DAYS on the gym, watching basketball, stretching, shooting, jumping on rope, doing plyo. Training groups used the court on the campus, practice we got 4 times a day we're really hard. And these guys were staying there, in fuckin 40degree celcius, still working. Just couldn't keep up with this guys, the competition in kids teams there is crazy. Also- coaches there REALLY now basketball. Not just skills with the ball, but everything to become better part of the team. Love this country, I'm planning to visit it after all this years

[@MilosDosen83]

Slavic brother, come and visit you'll have a good time.

[@aleksandars.7782]

I visited Poland 2 times, and i felt like home. Love Poland and Polish people. Regards from Serbia brother!

[@zionistkillingmachine]

Poland and sport hahaaa

[@yemuppet8102]

@@zionistkillingmachine Poles are physically one of the strongest people in the world and very good in many sports, dont be an ignorant fool. This is coming from a Serb.

[@zionistkillingmachine]

like what- serb@@yemuppet8102

[@nedg3740]

Serbs are a very hard working and proud people.

[@stiperados4564]

As a Croat i always cheer for Serbian athletes in every sport. There is something special among Serbs but also other Yugoslavs, not just in basketball but in every sport we take seriously and there is a good amount of sports that we take seriously. Football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, handball, waterpolo, boxing, some athletic disciplines etc. It is crazy to think that small and not so prosperous countries like Croatia and Serbia are always at the top of many sports competing head to head with the best and many times better than them even though we are much smaller and poorer than those countries and invest less. It is something special in the genetics, mentality, history and approach to the sport and winning culture ingrained in the people of ex-Yugoslavia. Always supporting ex-Yu teams and athletes.

[@marcovalentini5741]

Many Serbs supported you in the world cup, including Djokovic.

[@fortitude1208]

And divided! Divide et impera. Ne kaze dzabe

[@aleksandarknezevic6158]

Bravo brate! Mi smo ista genetika.

[@steviechampagne]

Long live Yugoslavia! My genetics are ukrainian and croatian. Very proud of our communities because even though there are many struggles, we survive

[@VojvodaSloboda]

Bro imagine if we had our yugo team now. gold medals, world cups, ballon dors, you name it.... it would all be ours 💪

[@aleksandarbozo1029]

As a Serbian: First of all we are obsessed with 3x3 street Basketball. Courts are everywhere. On every corner. 3x3 is the game you grow up with. You can check this, Serbia has 3x3 national team that is multiple world champions. Then, while you grow up, you are watching national team on television with your entire family. They are heroes. Gods amongst the people. You look up to them and you aspire to be like them one day. As a kid you imagine to play for Partizan or Crvena Zvezda to become a star... but you dream to play for national team - to become immortal.

[@novaknovakovic3050]

6 World gold and 1 silver medal 5 Europe gold and 1 silver Bulut, Majstorović, Stojačić

[@robija21000]

I played every day from maybe 9 years to 19. Every day. Every small 5 min pause in middle school I was running to the basketball court just to shoot a few, and a lot of times I getting late to the next class :)

[@playnatethegreat]

Crvena Zvezda = red star (for those who don't know).

[@zeliospetkoglou1009]

I am Greek and i played basketball as a teen and my team's coach told us that in serbia when the teens are training, the screen (pick) is not allowed so they learn to 1v1 better and seeing the empty spaces for passes. So that's a key role i think in their early training and that's why the become so good. Love Serbia from Greece

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

Yep and coaches here try to teach players from young age to play positionless basketball and thats why you have Jokic a center who is one of the best point guards in the NBA

[@KristupasKersanskas]

I’m a lithuanian international student who’s hanging with basketball players from Serbia/Croatia and you can instantly tell the difference in genetics. There all tall, strong bodies with good basketball IQ. How can you not be elite when you have everything installed in your hardware. Everything that was said in this video I can agree with from talking to them, the mentality, the father/grandfater stories, the teamplay and team spirit. When we sit down together and watch Zvezda play the crazy reactions that I witness reminds me of how passionate I was back when Rytas was in the euroleague. Sports, competing and winning is in their veins, all that I can say!

[@0prissac0]

Serbians are amazing at other sports as well. We have Tijana Boskovic playing Volleyball here in Turkey, and it's a privilage to watch the GOAT. She has an amazing kind, loyal and strong character too, just like Jokic and Djokovic 🇷🇸🇹🇷❤️

[@MarkoVuckovic32]

Your national selection is also very good. Volleyball games against Turkey are always extremely difficult to win but also very entertaining to watch no matter who wins in the end.

[@vukjovanovic4573]

Wow, tnx for mentioning Tijana (women sports) in this segment, but yeah - she's the beast of all the beasts! ❤😂🎉 Honestly, your league made her like that! 🫡 See ya next time! 😉🇷🇸🏆🏐

[@abraxadabra4224]

It's just a sports culture. My exboyfriend from the Netherlands is super into rockclimbing and bouldering so he proposed we watch the Female World Championship together - I was majorly surprised to see Serbia in the world finals with Staša Gejo. I mean, who does bouldering anyways? It was the last sport I'd expect Serbia to be participating in , and yet it's there 😂 We just like sport, in whatever form lol

[@Aetsss8042]

Thanks for mentioning her. Basketball is more popular in Serbia, so they don't mention volleyball and Tijana as much. Of course, we all love her and she is the pride of Serbia! I hope she will win a lot of trophies with Eczacibasi

[@alperabacstudent3093]

main question should be "why serbians are so good at all sports"

[@MrSheduur]

not if you are looking at sport statistics like olympic games and team sports in general... Serbians are surely a sport nation however, that is undeniable.

[@12123188]

Not really..... we're bad at wintersports, athletics except for a few exceptions, we suck at football, Handball et cetera. In tennis there's Djokovic. Without him we would've been ok considering how small of a country Serbia is. Tipsarević being top 10 isn't a bad high 🤷🏼‍♂️ In Basketball we're among the best almost since the beginning and it's the national sport. In waterpolo Serbia is among the world leaders too. But in both we will need at least to continue with getting medals. Its a very long time ago for us to have actually won something. Too long. What else sport is there where Serbia is dominant?

