Who is The Best Setter in D1 Men's Volleyball

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Simeon Nikolov Button >

[@orangefroggo552]

The fact that Nikolov is young, creative, phyisically superior, and has FUN with his game is what separates him from everyone else. I think he will be the best setter of all time.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He is one of the most well rounded setters I’ve seen in awhile. We’ll see how high he can take those skills.

[@angelynnezhu8607]

actually so excited to watch this season play out with so many standout newcomers

[@mitchsterkenburg]

One of the better seasons to look forward to in quite some time.

[@yashA.456]

Rowan isn't bad at all, if it wasn't for Nikolov joining the D1 Mens Volleyball scene he would 100% be the best. However Nikolov is just way more consistent and also comes in clutch to take over a game for a couple points when he wants to. With Rowan I already experienced a bit of choking in big time games, but that was also 1 or 2 years ago already so maybe that did get better. Tbh when it comes to the matchup of their teams it's gonna be all about the hitters and reception being better/worse. The difference in these two is so diminishable it's not really worth it to make it a talking point. You can definitely make it a talking point that both of these are super good at what they do, but you can't win alone as Setter, you need good reception and hitters which is what people looking at the matchup should ALWAYS focus on.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I am with you on almost everything you said. Just starting to drive this narrative as we get closer to the season because I think these two teams will be the focal points and these two players the most important. Agreed there's a lot more to winning and losing than who the setter is - but these two put their teams in a position to win better than anyone. I think it's hard to ignore Nikolov's 6'9 frame and capability, but Rowan also has some attributes about him that set him apart from other setters. We'll see who gets the best of one another when they face off.

[@yashA.456]

@@mitchsterkenburg I think the most trivial factors for both Teams/Players are as follows: - Nikolov is a new guy on the squad, but the whole rest of the squad is pretty much the same except for like Mason Briggs, but they still have the same core of hitters IIRC. So it's up to him how fast he can adjust to an already working system and maybe even elevate it with his arguably better frame and more talent than Rowan. - For Rowan this year it's gonna be about finding his new go to guys, people like Ethan and David (not sure who left, can't find updated squad lists for both teams sadly so sorry if I'm talking doodoo here LOL) aren't there anymore and it's definitely on him and his experience in NCAA tournaments to make his hitters succeed. I think Rowans task is a lot harder than Nikolov this year, also with a new coach. I'd predict that A LOT of stuff for UCLA may change this year, gonna be a hard season to fight for the title definitely. So if I had to pick a favorite so early I'd say LBSU is about to crush the League, but UCLA might surprise. Definitely cheering for UCLA imo, just love their jerseys, their playstyle the last years and it's always fun to root for the underdog isn't it? LBSU always seemed to much "business" about volleyball IMO.

[@behappy6215]

I disagree with this. No one's good at choking than LBSU. Remember last year's finals? 😂 LBSU's coach will always find a way to screw them up. For Rowan, he has Cooper, Rama, and Ido at his disposal. UCLA got lucky coz they found a legit libero as a walk-on. Cam Thorne might be enough to fill Merrick's presence. 😊 This year's gonna be fun.

[@chantillystreet7239]

the thing is nothing can really be 100% said becuase nikolov really hasnt played any amazing competition in the ncaa a real setting except for maybe stanford. I think everyone is kinda forgetting that the hitters on the bulgarian national team are also some of the best in the world so it may be an adjustment with siapanis and other hitters at LBS

[@yashA.456]

@@behappy6215 Oh you're FOR SURE right brody, LBSU has lost way more finals that they actually should have won in the past, that's definitely true and also hilarious in hindsight. But tbh I feel like someone like Nikolov also has the potential to speak up when the Coach is doing doodooshit. Just as a reminder, dude played in Bulgaria at the age of 15-17 with the Squad of full grownups that the Brothers Dad was coaching and they were very succesful. If someone has the balls to speak up when mistakes are being made, it's him.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Andrew Rowan button >

[@pleasebitt]

Nikolov literally carries Long Beach it isn't even close. At UCLA everyone performs at a high level, not taking anything away from Rowan. It is the fact that Nikolov can literally make the terrible passes into absolute dimes is that is amazing.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

How about this hypothetical, what if Rowan and Knipe are switched are setters on UCLA and Long Beach last year? My points is that I think their rosters talent wise and not equal but comparable. I don't think Rowan should be penalized for being on a great team when all he did was go out and perform. I think Nikolov can do a lot for LBSU, but I think Rowan is right there with him in his impact.

