It's Only Just Beginning For Boris Bakovic

Boris Bakovic's life has been indulged in basketball since a young age. The former pro was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and picked up basketball early in his life, but did not play organized basketball until he was in grade nine. While most think soccer is the more relevant sport in Europe, Boris felt that basketball was a bigger part of the culture in his country.

"Well, I mean, actually, I would say basketball is bigger in Serbia than soccer is," Boris stated.

With the emergence of the two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, it is easy to see that basketball has continuously increased in popularity throughout Serbia. But Boris did not spend all of his time over there. In fact, he moved here, to Toronto, Canada, while he was growing up with the sport.

The Player

Boris played his first season of organized basketball when he was in grade nine and also participated in his first OBA (Ontario Basketball Association) season. In grades ten and eleven, he had already started to show glimpses of stardom, which was recognized and led him to be selected for the Ontario Provincial team.

After high school was finished, Boris went to what was then called Ryerson to play on the men's basketball team there. He was by far the team's best player, averaging more than 23 points per game for his career, which ranks 17th best all-time. Making the university team did not seem like quite the feat for Boris, however.

"Becoming a university athlete was just a stepping stone. The goal was to always play professionally." Bakovic replied.

Boris Bakovic dunking vs the nation's best Carleton Ravens

After spending four seasons at TMU, Bakovic moved to the University of Calgary for his final year. And there, even though it wasn't a big feat for him, Boris became the all-time leading scorer in USports history at the time with 2280 career points across 99 competitions. He beat a record that had stood for 16 years. He was the driving force for the teams he played for in college, but again, it did not mean that much to him.

"It's a good feeling, but again, it just proves all of the hard work I put into this sport," Boris said.

A very humble player, even though he was breaking records left and right. However, that did lead to him to being selected to the World Junior Championship team for Team Canada. He participated in the World Juniors in 2007 and got the chance to represent the country. With that, getting selected for the team was a shock to Boris. It was never a goal of his, nor was it on his radar. He mentioned how this was one of the top basketball experiences of his career.

Boris Bakovic at the 2007 World Junior Championships

After university, Boris moved on to the pros and played overseas in France and in Bulgaria. He spent one season in each country, and that gave him two completely different views of the sport.

"It's two completely different takes on the game. It almost doesn't feel like the same sport." Bakovic conveyed.

For Boris's whole life, he wanted to play professional basketball and he got a small taste of it but eventually, he sustained injuries which prevented him from playing at the professional level again. While it wasn't the outcome he wanted, he knew he had something else in store.

The Coach

After learning that your professional career is done in such a sudden way, you're filled with question marks. You don't know what to do, and the only thing you were good at you can't do anymore. This had Boris thinking, and it led to something big.

In 2015, Boris Bakovic founded Eurostep Basketball. A basketball program for kids to learn the fundamentals of basketball while also giving them a chance to play competitively amongst other teams. He was the very first coach for the program, and he started off with just six children. Today, the program has grown immensely to the point where Bakovic just opened up his first basketball facility.

When I asked him about becoming a coach after sustaining career-ending injuries, he didn't seem very upset. He sounded more at peace with where he was.

"After I was done playing, I needed a job. I'm not one to sit at a desk the whole day, so I had to figure out my best talent, and that was basketball. I took a shot on it, and it has paid off." Boris mentioned.

Boris is very adamant about putting the children first when it comes to his coaching philosophy. He believes that in order for them to succeed, a coach must put them first and put their ego aside. Bakovic personally trains the coaches before they're hired to make sure that this method is rock-solid with the coaches.

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Stefan Markovic, a player from Bakovic's team above, gave me some insight as to what exactly he is a part of with the team.

"Coaches are always there to help. If I need a place to hoop, I can always come here. Everyone looks out for each other, and it's kind of like a family. It's been great." Stefan told.

I got a chance to speak with another player named Matei Vucenovic,

who now plays with the Calgary Dinos at the University of Calgary, where Boris used to play. He had similar things to say about Eurostep as well.

"I owe a big thank you to everyone here. They helped me develop my game so much from when I started. Now I'm with the Dinos and that's hugely due to everyone here helping me out." Matei announced.

Boris and Eurostep have had everlasting effects on these players. Both of whom gave high praise for the program and the coach. Bakovic has been a huge part of their lives and will continue to strengthen the bonds he makes with the other children he coaches. With already having so much success and experience at such a young age, we are just beginning to see what Boris Bakovic brings to the table.