[@tukiran3953]

Not in football boys

[@ivanr.1005]

@@12123188 Winter sports? Tell who cares about them in Serbia? Football, we can be good but criminals are in all clubs. Athletics can be more talents but no money invested there. So yeah, you don't know anything about your own people and country.

[@NikolaJokerMVP15]

We don't suck at football. We won the Under 20 World Cup in 2015. We have been to most World Cups since becoming independent nation. The only World Cup we missed was in 2014. We have an automatic qualifier to Champions League now whoever wins the Serbian league. Vlahovic is one of the best goal scorers in Serie A and Mitrovic is one of the best goal scorers everywhere he plays. We just need to support the national team more than we support Zvezda and Partizan.

[@kaljabacoom]

Totally agree. A famous football player, Sinisa Mihajlovic, once said, 'Even when I play cards with my kids, I tend to win'. It's a kind of mindset built by default.

[@ljiljanabanovic2169]

Why else you are playing? I mean, isn't that the goal? To enjoy, off course, but how can you enjoy if you are not playing for win? If you fake, you cannot feel the joy.

[@FerdiTayfur-ks5bt]

Serbs are great people and fun too. When I moved to Canada from Turkey my first roommate was a Serb. He was a fighter pilot in Serbia and was trying to get his pilot license in Canada. He liked turkish coffee, borek and dolma. After he moved to Alberta and become a cargo pilot.

[@yemuppet8102]

Just don't have the attitude that you are better when you talk to a Serb, be normal and you will easily make friends among Serbs. If you look down on a Serb, you will have a problem, that's for sure. By the way, I was in Turkey, a good experience, honest, hard-working, friendly people who raise hospitality to the highest level.

[@DDtch6669]

Turkish Coffee, Burek and Turkish cakes are the best on this planet. But our Sarma is better than your dolma :D

[@FerdiTayfur-ks5bt]

@@DDtch6669 you mean the one with the grape leaves?

[@DDtch6669]

@@FerdiTayfur-ks5bt With cabbage :D is best, but that one with grape leaves is also ok :)

[@FerdiTayfur-ks5bt]

@@DDtch6669 we have the one with the cabbage as well. That's so yummy :D

[@LatinAmerican77]

As a Greek talking, our Serbian brothers have excelled in many different sports due to the hardships they managed to come through and amazing motivation, sports for them is a way of life.

[@VojvodaSloboda]

We always love our brotherly greek nation

[@aleksa369]

🇬🇷❤🇷🇸

[@SammyG6714]

As a Denverite and longtime Nuggets fan, you can see this Serbian mentality go from Jokic to the rest of the team in all areas. His teammates on the Nuggets fit right in with this philosophy. It's a beautiful culture and I feel so lucky Jokic is leading our team!

[@goranlojancic8420]

Over 50 years ago Aleksandar Nikolic, probably the best and the most influential European coach ever, set up the idea and task to play basketball with 5 players that can play all five positions. Of course, they would have to chose primary skillset on account of their physicality but they will have to set a motion like playmakers, run behind the blocks and execute as guards, spread the court and hit the corners like small forward and have all the necessary skills to work in the paint as power forwards and centres. Once you have that than the only matter that is important is to find the player who is in the best position to score so you are obliged to pass the ball to the most promising position to whoever of your team-mates is in that position. Jokic is not the first player who embodies this ideal but certainly is the most efficient due to his exceptional talent and intelligence. So, what you are watching in Colorado is 50 years old idea in flash and blood.

[@simojovic6358]

Facts bro he is a great leader

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

Yeah and Jokic's leadership its not shouting we are the best or we can do anything, its more quite among themselfs or like when he send text in their group saying something like boys lets give it a push and they are like what 12-2 from then on, regatds to you pal from Serbia

[@MrHideiori]

Сербы - самые добрые, самые душевные ребята. Настоящие братишки.

[@kendallroy29]

They have goats in many sports, Basketball Jokic Volleybol Boskovic tennis Djokovic What a country!

[@miloscekic543]

...athletics (Ivana Španović like world, europe and olipmic winner gold medals),water polo (we were world and European champions countless times), volleyball (we have a handful of medals in the men's and women's national teams), 3X3 basketball, we are the best, for now, evan ZURABI DATUNAŠVILI is Georgian, he won for Serbia many medals, and we hope that he will use his knowledge as a future coach of Serbian children to be successful and give us many medals. :)

[@lazywallstreetnews7234]

Fun fact: San Antonio Spurs head coach and living legend, Gregg Poppovich, is of Serbian descent.

[@OrthoGoth79]

He is a Serb,not Serbian.

[@zoranlatinovic708]

Luka Dončić wink wink…

[@nenad8148]

​@@OrthoGoth79 same thing bro...

[@OrthoGoth79]

@@nenad8148 not the same thing,Serbian must be resident of Serbia,Serb is Serb,whereever he may live.

[@daisakutetta1667]

Idk how that fact is fun but you don’t need to tell us, a lot of people already know that Mf thought he said something new or some shit

[@Augustas-nq2ee]

Serbians are so good just becouse they’re fearless fighters

[@CBFHVP]

The amount of Serbian coaches that work all around the world is also really incredible. From small basketball schools to Nba/Euroleague you can find them almost everywhere.

[@Milossinchubure]

Unfortunately, winning gene is associated with vanity and that is the reason why we don't have such a great coaches any more. Great coaches always took some deputy trainers with modest quality.

[@neopetterson1191]

Watching the Serbian national team for three decades I am still stunned by how many good three point shooters they seem to produce and how good they are at making them at pivotal moments of the game. Mentally though is also something that comes to mind as life is not so easy from a psychological aspect which obviously galvanizes the players. Respect to Serbia raising the bar constantly year after year.

