Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić started for the Serbian national team on his 20th birthday, helping the group to an exhibition win ahead of EuroBasket 2025.
Topić recorded two points, seven assists and six rebounds in the 122-55 victory over Cyprus at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol on Sunday. He made his only field goal attempt in 20 minutes of work as Serbia improved to 4-0 in its run ahead of the tournament.
The 6-foot-6 guard played a featured role as Nikola Jokić, Bogdan Bogdanović and Vasilije Micić sat on the second game of a back-to-back set after defeating Greece on Saturday. He looked the part, setting up his teammates and running the offense efficiently.
Topić was the 12th pick in the 2024 NBA draft after playing with Crvena zvezda in the ABA League. He was sidelined all of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left ACL suffered while playing in the ABA League Finals on May 13, 2024.
The Serbian debuted in the Salt Lake City Summer League last month, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 assists, three rebounds and two steals in three appearances. He posted a similar average in three games in Las Vegas: 11 points, 7.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals.
Topić was among the players named to Serbia’s preliminary roster and is looking to make the final cut for the first time with the senior team. He and the team have three additional tune-up games before beginning the 42nd edition of the European tournament on Aug. 27.