2024 was a busy calendar year for 7’0” Serbian big Aleksa Dimitrijević, highlighted by accumulating valuable experiences with coaching legend Željko Obradović as well as playing in two prestigious national team events (FIBA U18 EuroBasket in Tampere, Finland, and the Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament Mannheim, Germany).
Pro Insight’s Florian Kurth met with the 2025 prospect to discuss his background, family, future ambitions, and more.
For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2006-born prospect Aleksa Dimitrijević from Belgrade, Serbia:
Pro Insight: Aleksa, how is the season going for you so far?
Aleksa Dimitrijević: The new season is a new experience. It is going good so far. I have been focused on improving every game and I feel like I am becoming more consistent and impactful on both ends of the court. I can say there’s a huge difference compared to junior basketball — it requires much more strength and skill. I’m working hard to gain new experience and learn from older, more experienced players. I can say that there is a big difference compared to junior level. Currently I am playing for Partizan Belgrade and I am loaned to KK Metalac to play more minutes in Serbian League KLS.
PI: You had a busy national team schedule this year — how was your experience at these events?
AD: Playing for the national team is a great honor for any athlete, including us young players. I believe our national team will continue to achieve success in all competitions.
The European Championship held this year was an important experience for all my teammates, as was participating in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. I hope we’ll show an even better game at the upcoming U19 World Championship.
PI: How would you rate your personal development since playing in Tampere?
AD: My personal development this year has been full of experiences and rapid changes. In March, I played for the Serbian National Team at a tournament in Germany. Shortly after, I started training with KK Partizan’s first team. I tried to learn something new at every practice and work on improving my skills. On my 18th birthday, I had the opportunity to debut in the Serbian League. I believe I made good use of that chance. Soon after, I received a professional contract offer from Partizan. In August, I played in Tampere at the U18 European Championship. I still regret not winning the gold medal because I believe we had the quality and team capable of achieving that. At the start of the season, as a first-team member of Partizan, I began training regularly and tried to take full advantage of the privilege of working with coach Željko Obradović. As I mentioned, I’m currently playing with a dual license in the First Serbian League to better adapt and gain experience that will ultimately help me improve.
PI: How did you initially get into basketball?
AD: I fell in love with the game of basketball when I was young. Like most kids, I wanted to play football. My mom was against it — she never liked football — and she believed I’d be tall since that was obvious from an early age, as my entire family is tall. So I started basketball at the age of 10.
PI: Can you share a bit more about your family background?
AD: Regarding my family background, my parents are tall as well as my grandparents, but no one is as tall as I am. I have a younger brother who is expected to be nearly as tall as I am. He’s 15 years old and almost 2 meters tall and he also plays basketball. I hope we’ll have the chance to play against each other one day. I also have a younger sister who is 4-and-a-half years old. She’s quite tall for her age. I hope she won’t grow to be as tall as her older brothers. She holds a special place in my heart.
PI: Do you have any other professionals in your family?
AD: None of my family members have played sports at this level before.
PI: When you have an off day and you aren’t on the court, what do you spend your time on?
AD: I rarely have a day off. When I do, I try to rest as much as possible since I’m still growing and need rest. However, I also try to fit in an individual training session. I don’t have much time for hobbies because I practice twice per day.
PI: How would you describe your game and playstyle to someone that has never seen you play?
AD: For those who haven’t watched me play, I’d describe myself as a player who focuses heavily on defense. I believe that I am a force in the paint due to my size and my wingspan. I believe that I am an athletic player who loves blocking shots and going after it every time I can. I think I’m good in the paint, on defensive rebounds, and at blocking shots. My height and wingspan give me a strong advantage in the paint and under the rim. Of course, there’s always room for improvement.
PI: What would you say is your biggest strength right now?
AD: I wouldn’t pinpoint any one thing as my greatest strength, although my size does provide certain advantages. I’d highlight my speed, good hands, lateral movement, and athletic ability as characteristics that set me apart. These traits aren’t common for all players in my position — centers — allowing me to move effectively. I also believe it’s beneficial that I can shoot from the three-point line and play in both pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations. I can also face up and attack defenders off the dribble and finish strong around the rim. I am a versatile player who loves and enjoys the game of basketball.
PI: How would you say you most impact winning for your team?
AD: I believe my greatest contribution to the team is on defense. Most players enjoy going for the basket and scoring points — I do, too — but I understand how important defense is, even though it’s a less popular aspect of the game among players. Many things done on defense don’t show up on the stat sheet but are incredibly valuable to the team — that’s why I make it a priority to contribute in that area. I am willing to do everything for my teammates and coaches to win.
PI: Is there a specific weakness that you are focusing on improving?
AD: Currently I am working on my physical strength and spending as much time in the weight room with my strength and conditioning coach. I am still growing, and I believe if I put on too many muscles quickly it will slow me down and I would not be that mobile, quick with the ball and athletic, but I am working on it slowly step by step. I would love to improve my three-point shot and have a better percentage so I can stretch the defense more. I love working on my weaknesses, but on my strengths as well.
PI: What is your favorite part of a team practice?
AD: Like most young players, my favorite part of team practices is playing five-on-five.
PI: Can you imagine going to college in the U.S. one day?
AD: I can imagine myself playing college basketball — we’ll see if that becomes my path. My long-term goal is the NBA. I believe that with hard work in the right system, the support of good coaches, and of course my family (which I already have), I can achieve my goal of playing in the NBA.
PI: Can you speak more specifically about your long term goal(s) regarding your basketball career?
AD: Since I was a child, I’ve thought about my career. In 2022, I had the chance to play in the NCAA U.S. Open Basketball Tournament in Memphis, which was an amazing experience. The game is played much faster in the U.S. compared to Europe, but with some adjustments, I don’t find that to be a problem. Some rules are different, but it’s all very challenging.
PI: Where do you see yourself in five years?
AD: Five years from now, I see myself in the NBA.
PI: Do you have any particular hype music which you are listening to before games?
AD: I don’t listen to music before games. It’s important for me to stay focused and concentrated.
PI: Do you watch basketball on TV?
AD: On TV, I mainly watch NBA games, but I also regularly follow the EuroLeague, including games played by my team and others.
PI: Who would you say is the best opponent you’ve ever faced?
AD: The toughest opponent I’ve faced so far is Ben Saraf from Israel. We played against each other in the semifinals of the 2024 EuroBasket in Finland.
PI: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
AD: My ultimate goal is to keep working and striving to improve. I want to make the most of the talents, skills, height, and opportunities I’ve been given to become the best basketball player I can be. I’ll take care of my health and do everything within my power to grow as a player.