[@yessum44]

Nikolov is the best player in all of D1 and I don’t even think it’s close. He’s a pro playing with amateurs.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He's a pro - but you look at the top 5 teams in D1, and there are a lot of pros. Every single graduate from LBSU and UCLA last year is playing professional this year. So while they might not have played pro ball before, there's elite talent in the field.

[@youthought1343]

Part of what makes ncaa exciting is that its a glimpse of our national team future. While I appreciate Nikolov’s play, we need players like Rowan for the future

[@MrLambo559]

Yeah and sadly we are in a huge domestic talent decline in the NCAA

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Absolutely, the best players in the NCAA show us what we're about to see later on which is an exciting preview.

[@dariann]

Rowen was the best but Nikolov outclasses everyone

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Do you think Nickolov is enough to take down UCLA?

[@dariann]

@ i think it depends on LBSU improving in serve receive

[@JamesMartinTan]

I think the title was supposed to be, “Why Simeon Nikolov is a 19% better setter than Andrew Rowan” 😂

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Trying to be unbiased here where I can - but you know me well.

[@sdsat30]

Great video, both are great setters. Nikolov looks a little more complete than Rowan (better server, blocker, and hitter imo). I really like his "Red" tempo set and his hand placement seems a little more consistent than Rowan (Middles are going to have problems reading it). It almost seems that his teammates are too slow for Nikolov. Rowan may be a little better out of system, but I haven't seen enough from Nikolov in this area. I look forward to seeing these giants face off during the season.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Definitely too giants. I think they both have their strengths and few weaknesses. We’ll see who performs better when the lights are bright and the game is on

[@dariann]

@@sdsat30 nikolov a crazy red ball

[@stainless7950]

I cant think of any teams that are better than UCLA/LBSU. But I do really like watching GCU, Stanford, and UCI with Henno. Those 3 teams and some other wild cards can give number 1 and 2 a run for their money.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Definitely some wild card that can make things interesting down the stretch, remember, LBSU almost lost to GCU last year in the semis before a reverse sweep kept their hopes alive. I think there's room for some upsets down the stretch if they progress.

[@johnneville1760]

GCU lost so many players. Not sure what their next class looks like, but their roster was devastated.

[@AlbertPeterson-bp7lk]

Lol ever since those exhibition videos dropped of Nikolov, everyone’s been heavily glazing him none stop in tiktok comments and even here 💀

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Not often do you get a generational player like Nikolov, I don’t think you’re wrong per se. but you have to acknowledge he’s the biggest hype this sport has seen in awhile.

[@bryanc8637]

This glaze is insane

[@mitchsterkenburg]

The glaze is just beginning to

[@philiptrendafilov5120]

As fellow bulgarian I'm totally rooting for LB. Nikolov is an unit himself, he showed he can be the difference both at the VNL and CEV u19. The only thing needed is good reception so he can do his stuff. I really hope to see also Alex Kandev in action. The guy is very solid OH, in my eyes even better than Siapanis in all game elements except for backroll defense. UCLA and their setter are very solid team but I still think on paper LB are the stronger team though only time will tell.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

We’ll certainly see what happens. I think if both teams play to the level they are capable of it certainly should be a 5 set match

[@killcubes7074]

You also forgot the fact that Sean kellly is also going to be someone in the ucla team that’s gonna be a menace once they hit the court so these 2 teams are incredibly stacked with talent and tall monsters it just depends who can capitalize on their star setters more

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Sean Kelly is a huge 6'7 freshman that I think will have a great career as a Bruin, but just like Robinson and Rama did, he will likely have to wait his turn until the upperclassmen graduate.

[@xexexz6372]

i just hope long beach can get their defense/reception in order, then nikolov can show his true potential.

[@soyboy3206]

the graduation of mason briggs left a big hole in their serve receive and defense

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think they'll be just fine.

[@dandrews4621]

Both great setters and been fortunate to watch them both. My vote though goes to Moni.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Look forward to watching them a lot this year.

[@JoshStewart5]

great video!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thank you Josh 🫡🫡

[@tools2use975]

Now this is priceless content guy😅wow

[@mitchsterkenburg]

only the best

[@Volleyballislife1234]

Nikolov has superior international training. It’s really not fair to compare.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think playing against professionals is his advantage, I wouldn't say the one year of national team play really gives him a substantial leg up on the rest of the competition. Take UCLA for example, coached by John Speraw - the previous head coach for USA men's volleyball. So basically getting that olympic level training in their gym every day.

