So far unrevealed details from Jokic beginning: He was late in the attack, he asked the coach to get him out of the play and who was the only one who could annoy him

First coach of Nikola Jokic, Gradimir Markovic, said he was not surprised with what you can see on NBA floors. It is all taken from Vojvodina halls when a boy from Sombor took first steps, with great support of his family.

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Nikola has recorded excellent results and led his generation, but not everything was perfect from the beginning. The motivation was sought for the boy whose attention was dragged thin by the horses and other interests, but the love for the ball was decisive at the end. In traditionally sleepy Sombor atmosphere, in the day when Jokic shined against Golden State with first NBA triple double in career, mister Markovic revealed the story about his point guard play, with details from the matches across the Vojvodina before he emerged to the big scenes.

BEGINNINGS IN BC SOMBOR

Jokic beginnings were bountiful in trophies.

- He was in generation that had good results, they were finalists of Vojvodina championship five times, and three times the champions. If i was to describe him as a player back in the time, he was a child that was chubby. Slow feet, weak defense... But he had good technique. Considering the heights, i often hear that he was on guard play position. No, he did not play that. But we often used him to transfer the ball as a tall player and there was no tall player who could guard him "face to face". 

Foto: Telegraf

HE WAS LATE IN ATTACK...

Nikola never gave up from his style, since the earliest days.

- When i am watching him now, its like watching a child 10 years ago. He is still playing today, not playing basketball. He was lucid, pointer, but we had the need to adapt the play to his characteristics. We often waited for him to come from transition to arrive to the attack. They ask me if i could presume how far he will get. 

In the city of Nikola Jokic, where the new NBA champion was forged: His brothers had more talents, and then...

- No, no one can say how far his reach is, precisely because of those characteristics. The pieces fell in their place for him, he went to the environment he felt comfortable with. It was like that when he went from Sombor to Vojvodina, and then to Mega Leks. Its the same with his NBA choice, and not going into European club. Considering his stile and the game played in Europe, i don't think he would have made any kind of results, there would not be this much talk about him now. 

Foto: Telegraf

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY 

Father and mother, with older brothers Strahinja and Nemanja, created the destiny of the youngest child.

- All coaches that worked with him gave their contribution, but they were doing their job. The greatest contribution and key role was played by family. He had maximal support, he is a favorite, significantly younger from the brothers. Special and significant role was played by older brother Strahinja. It is a sports family, they know basketball, but Strahinja was a shield and a guiding start when Nikola was supposed to be put on the right track. I hear from their father, we are friends on Facebook and then i see some new stuff. When he came last time to Sombor i congratulated him, i said i am following his work. Well done champ... 

- I remember when his father and mother came to the games, they even drove far, his mother came to Becej. He often knew to ignore his father's comment, but that comment could make him angry, when he hears it from the stands.  

Foto: AP/Tanjug

COACH, GET ME OUT... 

There were times when motivation failed with Nikola.

- There were many times when he said "coach, get me out". You should know him. He could not tolerate criticism. But then, my approach was not "this is bad" and "don't do it like this". But "lets try like this". And that approach gave results. On countless occasions he waved his hand and said that he won't play. 

- Then i "cool him down" for two three minutes, but he has that sport impudence, he was able to say "i'll show them now." He never had less than 20 points. Everything worked well for him in Mega. But you should wait for the transition to have a safe points, you should put up with him. That stile of play he nurtured, the way he was, is the same as he is now. He is blocking, but that is not defense that is needed. That is why he makes up for everything in attack. 

(Telegraf.co.uk / B.Vinulovic)