UCLA Assistant Leads Serbia to Euro Silver Medal

When UCLA Hired Nemanja "Yogi" Jovanovic

The official title for Jovanovic is Assistant Coach, Director of International Recruiting. UCLA hired Jovanovic in the Summer of 2023. Jovanovic had extensive experience in the United States before joining UCLA. The Serbian served as an assistant at SMU from 2015 through 2022, at DePaul in 2022-23, and at UT-Arlington during the 2023-24 season.

Where Serbia Ranked Statistically at U20 European Championship

Serbia finished fourth, averaging 81.0 points per game at the U20 European Championships. The Serbians were second at the Euro U20s, shooting an efficient 44.9 percent from the field and sixth, making only 28.8 percent of their three-point attempts. Serbia led the tournament, averaging 48 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per game.

Nemanja Jovanovic's Importance to UCLA

Before leading Serbia to the Silver Medal at the U20 Euros, Jovanovic was in Turkey at the U17 World Cup. Shortly after the U17 World Cup concluded, UCLA announced the signing of 5-star Serbian prospect Nikola Kusturica. Kusturica is not eligible for the NBA Draft until 2028 and should spend at least two years with the Bruins.

How Serbia's Stats Relate to UCLA

UCLA finished 146th nationally in 2025-26, averaging 77.1 PPG; 85th making 46.6 percent from the field; 20th shooting 37.9 percent on three-point attempts; 259th with a -1.1 rebounding margin; and 232nd with 3.0 blocks per contest.

How Coaching Serbia Will Help Yogi Jovanovic at UCLA

Jovanovic's coaching experience in Europe and with college programs in the United States provides him with international recruiting experience and a varied approach to help UCLA head coach Mick Cronin evolve his style of play.

UCLA is projected to have four international players on its 2026-27 roster. Auburn transfer Filip Jovic and Sergej Macura from Mississippi State join Kusturica as Serbians on the 2026-27 UCLA roster. With Jovanovic on the UCLA coaching staff, the Bruins should continue to attract elite European talent, and specifically Serbian.