[@adobou4554]

Because Serbians gives everything to proove they are the best in every sports!!! Much respect and love from Greece! Plus i need that jersey xD

[@aleksandars.7782]

YES this is the right answer! :D Thank you Greek brother, love from Serbia!

[@elgenerico1315]

Only football we are absolute shit

[@cane.srbljanovic]

Galis was Serbian. I don't wan to hear a word about it!

[@TheDurlaneze]

Panta mazi!

[@aidan2453]

​@@elgenerico1315because other countries want to win football most other countries care little for basketball bar a minority.

[@dodoinstars]

As a Greek who loves basketball and started watching during the 90's when so many Serbian players and coaches came to play in the Greek league,I understood two things. Coachable pride. They are very proud as people. As a nation. This may seem that it could be a set back as it goes along with what it seems as stubbornness in the eyes of the many but at the same time they are raised to be great individual players in the benefit of the team.

[@milangrujicic4679]

We share that pride aderfe mou.

[@roberto2568]

#WELIKA SRBIJA

[@djpunisha29]

Greeks and Serbians are brothers 💪☦️

[@pointgreece4331]

Thanks brother. We always watch Greek league and admire Pao, Olypiakos, Aris before with Galis who is my all time best player in Europe.

[@milosivanovic606]

Paok partizan same coloures same religion GREEKS ALLWAYS WITH SERBIA ETERIA UNIFIE ALL ORTODOX VS THE WORLD SLAVIC AND HELLENIC GENETICS WILL RULE SERBIA REMEBERS ITS FRIENDS SALUTE TO ALL GREEKS

[@arminkutrucz]

As a Hungarian, i really respect Serbian players and people also. I play basketball in a team which has a coach with Serbian family. Also i have close friends in Belgrade. I cannot say one bad word about them and athletes. We have a National Basketball Academy in Pécs and there are a lot of Serbians and when it comes to pracitice they always go throuh the wall they might not be the most skilled players but they have a motivation that no one else has in Europe but it’s safe to say in the world. So i think it comes down to motivation and as you said desire to win.

[@dusanpantic792]

Well, as a Serbian, I can tell you that it's mainly desire not to lose. It's not giving up thing. That's the strongest feeling. It motivates people in that way.

[@MilosDosen83]

Respect for Lithuanian basketball school. Always playing smart. Greetings from Serbia.

[@lazywallstreetnews7234]

As a Puerto Rican I can absolutely identify with the September 5, 2002 feeling beating the US in the World Cup because just two short years later on August 15, 2004 Puerto Rico would also beat the US team in the Olympics in Athens.

[@user-ls8us2pg5l]

🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@user-by6ri3cu4y]

We also remember Arroyo and Santiago... hell of a players.

[@MK-es2je]

OH .I STILL REMEMBER THAT...💔

[@trig1211]

Serbians have had to deal with a lot of difficult situations throughout history. Difficult circumstances builds a strong character and that combined with the genetics and basketball culture are probably the main reasons why Serbia is so good at basketball.

[@dekitesla9915]

Exactly from the past all we know is war. This has molded our genetics for sports especially Basketball.

[@trig1211]

@@dekitesla9915 I was born 1 year before the war in vukovar 😂

[@vukkaiza3992]

​@@trig1211ja sam rodjen kad je bilo bombardovanje

[@Jsie73bxinu]

I concur with every statement and hold the same beliefs. Slavs are among the world's tallest, strongest, and fiercest people, excluding Scandinavians. Fedor Emelianenko, Mariusz Pudzianowski, Novak Djokovic, Luka Modrić, Nemanja Vidić, Alexander Karelin, Oleksandr Usyk, Alexander Ovechkin, Mirko Filipović, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Moreover, Pistol Pete Maravich, Milan Lucic, Rob Gronkowski, Chuck Bednarik, Kyle Juszczyk, and Chuck Bednarik are some American sports legends with Slavic ancestry.

[@Jsie73bxinu]

Slavs are among the world's tallest, strongest, and fiercest people, with the exception of Scandinavians. Fedor Emelianenko, Luka Modric, Mirko Cro Cop, Oleksandr Usyk, Alexander Ovechkin, Nemanja Vidić, Mariusz Pudzianowski, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Alexsandr Karelin, Novak Djokovic, moreover, prominent American sports legends of Slavic descent include Rob Gronkowski, Kyle Juszczyk, Milan Lucic, Pistol Pete Maravich, and Chuck Bednarik.

[@Johndoe-kw5zr]

I don't know why Serbians are good at basketball but i love their play style with the crazy passes and i need that jersey because Joker is my favorite player, love from Tennessee

[@ChristosBallis]

I literally love the way Jokic shits on the hardcore way Kobe and Jordan used to view the game of basketball, while being so efficient and charismatic!! You gotta love the Joker!

[@emresar6364]

they're chad. I personally admiring and feeling thankful for Serbian professionals who had worked in Turkey. Zeljko, Ivkovic and now Dusan Alimpijevic in my team, Besiktas rocks. Their labour, discipline and benefit is matchless.

[@markopecinovic4475]

The Serbian, Greek, Turkish powerhouses of basketball. Our history runs deep, why not express it through basketball. That's why we have the best matches in the world, when visiting each other. Love to Istanbul, what a beautiful city.

[@bookinsights1092]

@@markopecinovic4475 Turks are not powerhouse of basketball.

[@fringe_minority]

They're Chad?

[@steviechampagne]

@@bookinsights1092not yet! Sengun is about to put Turkey on the map

[@jooch2050]

Darko Miličić😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@timax4114]

Cheers from Serbia brothers! I love Lithuania, huge respect for your basketball school.

