Who is The Best Setter in D1 Men's Volleyball

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Simeon Nikolov Button >

[@pieroferrari5510]

910 likes and no Comments? I'll fix that!

[@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.

[@ty_2143]

One of the best I can agree on, but THE ONE BEST???

[@juanbautistaamestoy5752]

@@ty_2143for sure, i mean look at him, couple of individual awards in a u21 world competition being 17yo, already playing with his national team, recruited by one of the best programs in the states. I dont think theres much more to acomplish at that age, and i dont think anyone will be close to him either. He has the tools to be the best ever, it depends entirely on him tho

[@orangefroggo552]

@@ty_2143 I think he will be the best yes. He has the physical tools, time to grow, a sharp mind, and he's having fun

[@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.

[@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.

[@viniciusferrari2653]

​@@mitchsterkenburg doesn't matter. nikolov literally played against the best national teams in the world. he is the best player in D1 BY A MILE. no one comes close.

[@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.

[@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

[@jeffsam6171]

Both elite but Nikolov is a generational talent. He’s one to watch and someone that will dominate the senior NT/International ranks for years to come.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think Nikolov's is without a doubt a once in a generation type player because of his athleticism. Rowan is a player that I think could end up being one of the greats too when its all said and done though.

[@jeffsam6171]

@ oh 100%. Exposure to higher quality competition at a younger age is what makes a lot of the non Americans players a step ahead when it comes to development. Rowan would quickly be on Nikolov’ heels as soon as he gets out of the NCAA bubble.

[@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.

[@patryyyk6653]

When does the season start?

[@RobinChowdhury-v4g]

Saeid Marouf was my favourite player for so long, and when he retired I really missed watching him. Nikilov is SO different from Marouf, but has quickly become my new favourite player to watch

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He is going to become a lot of people's favorite player very soon.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nolanoshiro2083]

I just saw the stanford match which which stanford won 22 an 18. stanord setter is super dynamic.. looked like the stanord hitters abused Nikolov at the net

[@chimua2600]

Both setters are great! But I think an underrated setter is the GCU setter. I don’t know his name but, he’s a real good setter too.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

You are probably thinking of Nick Slight, he was really good for them last season. He's not on the team anymore but he was a great setter.

[@bryanc8637]

This glaze is insane

[@mitchsterkenburg]

The glaze is just beginning to

[@hh-mq9ro]

If there are any players in the NCAA who glazing, it's these 2

[@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

[@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

[@polyprinz]

Championships speak louder than opinions. Rowan is still the best setter in the country. Lookout for Hawaii too. Rosenthal, is another phenomenal setter. And Hawaii reloaded their roster with a bunch of young dynamic talent. UCLA is returning a bunch of All-Americans. Long Beach State lives and die with Nikolov.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think it comes down to those three teams this year as well, with UCLA having the edge with their pins and the addition of Thorne to the roster.

[@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.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Andrew Rowan button >

[@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.

[@je-ianszalpuk8080]

He’s national team player from young Bulgarian team to senior team who played with best players in the world, not to mention he’s an Olympian already. Have a lot of experience.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

You bring up great points!

[@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.

[@viniciusferrari2653]

nikolov has international experience playing against the best national teams in the world. he is head and shoulders above every single player in this league. he's literally a pro playing with amateurs. there is NO comparison.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Nikolov is an elite talent, I think he's the best player in the NCAA but I wouldn't say he's head and shoulders above every single player. There's a lot of big time talent out there too that are good - he said it himself in a few interviews.

[@adub22]

The fact that Nikolov can set from practically antennae height can't be overstated... that's a lot of overpass balls Rowan wouldn't be able to play. Helps remove a lot of pressure from serve-receive.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Great point about the height advantage, at this level the number of overpasses is pretty marginal, but in the event that does happen Nikolov definitely has the advantage. Although Rowan still touches around the top of the antenna for his sets.

[@johnneville535]

Small point: Andrew serves it out a lot (111 errors) Speraw gave him the green light to serve really hard. Why? Teams hit .232 against UCLA. This strategy seems like a relic from the sideout scoring days.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Speraw’s philosophy on service aces I think has panned out pretty well as evidenced in recent years. They might miss a lot but when they’re serving their best they’re nearly untouchable. Rowan specifically, had 41 aces to pair with those 111 misses which is a pretty good ratio for most guys at his level.

[@johnneville535]

If I had access to more detailed data, I could probably prove mathematically that Rowan should go for fewer service aces and errors. As a rough estimate, if teams are getting kills on only 23% of their attacks against you, you should serve it out only 23% of the time. Rowan was probably serving it out over 30% of the time. I bet data would show that UCLA won a much higher percentage of McHenry’s service points (88 errors) than Rowan’s.

[@tyyedi6937]

bro nikolov carries his whole ass country, playing in d1 is fun for him

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He's an all-time player with his skillset but volleyball isn't a walk in the park at this level

[@marymunnik5899]

No competition, Nikolov is a world-class setter

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He's great.

[@mozanchannel718]

i dont know who can be the best..but Nikolov is definitely a game changer

[@mitchsterkenburg]

You have a good eye.

[@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.

[@behappy6215]

​@@mitchsterkenburgtheir floor defense struggled against Stanford in one of their practice games. If they don't fix it, UCLA will surely have a field day in the service line.

[@nolanoshiro2083]

your setter is only as good as his ability to get one on one no matter what kind of pass you get

[@aabce11235]

Both guys look great. I have to take Nikolov if I must answer.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Good stuff.

