Jovanovic Joins Serbian National Team for Three-Season Stint
Nemanja 'Yogi' Jovanovic, currently an assistant coach and Director of International Recruiting at UCLA, has been appointed to the coaching staff of the Serbian Men's Basketball National Team. His tenure with the national team is set to span the next three seasons, encompassing significant international competitions. Jovanovic will maintain his responsibilities with UCLA while undertaking this new international role.
A New Era for Serbian Basketball Under Alimpijevic
Jovanovic joins the Serbian national team under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Dusan Alimpijevic. Alimpijevic, 39, was named head coach on September 30, 2025, also on a three-year contract, succeeding veteran coach Svetislav Pesic. The coaching staff assembled by Alimpijevic includes Vladimir Jovanovic, Milenko Bogicevic, and Tomislav Tomovic, alongside Nemanja Jovanovic.
The upcoming schedule for the Serbian National Team includes the 2027 European Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Serbia is slated to compete against Switzerland on November 27 in Belgrade and Bosnia & Herzegovina on November 30 in Sarajevo. Jovanovic's commitment with the national team extends through the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, which are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.
Extensive Coaching Experience Across Continents
Jovanovic brings a wealth of experience to the Serbian national program. He is currently in his third year as an assistant coach at UCLA, having joined the Bruins' program in the summer of 2023. His primary duties at UCLA involve international recruiting, scouting, and player development.
Before his time at UCLA, Jovanovic held coaching positions at several U.S. universities, including SMU, DePaul, and UT Arlington. His coaching career began in 2002 in his native Serbia, and he has since coached across Europe in countries such as Spain, Denmark, and Sweden. Jovanovic holds a FIBA coaching license, underscoring his deep involvement and qualifications in international basketball.
5 Comments
Fuerza
This is a well-deserved recognition for Coach Jovanovic. So proud!
Manolo Noriega
UCLA's international recruiting just got a major boost. Smart move!
Ongania
A clear conflict of interest. His focus should be solely on the Bruins.
Fuerza
While the prestige of coaching a national team is undeniable, and his international recruiting role at UCLA aligns well, the practicalities of being fully invested in two demanding basketball programs over three seasons seem daunting. Both organizations will need clear communication to make this work.
Manolo Noriega
While this is a fantastic opportunity for Jovanovic and brings prestige, managing two high-level coaching roles simultaneously will be a significant challenge for his time and focus. It could potentially strain his commitment to UCLA during key periods.