[@Volleyballislife1234]

@ um, they don’t play against their coach. A player practicing and playing against other national level players will always have an advantage compared to a player only playing D1 players. That’s why Vladimir looks and plays different than any other setter in NCAA. His back sets and serve are unmatched in technical abilities and that solely because he trains on a national team. It doesn’t matter if the coach is a high level coach. It’s completely different worlds.

[@Volleyballislife1234]

@ I don’t think it’s one year only either. I think he’s been in the national team program since he was like 14. His older brother is the OH player for the same team and I think their dad was a former player as well for Bulgaria.

[@johnneville1760]

Huge fan of Rowan, but I think Nikolov will do to Rowan what Rowan did to Telle: block his bid for a 3-peat by beating him in the finals. And I bet Nikolov follows his brother’s footsteps and wins POTY as a freshman.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Wouldn't surprise me if this was how it played out.

[@SVVolley]

My predictions on who will be in the 2025 tournament: Ohio State (host bid) UCLA (MPSF bid) Long Beach (Big West Bid) Loyola (MIVA bid) Penn State or George Mason- leaning more towards George Mason (EIVA bid) FDU (NEC bid- I think the NEC now gets a bid) Fort Valley State (Siac bid) if there's an at large bid, I give it to 1 of 4 programs (Hawaii, Pepperdine, UCSB, or Fort Wayne) Let me know if I missed any conferences that now have bids, also give me your predictions!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

This looks pretty spot on to me, I'll save my predictions until the season gets under way and I can get at least a look at every team. Might have to make it into a video.

[@DieselHughes]

Sleeping on my boi daniil hershtynovich he’s the real right side on lbsu

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think he’ll get some good run this year!

[@_S31_]

Honesty great video personally i don't know who to pick but for the best teams i think grand canyon has chances to be a top 3 team this year

[@jasonrollins9863]

ill give you top 6 MAYBE 5. They lost too many great pieces

[@_S31_]

@jasonrollins9863 That's also true, but that's also what makes college volleyball interesting.

[@finn3883]

gcu is gonna be ass this year lmao

[@mitchsterkenburg]

GCU lost some core pieces, but picked up two BIG transfers. One from BYU, and another big time setter. I think they’ll have some adjusting to get to where they were last year but they should be in the mix again.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

But they added some solid pieces too, I agree they’re top 5 just not sure where they fall in that window.

[@MrLambo559]

Nikolov has already played a few seasons of pro volleyball. He is much further along and he should be by this point.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Levski Sofia is a good club, but two years at UCLA is also good experience for Rowan.

[@MrLambo559]

@@mitchsterkenburgit was good to have him play for Speraw, but the NCAA has been in a huge talent decline for about 10 years. It hasn’t put a rookie (especially an American rookie) in a top league since DeFalco (the exception being Gabi). There was a time where every year there were multiple guys in those top leagues each year straight from the NCAA.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@MrLambo559 Do you think that's more of a result of the decline in talent in the NCAA or the influx of volleyball players across the world?

[@mr.b3ansthebeans927]

You said at 5:18 that Skylar Varga was going to be Nikolovs go-to guy because he sets so quick to the right side. But I watched those exhibition games, and Skylar Varga played outside, and they had a different taller right side, who I don't know. That was the guy Nikolov had a connection with at least during the Exhibition games. I might be wrong..... but I am pretty sure Varga is playing outside and Long beach has a new rightside.

[@komough]

yea i’m pretty sure the new right side is from canada. daniil hershtynovich

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I noticed that too - I think the exhibition is a chance to give some guys new looks and test things out. Whether Varga is on the OPPO or RS, he is a seasoned vet on this team and will be a priority target for Nikolov. But Hershtynovich should definitely contribute as well on this team.

[@riizenz5733]

⁠@@mitchsterkenburgit seems to me that the three (siopanis, varga and hershtynovich) will be almost equally dependable as hitters

[@blixenfps]

Nikolov from an attacking standpoint is just better then rowan he just tried to run his offense to fast I feel as he learns the game I feel he will be one of the best setters of all time

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think both of them will grow into really great setters even though they are at awesome levels right now.

[@markgenie1958]

Not even a question for me i look at it like this one will set for the US National Team in major comp and the other wont

[@mitchsterkenburg]

True but what about right now.