[@Rednaxela212]

Nikolov kinda just has so much talent.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He's uber talented for 6'9 that's for sure. Great genes.

[@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.

[@GustavoGutierrezMarquez]

No one talking about the Hawaii setter though

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Don't Tread on him

[@nolanoshiro2083]

@@mitchsterkenburg just watched the Stanford LBSU match. there is no doubt that rosenthal is a much stronger blocker. he will attack on 2 an had his share of aces. he is nowhere near as dynamic a setter as Nikolov

[@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.

[@johnnyboyjohns2930]

Warrior will be the Big West champ.

[@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

[@volklesnoy15]

Bro off course Nikolov, not even close for Rowan 😭 Nikolov stronger taller and playing for national team

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think you'd be surprised how close they are as a setter.

[@JoshStewart5]

great video!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thank you Josh 🫡🫡

[@JoshuaRamos-w8m]

What camera is that thing is so crispy

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Sony A7III with 50mm

[@AlexK0708]

It’s clearly Nikolov as the better setter and especially overall player. I think Hawaii’s Tread Rosenthal is 3rd behind these 2 as well. 6’8 18 year old sophomore with good blocking and athleticism.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Tread is in my top 3-4 setters for this season. Hard to argue with .350 hitting percentage. I think he's definitely a step or two behind Rowan and Nikolov based on what I saw last year at certain points. Some inconsistency, marginal but definitely not the level of Rowan and Nikolov. But I certainly hope he can keep building each year and eventually be the best setter in the NCAA by his senior campaign.

[@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.

[@radiivanova4977]

True. Both brothers have had great opportunities in Bulgaria from little in one of the best teams in the Bulgarian league. Their dad was a great opposite for the national team and captain of the team with great international experience. Their mom is a coach and was a volleyball player too. So they have a head’s up from the beginning with this background. They are going to be and are great players no doubt. I wish this level of coaching that they have gone through to anyone with talent really. It is a recipe for greatness.

[@tools2use975]

Now this is priceless content guy😅wow

[@mitchsterkenburg]

only the best

[@johnneville535]

Can you create a “Will UCLA 3-peat?” video?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I like the sound of that one.

[@_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.

[@halhanhalhanov8565]

Tread Rosenthal is the best setter in the NCAA

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think he takes a big leap this year, not sure if he's ready for the crown yet as best setter though.

[@saiki660]

@@mitchsterkenburg who's better, tread or andrew? here from brazil loving the content about the setters in d1 volleyball, keep up with that!

[@tosh_kiba]

under nikolov's helm, how did bulgaria fared in the last vnl?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

they finished 14th

[@tosh_kiba]

@@mitchsterkenburg 14th out of 16 teams? HE'S GOOD

[@nolanoshiro2083]

@@mitchsterkenburg stanford beat them 22 an 18 in a preseason.

[@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

[@johntreadaway7844]

And Tread Rosenthal is where in this conversation?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He's 3 or 4 for me. He's elite, just not in the same caliber as Rowan / Nikolov ... yet at least.

[@alilahip2933]

Tread Rosenthal

[@mitchsterkenburg]

he's a great setter, not in the caliber of these two though yet.

[@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.

[@behappy6215]

I still think UCLA has the edge. They just have better players and depth. LB's coach tends to do questionable decisions at crucial times that make the team lose.

[@nolanoshiro2083]

UH had one player over 2x 6'6, 6'5, 2x 6'4 an 6' in that tree peat attempt. if I remember right UCLA had one under 6'6. UH probably will not have any under 6'5 front court players this year

[@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?

[@noahroh]

Nikolov brings a more complete package in that he can do everything on the court exceptionally well. However, UCLA’s team as a whole is better at defense and serve receive, if the setter can’t get the ball he’s got no influence on the game. ( Nikolov and Rowan are #’s 1 and 2 in the country for sure ) I think UCLA 3 peats.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Nikolov is the complete package - but Rowan isn't far behind him, he doesn't everything pretty well too. I think UCLA has the edge and experience in big moments finding success that could lead to a 3-peat as well.

[@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!

[@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.

[@behappy6215]

Who are better outside combo now than Cooper and Rama?

[@riizenz5733]

@@behappy6215 they're both really great but it's still a fair matchup against sopiris and varga. also cooper is still not the a great passer

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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%

[@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.

[@NomNomFrenzy]

It’s me 😂

[@mitchsterkenburg]

what team you rocking with

[@ZionStuart]

PME Volleyball the best setter

[@mitchsterkenburg]

solid.

[@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.

[@nrgeek6988]

Best setter is my Guy Joe Karlous 🙂‍↕️

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Should have a good year at UCI this year

[@peaceking2006]

Nikolov

[@mitchsterkenburg]

alright

[@beamerstudios1675]

Tread rosenthal button > 🗣

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I think Tread is going to have a big year too

[@RKCsaranghae]

nikolov from walmart

[@STARFEISHH]

one played for a national team at 17, one didnt. Answer is obvious

[@mitchsterkenburg]

True, but another consideration is that USA finished bronze, nearly made the final match. And Bulgaria didn't reach top 12 in the final standings. Two different levels of national teams. If Micah Christenson was on Nikolov's team he likely wouldn't have been starting.

[@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?

[@mhkuromi6192]

That’s not even a real question tbh, no match

[@mitchsterkenburg]

that one sided eh?

[@comosedice6104]

andrew 🫶🫶

[@mitchsterkenburg]

He's great.

[@joemcneill8753]

your subitles need some fixing

[@mitchsterkenburg]

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

[@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.