Dončić 2.0: The new phenomenon of Slovenian basketball
He was named MVP of the U18 European Championship, is projected in the top 3 of the upcoming NBA draft, and is considered a frightening combination of Dončić and an elite defender. Zeev Avrahami presents: the new phenomenon driving the basketball world crazy.
Guarding Luka Dončić is one of the nightmares of the sports world. He can score from anywhere on the court, possesses great court vision, and has excellent control of the ball and pace. Guards are too small to contain him, and forwards are often not talented enough to deal with him. Stick to him — and he will use his first step to penetrate to the basket; give him a centimeter — and he will hit a three-pointer from nine meters; send a double team at him — and he will find the open player. He has great footwork, is not afraid of contact, knows how to create distance, and reads the game excellently. Now imagine a coach who suddenly has to devise a defensive philosophy meant to stop not one Dončić, but two. Welcome to the era of Stefan Joksimović.
Joksimović, 18, a player for Vitoria Baskonia and a star of the Slovenian national team, led his team this summer to win the U18 European Championship, eliminating Israel in the quarterfinals along the way. He was named the tournament's MVP with averages of 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. After leading Slovenia to the title while crushing Spain in the semifinals and host Italy in the final, he is marked as a sure candidate to be selected in the top three of the 2027 NBA draft.
Dončić, only with defense
Their roles on the court are not exactly identical: Joksimović is more of a wing player, while Dončić is a point guard. But both wear the same jersey number, both are creative playmakers who love the ball in their hands, both love to score, both have the same height and a similar competitive drive. Dončić is much stronger, but that is something Joksimović will develop over the years. Both have a lethal step-back, are excellent decision-makers, and love to pass. Joksimović has a small advantage by being left-handed, which makes guarding him even more complicated. Dončić is one of the greatest pick-and-roll players in history, while Joksimović is more brilliant in the open court. With his huge wingspan, Joksimović has the potential to be something Dončić will never be: a great defender.
Dončić led Slovenia at 18 to a historic win in the European Championship for seniors, and a year later was chosen as the MVP of the regular season and the Final Four in the EuroLeague. Joksimović "only" led Slovenia to its first win in the U18 European Championship. If you are a national team coach waiting for a meeting against Slovenia, you have to prepare for Dončić and the presence of his alter-ego—the character who is strong precisely in the elements where Luka is less excellent.
Legacy and prospects
Both are successors to the Yugoslav basketball tradition. The fathers of both (both have Serbian roots) were basketball players who played for Olimpija Ljubljana. Both moved to the academies of major clubs in Spain at a young age, made their EuroLeague debut at just 16, and began their professional career in Spain. We will have to wait for next summer to see if another NBA team will pass on Joksimović's huge talent, as Atlanta did with Dončić.
To Joksimović's credit, he has patience. Last year, he won the MVP title of the "Basketball Without Borders" camp on behalf of the NBA and FIBA. Every self-respecting American college put a tempting offer in front of him, but he chose to stay in Spain. Estimates suggest that his decision to gain experience for another year at Baskonia "cost" him several million dollars compared to the new NIL laws in the college league. Joksimović still has room to develop: he must get stronger physically and improve his outside shooting. But he is already a huge player who proved he is capable of taking a team on his back to the title, almost without effort. He is going to be even better. Maybe even better than Luka—Dončić with defense and the lifestyle of a real athlete. Scary.