[@spacesandy3410]

These comments are so heartwarming. It's rare to see our country get this much love, especially in a single comment section. So thank you for your kind words, everyone - I think I really speak on behalf of most Serbs when I say that no word goes unappreciated ❤

[@Gledamsve100]

Don't forget that Luka Doncic is also Serbian player ( He is son of Sasha Doncic ), Serbs from Kosovo, Serbia. He is born in Slovenia, and plays for their national team. ( Fan of Red Star - Belgrade )

[@TwistedFateism]

It is not uncommon to come from "mixed" marriage in Slovenia. My father is Slovenian and my mother is Serbian. I am bilingual. I was born in Ljubljana and live here for most of my life. I am lucky and proud to have this kind of mixture in my life. I just find it stupid to claim somebody like that.

[@Gledamsve100]

kzbin.infobZcwc8-2hvk?t=9&feature=share

[@kritikalmess5907]

​@@TwistedFateism no claim is necessary, the man's name is Luka Doncic it doesn't get much more Serbian than that. He is just as much a Serb as he is a Slovene.

[@zionistkillingmachine]

Trust me bro, he is much more Slovenian then Serbian!@@kritikalmess5907

[@Irena1106]

​@@TwistedFateism I agree with you on the claiming part...Luka is part Slovenian and part Serbian, but Luka's dad was a basketball player. The love and I guess the talent for the sport came from him.

[@markedone8160]

Great video! These are all good reasons that explain why Serbians are so good at basketball. And as a Greek basketball fan, I have nothing but respect and appreciation for them. As far as Im concerned here in Europe, they ARE basketball

[@markopecinovic4475]

Hey, Greeks are pushing the limit in basketball this last decade. Respect to our Greek brothers, any competition makes us both better. After being around the world , living in 4 continents, Greece is still my favorite country, and I literally dream of it when I am lucky. Cant wait to make it back from Canada.....too cold here...

[@alexkirgios3896]

I am a balkan also (greek) and i have to say that serbians has more concentration and motivation to sports and the way of their lives gives them a scope that being successful in sports gives them a better life.

[@slobodanpuzic3648]

Brother,you just hit the bullseye,that is so true,but actually kind of sad.Sport is kind of more fair than life(reallity) is.

[@Nekss97]

Serbians are so good because they are taught fundamentals of the sports and how to play as a team 🇷🇸

[@ramonesporas9540]

Here in my country the Philippines a baskeball crazy country always look up to the Americans but my pops always have his story about yugoslavia,serbia and lithuania as the real powers if the game

[@gaborvago4581]

I missed only one thing from the formula: the peer-pressure. I had a culture shock as hungarian basketball player in high school , when we went to Serbia to play a friendly match. My chemistry teacher gave me the worst score due to the fact I missed the test bacause of the game. Meanwhile in Serbia the whole school, hundreds of students, watched our match and cheered the local team. I've learnt that the support of their peer-community and the school system for the sportsmen is a main factor in their success. When you are the coolest teenager if you are in the winning team, every guy wants to be in the team.

[@warhund]

I use to play football for the local club and we had a talented generation, most talented in history of our town. All of the players got better grades and could make their school schedule to better match the club needs. Why? Everybody, from the school cleaning ladies up to the principal supported the local clubs and comunity and sports in particular. Sport is considered a healthy way of life, good for the body and the mind. On the other hand if you are seen smoking or drinking, cursing or fighting on the street, you are in a lot more trouble than your peers that are not into sports. Small town with population of 3000 people, around 18 thousand with surrounding villages, and every village had a football club, and the town a bigger one. We also had a good basketball club, voleyball club, handball club, karate club, power lifting and body building club, table tennis section, chess club.. Sorry to say it is on a big decline in the last 20 years, mostly due to the lack of funds and smaller population. People are moving out and mostly leaving to go to western europe.. My town's primary school now has 350 kids, while 25 years ago it had 750. This has caused many clubs to stop functioning (handball, voleyball is all gone, while basketball just has a youth club and no seniors) or to just work on a smaller and more amateur scale, like chess or football. Serbia is still having good results from the remains of the old Yugoslavian system of sports and education, but that system is dying.. infrastructure is decayed and the implemented rules have been slowly changed.. Now it is just a shadow of its old self.. I dont think the future will be very bright for our sports.

[@fortitude1208]

@@warhundyep. Thats American sistem too, but also we simple Love to wining

[@inconjugable]

It's not just that. Ever since the 90s, we've been really good. Mostly hah. Anyway, it's cool because we actually won those World and European championships and stuff, so you need to sorta replicate it at school. It was the best social status catalyst, and still is. As I said above, even the nerds know how to at least catch and shoot. It's just a necessity. There are few free basketball courts in Serbia during the day at any given time.

[@tenesol]

My bro, Serbia and some other Balkan countries, give sports too much relevance and spotlight. Science is so much more important. So many smart people and others seeking better education now have to leave the Balkans because nobody cares about them.

[@warhund]

@@tenesol Important for mankind, not for the individual. When you think of Tesla, Pupin or Milankovic (among many) they were not rich men. For most, they werent even that famous during their lifetime. They have brought huge progress for the entire mankind but most benefit out of all that went into pockets of wealthy westerners while them and their families did not have much and Serbia sure didnt have any benefit out of it. So fuck mankind. You can make your own discoveries from now on.. see how that works out for you. Meanwhile our people will look for more imediate gains and wait on your discoveries and just have them for free or little to no cost, like you have AC or internet or telephone.. And if I was a young man today, again I wouldnt pursue science and lifetime of hard work for a mediocre lifestyle but rather than that would seek out something that pays better and has a larger upside. Imagine, one mediocre football player that never played for his national team and is a bench warmer for most of his life, playing in a mediocre league for a mediocre team anywhere in Europe or Saudi or China or wherever they pay only decent wages, will make more money by the age of 30 than any of the top 100 scientiest in the history of mankind have until the end of their lives. Hell if he is just a bit good and has the fortune to land 1 good contract he just might make more money than those scientists combined. I will drop a name, Martial. That dude has so far made more money than Einstein, Tesla and Stephen Hawking combined and then times 2 or 3.. That is without sponsorship deals.. And the guy is a bum. Any championship(english second tier league) player, any, who plays there for 7-8 years, will make more money than Hawking did in his entire lifetime. Let that sink in. So no wonder why kids think, let me eat today, let me support my family, let me make generational wealth. I wont mention western girls and a certain website where one image of their naked ass surpasses yearly earnings of any scientist in the world today. So yeah, our young leave.. but those in sports leave first. Scientist much less and for much less.