[@crdandfriends]

Rowan is never going to set for the US in a major comp though, maybe Panam, but there's soooo much better setting talent than him, Tuiniga, Isacson, Ma'a, even Worsly, meanwhile Simeon has already been in talks with top teams like Lube for his future

[@markgenie1958]

@@crdandfriends only time will tell

[@riizenz5733]

to me, rowan still has the potential to be even more insane, but nikolov is more developed due to his experience. this season, nikolov will most likely outclass rowan, especially since nikolov is surrounded by better hitters imo. but rowan will still set just as great as he always has and will most likely be #2

[@mitchsterkenburg]

good comment.

[@Vontehashandz]

Rowan is a better setter when it comes to location and speed and consistency, niklov is more better offensive and trickery and blocking wise

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I agreed 100%

[@avyng4070]

Nikolov has probably the biggest setter bag in NCAA, if not ever. Bro did a pump fake set

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He plays the position with a lot of creativity.

[@SwamSang-d2q]

I got a questions why is Simeon Nikolov in d1? (I havent watched the full video yet if he said it in the video) wasnt be just playing for his national team, why isnt he in like a professional club?

[@elderlydirector6247]

his older brother played at long beach for 1 yr mostly for exposure to bigger professional clubs, but I think moni is either trying to perfect his craft or just have some fun while developing around a good program. Without a doubt he has been noticed by the major clubs, but as someone whos seen him in person he needs to work on setting accuracy, everything else looks really good.

[@SwamSang-d2q]

@@elderlydirector6247 Thanks that helps a alot more, and also thanks for not being mean about it!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Can only really speculate on this one, but yes, following the path of his older brother Alex, who also played at LBSU. He’s 17, and although I think he’s capable of playing at the professional level, I don’t know if he’s ready for that yet. This will be good to develop, as well to promote his game to get the best contract possible.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Exactly right

[@dartfv]

2:05 they did not meet last year simeon just joined long beach

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@dartfv I meant to say the two teams met last year (UCLA and LBSU) in the finals, but the sentence got cut off and didn’t finish it

[@mijelescu]

You first said the best setter in volleyball.. thats Simone Giannelli I think this guy Rowan is much better technique wise and I think Nikolov s technique will limit him at one point. Nikolov is still young and has not developed his in game IQ to his fullest capacity, but by no means suck at it, honestly I think his IQ is almost equal to Rowan's and his decision making aswell, but I m giving it to Rowan because he s got the numbers. Other than technique and IQ , Rowan got none on Nikolov and Nikolov will surpass his peak in about a year.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

yeah when I said that I was talking about NCAA volleyball. I think where both these players are right now isn't a fraction of the ceiling they are capable of when its all said and done.

[@theambitiouspig5833]

I think Long Beach wants to move Skylar Barca to oh2 and they have another Bulgarian at opp

[@mitchsterkenburg]

They have some flexibility this year which is great for them.

[@NomNomFrenzy]

It’s me 😂

[@mitchsterkenburg]

what team you rocking with

[@ZionStuart]

PME Volleyball the best setter

[@mitchsterkenburg]

solid.

[@nrgeek6988]

Best setter is my Guy Joe Karlous 🙂‍↕️

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Should have a good year at UCI this year

[@chinoobi2512]

lol 10 minutes of straight up glazing someone who hasn’t played a single game in the regular season

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Is there another player in the NCAA you think will have the type of season he is about to have?

[@peaceking2006]

Nikolov

[@mitchsterkenburg]

alright

[@joemcneill8753]

your subitles need some fixing

[@mitchsterkenburg]

yeah that's courtesy of Adobe's auto subtitle feature. Needs some re-working.

[@beamerstudios1675]

Tread rosenthal button > 🗣

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think Tread is going to have a big year too

[@RKCsaranghae]

nikolov from walmart

[@RENOWNALEXANDROS]

neither of them is 6’6

[@yashA.456]

bro do you even know measurements? Nikolov is 207cm tall. now go convert that into feet and you got yourself a 6,7-8 guy

[@XxXStoneFingerXxX]

Andrew Rowan is 6'6. what are you talking about

[@yashA.456]

@@XxXStoneFingerXxX yea I was like wtf is this guy talking about LOL

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Sure about that one?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Yes he is

[@Tri-xq5yd]

What is the benefit of him going to Long Beach? Why doesn’t he go professional?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Following in the path his brother took that led him to one of the top professional teams. I think it gives him the chance to do a lot of things, train with some high quality LBSU coaches, get somewhat of an education during his time there, and play against athletes his age instead of having to make that jump super early in his career.