A shoulder injury that normally requires around ten days of complete rest would have sidelined most players.
Bogoljub Marković chose to play anyway.
Knowing he was about to leave for the NBA, Marković didn’t practice for seven days between two playoff games against FMP. He still finished as his team’s best player in both.
It was just one example of the mentality that, together with his talent, convinced Mega they had found a gem.
“His work ethic is something you rarely see nowadays. That’s what separates him from most young players I’ve coached. Every drill, every practice, he goes full speed,” Mega head coach Vule Avdalović tells SK Week.
“Even after long, demanding practices, he stays to work individually – pick-and-pop shooting, low post moves, whatever needs improving.”
A Different Mentality
Milwaukee clearly saw the same thing.
The Bucks signed the ABA League MVP to a reported four-year, $9.3 million contract after tracking him for several years. They originally selected him with the 47th pick in last summer’s NBA Draft, convinced his development was worth the wait.
The 21-year-old, 211-centimeter forward-center from Užice last season justified that belief by averaging 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists while earning ABA League MVP honors.
One trait separates good prospects from great ones: the speed with which they translate coaching into action. Marković has that trait.
“He’s talented, but also incredibly mature for his age. He’s very easy to coach. Whatever you tell him on the court, he applies almost immediately. And again, he’s an exceptional worker,” says the 44-year-old Avdalović, a former Partizan and Serbia and Montenegro point guard.
More Than an ABA MVP
Marković’s greatest strengths are his rebounding and the way he runs the floor in transition – qualities that should serve him well as he adjusts to the NBA.
Just as importantly, his basketball IQ is advanced for his age.
He may not be the flashiest prospect of his generation, but he’s remarkably complete. He can score facing the basket or with his back to it, finishes well around the rim, protects the basket defensively and doesn’t shy away from contact.
Of course, there is still plenty of room to improve.
“In my opinion, there are two things he has to do more consistently if he wants to build a long NBA career: defense and three-point shooting. Defensively, there are moments when he isn’t fully locked in, although that’s partly a consequence of the heavy minutes he played. His three-point shot also comes and goes. It isn’t consistent from game to game. I’m sure he’ll improve both,” Avdalović says.
Marković shot 30.3 percent from three last season on 3.7 attempts per game, making perimeter shooting one of the obvious areas for development. The shooting mechanics are solid. Consistency is the challenge – and hard work has never been an issue for him.
Then there’s his competitiveness.
Marković isn’t afraid of contact, isn’t afraid of physical battles and never backs away from a challenge. He has the kind of competitive edge that often separates good careers from great ones.
The Right Place to Grow
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s departure completely changed Milwaukee’s timeline. Rebuilding teams usually create opportunities, especially for young players.
The Bucks currently have more depth in the backcourt than they do in the frontcourt, although plenty could still change before opening night. More importantly, Marković will be working under Taylor Jenkins, a coach with a strong reputation for developing young talent.
“Marković does everything coaches love to see.. If he continues to work the way he always has, I’m convinced he’ll get his chance,” Avdalović says.
Versatility is another argument working in his favor.
Marković is equally comfortable playing power forward and center. He became the ABA League MVP primarily as a four, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stay there.
“He’s really somewhere between those two positions. It all depends on what the team needs. Personally, I think he could become even more involved as a center, and that’s the direction Milwaukee might take with him,” Avdalović explains.
Marković still has a long road ahead.
But the first step couldn’t have gone much better.