[@roronoazorro9509]

Coach Deki. RIP Big fella

[@grim6762]

Wow, I always get chills when I see that video of basketball players and Novak Djokovic together crying... Because of guys like them and great history I'm proud to be from Serbia 🇷🇸♥️

[@Ognjanovicm]

Serbs are raised in a warrior culture. They approach the sports stadiums in the same way as gladiators once entered the Roman arenas and play defense with the same intensity and ferocity once the knights guarded battlefields. At heart, Serbs and Spartans are alike. From an early age, sport teams perfect the kid’s natural talent with the skills in the same way Spartans raised their youth. But be aware that Serbian sports culture is not about fighting and domination, but about defending the ground and sacrificing for the team. It is about giving service to the fellow countryman, and community it represents, inspired by the pure love of the competition and desire to win. Thank you for a beautiful video. Aloha from a former Serb athlete.

[@robija21000]

Bullseye my man! ;)

[@maticdragan93]

Much respect and love for Lithuanian basketball but also in general :) From Serbia with love!

[@romanmetz]

Their competitive spirit is the key. Winning is a must, they are not there to play but to win. They all have that Mamba mentality.

[@nenadpopov3601]

Wow, good read dude.

[@srdjanobradovic9382]

Right, Mamba!!!! I do not care if anybody likes me, just want to beat everybody and score despite evererybody wants me to miss.

[@robija21000]

Nope :) Mamba had a Serbian mentality ;)

[@Bogdan031]

Its interesting that mamba had some cus words and used them often during games, he had learned them from Vlade Divac. You have videos on youtube titled Kobe speaking serbian lol... Cheers

[@Razor_Burn]

Big respect to this channel for embracing Serbian basketball as you guys do an amazing job so thank you!

[@robertpatrick6848]

Dejan Bodiroga 's game was visionaere ! His technique and pure talent was 25 years ahead in advance. Stepbacks, multiple crossover dribbles ...he s my favorite ! Sex Droga y Bodiroga ❤

[@kostasmitz]

They win because they know how to do it and they aren't afraid of anybody

[@dominusetdeus2405]

Once Nikola Jokic said about us Serb's that we dont like basketball, we love winning... And its true, and all coming from our passion, passion is everything.... You the best BasketNews!!!

[@goranlojancic8420]

Jokic is talking shit. People want to win in every aspect of life but it is not coincidental that we continuously manage only in basketball and few other things.

[@Dotalol123]

@@goranlojancic8420 Nije tacno, sve je covek u pravu! Gledaj komentare na portalima posle svake utakmice bilo kog sporta, kad pobede hvale, kada izgubimo pozivaju na linc od trenera do igraca, pola Srbije nije znalo sta je tenis pre Novaka Djokovica, a sada svi prate, tako da nemoj molim te...

[@LP12BZ]

As Italian, I am proud to win all the last match against Serbia. Serbian helped us to take out our best. That doesn’t mean that we are better, but only that you gave us inspiration. Italian-Serbian brotherhood 🇮🇹🇷🇸

[@robija21000]

I must admit that was a good wins for you. Made me very unhappy at those moments, but I can only congratulate honestly

[@NagokiL]

They play so "they" can win, not so "I" can win. Even in Tennis, an individual sport, they play for others, for their families, for the children. "Assists make two people happy, points just make one (person) happy"

[@igneous28]

There is something Mr. Stojković forgot to mention. There is a Serbian word called "INAT", and the closest English translation to it is "SPITE, SPITEFULLNESS". There is even a well known joke among the Serbs saying:"How do you put ten Serbs in one phone booth? - The answer is: Tell them they can't do it. This is the whole essence, perseverance and focus on the end result. Best regards from Prijedor, Republika Srpska!

[@doolioart3314]

Spite is just one component of inat:) Spite is often petty, which inat can be, but doesn't have to be. That's why inat is actually a very complex sentiment. It's a mix of spite, stubbornness, pride and several other ingredients mixed into one.

[@zt8417]

Ne nasjedaj na gluposti/ To uopste nije INAT . To ide na ruku neprijateljima Srbije i Srba uopste. Nismo mi neka zatucana plemena iz turskog doba , To je zelja za pobjedom , sto svaki narod ima , niko ne zeli izgubiti. To je u stvari WINNING MENTALITY, koji je kod Srba ili uopste i kod balkanskih naroda malo izrazeniji , zbog nase psihofizicke konstitucije .

[@aleksandars.7782]

@@zt8417 Nisi ti upoznao druge narode onda. Ko njih ide ona "vazno je ucestvovati". Winning Mentality je jedno, ako prevedes na nas znaci Pobednicki mentalitet. A mi pricamo o Inatu. Mesas babe i zabe jer se inat ne koristi samo da bi pobedio kao sto ti kazes.

