Breaking: In his welcome address to Auburn Tigers basketball commit Filip, Bruce Pearl mentions Nikola Jokic by name.

Auburn, AL – May 29, 2025 — In a statement that quickly made waves across the college basketball world, Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl officially welcomed Filip Jovanović a highly touted international recruit, with high praise — going as far as comparing the young Serbian star to NBA MVP and champion Nikola Jokić.

The moment came during a press conference held at Neville Arena to formally introduce Auburn’s incoming basketball recruits. Coach Pearl, known for his charisma and honesty, lit up the room with excitement as he spoke about Filip’s arrival.

We’re thrilled to have Filip here,” Pearl said. “He brings a level of court vision, intelligence, and unselfishness that you just don’t teach. Honestly, when I watch him play, it’s hard not to think about a young Nikola Jokić

That comparison, though bold, was not made lightly. Filip Jovanović, an 18-year-old 6’11” center from Belgrade, Serbia, arrives at Auburn with one of the most complete skill sets in the 2025 recruiting class. With polished post moves, elite passing from the high post, and the ability to stretch the floor with a smooth shooting touch, Jovanović has already drawn interest from NBA scouts.

Before committing to Auburn, Filip played for Crvena zvezda’s U19 team, where he averaged 17.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in Serbia’s top youth league. He gained further recognition during the **FIBA U18 European Championships**, where his playmaking ability and composure under pressure reminded many of his NBA countryman.

Pearl noted that while Jokić is the gold standard, the comparison was more about potential and approach to the game than stats.

Nikola Jokić didn’t come into the NBA as the two-time MVP. He worked. He played smart. He made his teammates better. Filip has that same mindset,” Pearl explained.

Auburn basketball has built a reputation in recent years for developing NBA-ready big men. Under Pearl, the program has produced first-round picks like Jabari Smith Jr. Walker Kessler, and Isaac Okoro . Pearl believes Filip could follow a similar path — if not go even further.

We’re not asking Filip to be Jokić on day one,” Pearl added. “But we’re going to give him the tools, the system, and the platform to become the best version of himself.

Filip, who was present at the announcement, appeared humbled by the comparison but confident in his decision to join the Tigers.

It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as Jokić. I want to make my family and my country proud, and Auburn is the right place to do that,” he said.

With Filip now officially part of the team, expectations are growing for Auburn’s 2025-26 campaign. Fans are already anticipating seeing the Serbian standout in action, and tickets for early-season home games are in high demand.

As the Tigers look to make a deep tournament run next year, they do so with one of Europe’s brightest young stars — and a head coach who believes he might be mentoring the next great big man.