Meet Nikola Jokic's Parents: Branislav and Nikolina Jokic

By Edcel Panganiban September 09, 2024 06:37

Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post/Getty

Serbian basketball prodigy and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has his parents, Branislav and Nikolina Jokic, to thank for shaping him into the person he is today. In this article, we'll discuss who they are and how much impact their lives had on Nikola's character and work ethic, the values that guided him to where he is today.

Branislav and Nikolina Jokic's Childhood

Branislav Jokic

Branislav Jokic is of Serbian ancestry and grew up in Serbia, where he worked as an agricultural engineer. His passion for horses became a central part of his professional life and is also something he passed on to Nikola. They resided in a small town named Sombor, which is located just outside the border with northern Serbia.

Nikolina Jokic

Nikola's mother, Nikolina Jokić, is a Serbian national as well. As for her career, though less information is available about what she does, Nikola's mother instilled in her the mutual relationship she shared with his mother in bringing him up. As much as she did to stay within the domestic boundaries, for her children, it meant everything. She was his backbone and biggest cheerleader as Nikola chased what he wanted on the court and away.

Their Impact on Nikola's Career

Humble Beginnings

Nikola grew up in an apartment full of strict and loving attention from his two older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja. Growing up in a modest environment, the Jokics instilled humility and hard work into their son. Nikolina and Branislav pride themselves on their tough love approach, traits that they say stuck with Nikola throughout his career.

Supportive Family Environment

Nikola needed the support of Branislav and Nikolina multitude as his career unfolded. Recognizing Nikola's potential at an early age, Branislav went to great lengths to get the young Jokic to play basketball competitively. Though he was a racing enthusiast of his own, Branislav told Nikola to forget about horses and focus on basketball for the time being with the assurance of one day in life having returned to the horse business.

Values and Work Ethics

The values taught by Branislav and Nikolina have been reflected in how Nikola has lived his career and life. Nikola is a very down-to-earth guy who frequently mentions that it was only because he inherited this quality of working hard from his parents.

Family Dynamics

Nikola's bond with his family is positive and supportive. His older brothers were basketball players, and their guidance played a major role in his upbringing. Moreover, they not only poured all their love for the game into him but also helped Nikola adjust to the difficulties of professional sports.

Anecdotes of Support

The 2023 NBA Finals showed how determined Branislav and Nikolina were to see their son succeed. Unfortunately, they could not come to the games as they also worked in a horse stable, but nothing would have been achieved without their support.

The Legacy of Branislav & Nikolina Jokic

With an influence that goes well beyond the basketball court and values he has carried with him into his personal and professional life, his parent's guidance and support are a cornerstone of his success as Nikola continues rising.

Their legacy is his beacon, shining a light on the importance of humility and hard work throughout this basketball journey that Nikola has started to create through their great example.

While Branislav and Nikolina's parenting has been a catalyst for the success of all three brothers, perhaps their influence runs much deeper. Their story proves how influential parents can be in children's lives and proves how family values and support are still entrenched in greatness.