[@razvanmerce]

Ah, the mystique of Serbian prowess in the realm of basketball! It's a tale woven with threads of selflessness, a pinch of Nikola Jokic's magic, and a hearty dose of that unmistakable Serbian flavor - a culture of winning that courses through their veins like a finely aged rakija. Firstly, let's talk about Nikola Jokic, the maestro of the hardwood. The man's got the vision of an eagle and the generosity of a grandma with a never-ending pot of chicken soup. His selfless mentality is not just a mere facet of his game; it's a cultural statement. Jokic's basketball wizardry is like a symphony where each pass is a note in a harmonious composition, and his teammates dance to the rhythm of his unselfish play. It's contagious, this selflessness, spreading through Serbian basketball like a wildfire of altruism. Now, let's dive into the cultural cauldron that is Serbia. Picture this: you're born in a country where winning is not just an option; it's a way of life. From the cradle, Serbians are infused with a competitive spirit that makes winning as natural as breathing. It's not about ego; it's about pride. This winning culture is not a mere tradition; it's an heirloom passed down through generations, like a basketball bouncing seamlessly from one hand to another. The Serbian spirit on the court is akin to a caffeinated mix of passion and determination, with a dash of stubbornness for good measure. When they step onto the court, it's not just a game; it's a manifestation of national pride. The heart of Belgrade beats in every dribble, every pass, and every slam dunk. It's not just about the NBA; the EuroLeague and FIBA bow before the might of Serbian basketball. The Serbian players are like a formidable army of skilled warriors, armed with three-pointers and fast breaks. It's a spectacle that combines the precision of a Swiss watch with the flair of a Serbian folk dance. And let's not forget the undeniable charm of Serbian humor. In the face of adversity, they don't just dribble past it; they do a behind-the-back, no-look pass and leave adversity scratching its head. The ability to find humor in the toughest situations is not just a coping mechanism; it's a superpower. It's the kind of humor that transforms a missed shot into a setup for a future victory. So, why are Serbians so good at basketball and sports, in general? It's a symphony of talent, selflessness, a culture steeped in victory, and a generous sprinkle of Serbian wit. When you see a Serbian player on the court, it's not just an individual; it's an embodiment of a nation's spirit, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the belief that winning isn't just a goal - it's a way of life.

[@user-cm6wm9fq5l]

Wow 👏👏👏

[@goddaybearovic]

Odakle si prijatelju da šaljem rakiju??

[@markom.6181]

Give the man that jersey.

[@drixcel2741]

chat gpt

[@loadedmusic3192]

Awesome post! Amazing!

[@zikaperic2133]

Brothers from Lithuania 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@DeeDeex007o]

❤❤

[@edinlubura3829]

I was born and raised in Serbia. As a child, I believe I was around 5 or 6 when my grandfather took me to my first basketball training. He handed me the ball and demonstrated how to make shots. I recall playing football every morning and basketball every evening as a child, growing up on courts near our house. Everything after that is now history. I played in Serbia, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, but I never pursued a professional career as I decided that science was my path. During my two years in college in Turkey, I played American Football alongside basketball. My routine consisted of attending training sessions whenever I wasn't studying. Today, I work as an engineer in highway construction, building bridges and roads. However, when I hear the sound of a basketball hitting the ground, I momentarily forget about my job and long to relive those carefree moments of my youth, making a few more shots for old times' sake. In my life, I have visited more than 40 countries and played with people from all over the world. Yet, never have I witnessed the intense drive to win that runs in our blood. In our country, there were two paths for a young person to choose from. One was the path of sports, where one could shape themselves as an athlete, cultivating values through fair play and hard work. The other was the path of criminal activities, earning money through illicit means. Perhaps now you can better understand why we excel in sports; it's ingrained in our way of life. Greetings from Serbia. Great video, by the way! :)

[@vesnajelovac3951]

Nije lepo da tako pises o svojoj zemlji! Ipak postoji i treci put, pa sam si otisao u inzenjere.

[@belgradegirl8.833]

Limited minds like yours don't know there is a third way? And even the fourth? 80% of us in Serbia are proof of that third time, and you to, you became an engineer . It's no wonder that foreigners are amazed when they visit Serbia, because they expected the worst. It's not just a problem in the American media, the problem is in fake Serbs who hate their own blood. I btw never heard of a Serb named Edin Lubura. But I understand the complexes and false representation of former Serbs . Bljucnem ti i na ime i prezime i na familiju Edine fejkaro.

[@belgradegirl8.833]

@@vesnajelovac3951 Veliko je pitanje koliko je Srbija njegova zemlja, po imenu i prezimenu tesko, ovo su kompleksi komsiluka

[@dim2108]

@elovac3951 Pretpostavljam da je čovek mislio na izbor između sporta (ne nužno profesionalnog) i vrednosti koje nosi sa sobom i ulice i njenih "vrednosti". Ako si pažljivo čitala, ni on nije završio kao profesionalni košarkaš, ali ga je sport u mladosti usmerio ka ispunjenom životu. Sve što je napisao zvuči krajnje iskreno i dobronamerno. Pozdrav!

[@krzysztofkaplinski8603]

Serbians are so good at basketball because (Apart from your arguments) of combination of balkan weather making them hot tempered and hard history making them obsessed with proving themselfs they are better. Slava Srbiji brate! 🇷🇸 & 🇵🇱 💪🏼

[@Lilbruda2321]

I am from Serbia and the main key for success in basketball is that you need to be called Nikola.Everything else (hard work,determination,bb iq)is optional.

[@mitchyoung93]

@milosjankovic And if basketball doesn't work out, there's always electrical engineering.

[@bigo4229]

Nikola Nikolic then will be the GOAT 😃

[@corenko]

@@mitchyoung93 Underrated joke

[@miljanmatovic880]

Ahahahaha 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nikolak1337]

My name is Nikola, and I can confirm this statement.

[@predragmijailovic7098]

Dok bude ljubavi prema sportu i strasti prema pobedi. Dok je tim na prvom mestu, protivnik se poštuje ali se od njega nikada ne strahuje. Dok se i dalje na terenu budemo igrali i uživali. Dok reprezentacija bude san svih koji su bar jednom šutnuli na koš. Do tada biće još puno košarkaške magije sa ovih prostora!

[@juboypailano9984]

Serbians are good at basketball because they are well disciplined, they are respectful and most of all they are very humble! Being humble and respectful will always lead to a positive outcome in becoming a better human being.

