Serbian Nikola Jovović, setter for 'Nova' (Novokuibyshevsk) and the Serbian national team, spoke to BO Sport with respect about the new wave of setters in world volleyball. He paid special attention to the Bulgarian Simeon Nikolov, whom he described asa unique talent, such as hasn't appeared in decades. Jovović praised Plamen Konstantinov's decision to bring him to 'Lokomotiv' and emphasized that Moni has already left a strong impression since his performances in the Nations League.
Regarding his own playing philosophy, Jovović describes himself as a classical setter who seeks stability and quality in the pass, rather than flashiness. 'Quality is the most important thing. A well-placed ball offers more solutions than a risky acceleration,' he says.
The Serbian international also touched upon the topic of the best in the world: 'Luciano De Cecco has amazing hands, but Micah Christenson is number one for me – he reads the game brilliantly and can do everything.'
Jovović shared that defense and saved balls in defense are now a crucial element in modern volleyball, and his coach Gheorghe Crețu is a big proponent of this style: 'Strong attack alone is no longer enough – we must create new chances through good defense.'
The experienced Serb remains optimistic about the future of Serbian volleyball, highlighting the young Brborić, Kulpinać, Mašulović, and Kokeza. Outside of sports, he admits he feels most comfortable in Russia, loves Russian cuisine and open-minded people, and adds with a smile:
'I call myself a volleyball Robin Hood – I help teams that don't have big budgets but have heart.'
Who is Nikola Jovović
Nikola Jovović is a setter, born on February 3, 1992, in Novi Sad, Serbia. He is 197 cm tall and has an impressive international career – he has played in Serbia, Germany, Italy, Turkey, France, and Russia.
He is a European champion (2019), World League winner (2016), World League silver medalist (2015), and European Championship bronze medalist in 2013 and 2017.
At club level, he is a winner of the German Cup (2012, 2014) and the Serbian Cup (2010), as well as a silver medalist in the championships of Turkey, Germany, and Serbia.
He is currently a setter for 'Nova' (Novokuibyshevsk) and a key figure in the Serbian national team.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
