Aleksej Pokuševski: The Serbian Sensation’s Journey to the NBA

Aleksej Pokuševski, affectionately known as “Poku,” has captivated basketball fans with his unique skill set and towering 7-foot frame. Let’s dive into the remarkable journey of this young Serbian talent who has made waves in the NBA. (Hometown Athletes)

From Belgrade to Athens: Poku’s Early Years

Born in Belgrade, Serbia, on December 26, 2001, Pokuševski’s basketball journey began in his home country. However, his talent soon caught the eye of Greek powerhouse Olympiacos, where he joined their youth academy at a young age. This move proved pivotal for Poku’s development, as he honed his skills in one of Europe’s top basketball programs.

At Olympiacos, Pokuševski quickly made a name for himself. He became the youngest player in the club’s EuroLeague history when he debuted for the senior team in 2018 at just 17 years old. His performances in the Greek A2 league were particularly impressive, averaging 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Education: Learning on the Court

Unlike many of his NBA peers, Pokuševski did not take the traditional college route. Instead, his education came through the rigorous European basketball system. This unique path allowed him to develop a diverse skill set that combines European finesse with raw athleticism.

G-League: A Brief Stopover

After being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020, Pokuševski spent some time with their G-League affiliate. This stint helped him acclimate to the American style of play and prepare for the challenges of the NBA.

NBA: Making History with the Thunder

Pokuševski’s NBA career began with a bang. On March 14, 2021, he made his first NBA start, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. This performance made him the youngest player in league history to record 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ three-pointers in a game.

Throughout his time with the Thunder, Poku continued to showcase his unique abilities. On April 3, 2022, he achieved his first NBA triple-double, joining Magic Johnson as one of the youngest players ever to accomplish this feat.

Despite showing flashes of brilliance, consistency remained a challenge for Pokuševski. His NBA career stats reflect this, with averages of 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game over three seasons.

Family, Friends, and Future

While information about Pokuševski’s personal life is limited, his connection to both Serbia and Greece has undoubtedly shaped his journey. His time in Greece, in particular, seems to have left a lasting impact, with Poku feeling a sense of home court advantage when playing there.

As of 2024, Pokuševski has returned to Europe, signing with Partizan Belgrade. This move presents an opportunity for him to refine his game and potentially make a comeback to the NBA in the future.

For fans wanting to keep up with Poku’s journey, you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Aleksej Pokuševski’s story is far from over. At just 22 years old, this Serbian sensation has already made history and captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. As he continues to develop his unique skill set, the basketball world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Poku’s career.