[@nenadzivic2457]

well put mate, well put.

[@Thurokiir1]

Serbians are so good because of Serbia. Thinking about those celebrations for their heros, the work, humble nature and desire to make everyone proud and win at all costs comes much easier. When your "team" culture is a countries culture, it's hard to lose.

[@FekalistaGrzybowory-lz8lh]

I would say that almost all countries of former Yugoslavia are strenght in sports. Basketball, football, volleyball. And I am saying it as a Pole. Pozdrawiam serdecznie

[@lawsonwilfrid3312]

As French, I think serbian are the best basket player in the world (even before usa) if you think about height, skills, iQ in connection with the number of people in the country... My Dream was to see dream team against the ex yougoslavie player ( Kukoc, Divac, petrovic....)

[@empoweredwithiggy]

I am Serbian and all I remember as a kid was watching Yugoslavia play basketball. For us there is a sense of pride playing for the national team there is a lot of history there and big shoes to fill and past history and success to remain and uphold. When I grew up on the streets you had basketball shirts of Djordjevic Obradovic Bodiroga Danilovic Divac Stojakovic I was born in 1985 so I am of that generation. My dad played basketball and he would talk about Kicanovic Dalipagic Korac Pesic so you grow up into that there is a sense of history and success there and it’s passed on through generations. This is something my dad was proud of and he passed it onto me this sense to remain the best in the world for Yugoslavia at that time. This sense of wanting to compete at the international level and show everyone together why we are the best and why our basketball is the best while having the past basketball players to honour and respect in our hearts. Players coming today and 10 years ago they have some impressive shoes to fill and results to look up to and role models to follow and there is huge respect for people who came before them and there is a sense of honour to continue that legacy. We were always more successful in Basketball yet gave more attention and money and detail to football where we had far less success. Kids are playing basketball everywhere after school on the concrete courts 3v3 and the main focus has always been playmaking passing and playing together and shooting. I grew up my dad throwing flashy passes playing together as a team and being a sharp shooter that was the emphasis. The main focus is team is better than individual and we play together if as a kid when we play 3v3 and you playing iso basketball alone being selfish kids didn’t like that and wasn’t part of our culture and values as a basketball nation. It’s very important to talk about our culture and values for our nation because that’s what makes us who we are and those values and culture has been passed onto generations. All these basketball players like Bogdanovic Micic Bjelica Jokic Jovic they grow up in the environment and culture that I’m talking about driven by those same values I just spoke about. And in that culture with those values you are in a very inspiring environment where you are constantly motivated to be successful and have something empowering to stride towards it’s an honour to play basketball for Yugoslavia at that time and Serbia now. This was my experience and I’m 39 years old now and been around basketball since I can remember.

[@MrDuncanquasar]

Even here in NW Indiana/Chicago area we have a lot of Serbs and they are good at hoops too. I used to play with some in a Serbian league around Chicago area. I was the one non-Serbian they allowed per team. haha Same also in this area for Lithuanians as well.

[@yanthraxAFK]

They’ve proved on multiple world stages that they are a region with the passion, the physique, and the competitive drive for the sport. Their adaptability to how the sport is played across every generation is a testament to their success.

[@manolisvl46]

As a Greek pressed like and watched all the ads for this video(that was for the jersey)....And yeah I agree Serbia has the perfect storm elements you described.

[@tevebox-do9sk]

To get the answer to this question, I recommend you watch the movie "Nebeska udica" (Sky Hook). It is a story about the difficult period that the Serbian people went through in 1999, and the film features, beside main casts, Aleksandar Đorđević, Željko Rebrača, Dejan Bodiroga and Željko Obradović. The story follows a team from the neighborhood, whose basketball court is bombed, and they rebuild it and play basketball and defy the enemy.

[@robija21000]

Not a bad movie. Recommend for anyone interested in Serbia and basketball :)

[@VidekanicMarko]

That game against USA on 5th September I didn't watch. 😄I mean, not live but later when I woke up I watched replay. I was 14 years old back then. On the matchday my father asked me if I want from him to wake me to watch the game, I told him of course it's a must to watch it. He quietly woke me and told me game is about to start. I sat on bed and said ''I'll be there in a moment'' and I had put my head on pillow and fell asleep and he didn't want to wake me up again. In the morning he went to work and when I woke up I found a little piece of paper on the table on which he wrote ''USA - YUG 78-81'' and I started to jump and yell like a little monkey. I will never forget that morning and that joy and I hope my people will see our national team crowned as champions in the near future.

[@vojinknezevic1770]

Ti si jedan od malobrojnih koji nisu gledali,ali dobro,radovao si se.

[@robija21000]

Sjajna prica brate :)

[@Brave2standalone]

Don't forget that both, Luka Doncic and legendary late Drazen Petrovic's fathers were Serbian; Pistol Pete Maravich was also Serbian! At the same time, let's not forget the Harlem Globetrotters who toured Yugoslavia during the 1950's and exposed American style of playing with virtuosity and creativity to Yugoslavian basketbal players and fans. It was inspirational and had changed our approach to basketball completely - every player wanted to be a "Harlemovac"!!!

[@MisterCrookedNose]

Petro was unbelievable

[@gurcanzarathustra554]

Genetics and guidance with correct education during childhood. Children of families who immigrated from Yugoslavia have a significant impact on the development of basketball in Turkey.

[@perperius4714]

Even Gregg Popovich have Serbian origin.

[@Aronny.]

Saša Dončić (Lukas father) is not serbian but his father was (Lukas grandfafher).

[@bobar84c]

​@@Aronny.a sta mu je tata marsovac?

[@rafaellariosa4815]

Love from the Philippines man! Love your content!

[@a_l_e_k_sandra]

When I was kid, I was taught to think of a basketball game as it was a chess game. I remember my gym teacher saying "first this" and explaining strategy, team roles, collab, tactics, a little bit of how to execute the plan physically and the most important lesson was "the team is one". Take into consideration that I am a woman and I was never interested in playing basketball outside of my gym class, but I took all those lessons and applied them to other fields of interest, like lab work as a university researcher.

