Recently we have spent some time talking with one of the best 2002-born shooters out of Europe, Stefan Todorovic. A well-known prospect in Europe, who we last scouted live at the 2020 ANGT in Belgrade. Todorovic helped his Partizan win the event, averaging 11 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 22 minutes of action, shooting 7-of-29 on his 3-point attempts.
Todorovic came to the USA to play this season to Prolific Prep in Northern California, one of the best basketball academies in the country. The Serbian shooting guard is having great success, catching college coaches’ eyes with his elite shooting and high basketball IQ. The 6-foot-8 swingman is considered as one of the best snipers in America this season, drawing the attention of a great number of high-major schools such as Illinois, Stanford, Arizona, Gonzaga and Memphis, Santa Barbara. He’s currently in the 2022 class but is considering reclassifying.
Todorovic shared his thoughts with us on his expectations on the season, favorite players to watch/study, best on-court memory, college aspirations and a lot more.
Check out the interview here:
- Hello Stef! Hope you and your family are doing well in these wild times. Can you share with us more about how you spent this past summer during the COVID-19 situation? What was your main focus in improving your skill set?
Hello! First of all, thank you for hosting me. Well, like any other basketball player, in the absence of training, I worked as much as possible at home and when it was possible I trained. I spent the whole summer practicing individually to better prepare for the season in Prolific Prep.
How did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball at age of 7. Like all other children in my area, I was crazy about football, but I can say that I tried my hand at all sports as a child. However, basketball awakened in me something that other sports did not and somehow, as a child, I quickly found myself in love with the game. So I stopped all other sports and continued with basketball. In addition, my dad used to play basketball, not at a professional level, but I can say he was really good.
- Playing for one of the two powerhouses in Serbia, Partizan Belgrade, you have always been put in a position to compete for first place at the youth levels, including the stunning victory over the favorites from CFBB Paris at the 2020 ANGT Belgrade final game. How has playing for Partizan helped you in your development on and off the court?
The experience in Partizan that I gained, fighting for first place, is something that helped me understand where my shortcomings are in the game in the first place and how to work on them as well. Interestingly, the player from CFBB Paris, the 6-foot-10 forward Yohan Traore (2003), is now my teammate at Prolific Prep.
- Recently you’ve moved to the USA to join Prolific Prep. You seem to fit very well into the system right off the start of the season and have enjoyed success. Would you tell us more about why you made that decision and what are your first impressions from your stay in the USA?
Well, my goal is to be ready for the NBA Draft in a few years. I heard about Prolific Prep a long time ago and I knew the people who run it and I just saw an opportunity here to better prepare for my goal. I can say that I fit in great in terms of the style of play because we all know that it is very different compared to the European style of play. Everything is going well and I am very happy to be here.
- Your great start this season increased your stock and started to draw serious interest from high-major schools. What do you think you can bring up to the table for a high-major college program and what style of basketball and position do you think fits you the best?
That’s right, I didn’t even know that so many schools would be interested in me as soon as I’ve arrived. I think colleges can get variety in the game from me, but above all is my shot, because it’s my main weapon. It is still up to me to work and impose myself for the position. I still don’t know where I will play next year, we are considering all options.
- What are you specifically looking for when recruited by colleges? Do you have any school preferences?
I do not have any school preferences. Where it is best for my development as a player and a man, I will go there.
- What are your expectations and goals for this season? Which aspect/s of your game will you be looking to improve the most over the season?
The expectations for this season are to win the title because we have the most talented team in America for sure. The aspect of the game I’m working on is, of course, defense because I want to be a complete player and not just a shooter.
- What are your long-term goals, where do you envision yourself playing in 5 years?
I envision myself playing in the NBA.
- Are there any players in Europe and in the NBA you like studying/watching and why?
Of course, I watch a lot of players and I take something from each of them. Sure, I follow all Serbians in the NBA like Jokic and Bogdanovic. Also, I try to watch Luka Doncic as much as I can because he is a real example how to play using your brain. When it comes to scoring, I watch Kevin Durant. I think Durant is the best scorer in the world right now. For me this is the right way to study successful and older players.
- Which is your best on-court memory?
There are really a lot of them especially when I was little because I really enjoy playing this sport. But let’s say the most recent thing is the victory in the final of the Euroleague’s Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade.
- What is your basketball schedule in a normal day?
School, training, homework, training. Usually not, ha-ha.
- What do you prefer doing in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
I don’t play video games, so when I have free time, I’m always out with my friends. I love it a lot more than sitting at home and playing video games.
Thanks for your time Stef! We hope you have a successful and healthy season!
This interview was conducted by Simeon Marinov, Director of European Scouting for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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