[@geoDaddy.]

in Finland we have this thing called SISU. which means Extraordinary determination, courage and resoluteness in the face of extreme adversity. An action mindset which enables individuals to reach beyond their present limitations, take actions against all odds and transform barriers into frontiers. Serbians in sports have this aswell, but on crack. Willpower and determination, and of course they all despise losing more than anything!

[@MarkoPolo1810]

It’s called “INAT”

[@srbinsrbijanac]

И ми волимо добру СИСУ!

[@uvajzadunjeutuzakinje]

​@@MarkoPolo1810better "prkos" which means same, but serb origin word...

[@TheINDIJANAC]

Kurčenje@@uvajzadunjeutuzakinje 😁

[@nenadzivic2457]

saw the movie, looked a lot like our ways of dealing with "them" things. cheers!

[@MrSheduur]

I love how he mentioned "fanatical desire", because this is 100% true. All the serbians I ever played with or against are FULLY committed to winning at all costs, even if crossing the line of unsportsmanship behaviour. There is no quit in them :D

[@davinnicode]

It comes with mother milk

[@lukabeograd]

Because we were attacked in wars so many times, and yet we still exist on our land. We needed to have that much desire to win, in order to survive.

[@goranristic5651]

You could say that: victory... or death 🤣

[@AGoat1971]

In the only sport that really matters to them (soccer/football) they are such losers though. Especially in comparison to their superior Croatian brothers.

[@igorbgd0113]

As a kids in 80's in Belgrade we played outside street basket (3x3) even in the rain, you can only imagine how dirty we were after that. In school sport class , when a teacher asked what do you want to do , majority wanted you know what. In school every class had at least 5 players and we had Basketball school competitions and if in class was somebody who is real training basketball we made a tactics how to stop him. Also I have transferred that basketball love to my son who plays U16 in Germany. I love this podcast ,Greetings From Germany

[@isandic]

One argument is very important... throughout history, over the centuries, located in a very important geopolitical and geostrategic spot in Europe, torn between Eastern and Western empires/religions, the Serbian people never gave up the fight for their freedom (even nowadays), developed a fighting spirit in themselves, learned to survive and never gave up. We lost the best of us in those battles, but we never forget their eternal glory. One slogan that we used in the difficult times of war could explain much more: For the country and our homeland, in fight for victory and eternal glory in the heavens.

[@robija21000]

More guys who understand the most important factor :) Bullseye, my man

[@nikolaaksentijevic9241]

The thing about Serbian wining mentality goes even further, outside of sports or any competition. When you look back throughout the history, Serbia has been on the wining side in both WWs, has fought it's own way to freedom against the Otoman empire, been bombed by the NATO and has never stoped believing that better things are coming tomorrow. From that you can take that in Serbia winning is not a matter of will, it's a matter of life or death and when your fathers or uncles or grandpas have been to war multiple times, and when they tell you a story how they defended their country with their own lives, you can't develop anything but a insane winning mentality that impacts anything you do in life.

[@belosevickris3379]

Exactly, it is no trivial matter, if you want to live you have to win

[@fortitude1208]

And most important the Battle of Kosovo where we all died with our King and the Otoman sultan died(only time in history of Otoman Empery).. so its not about win its about you give everithing you got its for glory, for Kingdom of Heaven.

[@federicococchi9608]

Serbians are so good at sports because their mentality of winning, working hard and fighting against adversities. Serbia players are unselfish, because they play for the team. The sport culture is different: the whole country supports his team in national competitions. Everyone is so passionate to basketball. Also the school of basketball are élite level, which each player must work hard and do his best for the team.

[@jewmaxin1984]

Every point you made fit Jokic perfectly. He's such a team first guy and prides himself as Denver's 7 foot point guard. Dude makes sure all his teammates are involved and trusts them all, as cool as he is he will though hold others accountable as he would himself to a higher standard. Works hard, all his teammates love and respect him and it's that whole dynamic wrapped up that carried them to Denver's first NBA championship last year and maybe another this year. He's been good for Denver as the city has been good for him. Fortunate to have him.

[@pseudonymless]

Serbian basketball is a symphony of triumph, a melody that crescendos with the echoes of a nation's indomitable spirit. On the court, players are not mere athletes; they are custodians of a legacy, weaving through defenses like the heroes of old. The net becomes a portal to history, where each shot is a chapter, and every victory is a resounding anthem that honors the struggles of a resilient people.

[@robija21000]

Quality words :) You are doing some writing?? (writer, copywriter, journalist?).

[@LukaMijajlovic-fl3ni]

I am trully proud to be Serbian

[@DeeDeex007o]

Even if I'm not so good at Basketball... Like not at all... Not to save my life.

[@ririnho91]

Two important things that were not mentioned, but are huge factors in the mix of things are PRIDE and “SERBIAN SPITE”. Everyone who has spoke with a Serbian knows how proud a Serbian is. And “SERBIAN SPITE” - sticking it to the man attitude is like NOS in Fast and Furious. :)

[@grandmastersreaction1267]

I was going to say exactly this. The desire to win comes from our pride and spitefulness.

[@axel995r]

Yup, this is a veeeeery big motivator...like our players will give their 100% to win for their nation, hooowever, they will give 200% to make sure a full arena of opposing fans have to go back home looking like someone just pissed in their cereal and that most of the western world who wants us to lose doesn't get the satisfaction lol.

[@MarkoPolo1810]

Serbian Spite = ZA INAT

[@AGoat1971]

Serbians are a proud people. Their pride at building a backward nation with minimal national accomplishments is admirable.

[@nkotur]

​@@AGoat1971We actually changed the world and you know it. Much love 😘

[@tommartin8934]

No mention of their absolute domination in 3x3?