Nikola Jokić, the Serbian basketball star, recently made a visit to a “cult place” in Sombor before heading to the United States to prepare for the upcoming NBA season with the Denver Nuggets. During his time there, he was spotted by two female students from the “Dr. Ružica Rip” High School of Medicine at a local bakery. The students were thrilled but too nervous to ask for a photo.
“We were overjoyed when we saw him. Of course, we all knew him; you couldn’t help but notice him because no one in Sombor is as tall as he is. He bought burek, pretzels, and yogurt,” one student shared with Večernje Novosti.
Before his flight to Denver, Jokić indulged in his favorite childhood snack, burek. His former coach, Dejan Milojević, had previously warned him about eating “heavy food,” which led Jokić to focus more on his fitness and diet.
Nutrition and Fitness Journey
Jokić has worked hard to transform his physique, hiring a nutritionist and fitness trainer. Despite being one of the heavier players in the NBA, he has become one of the fittest through dedication to his physical health.
“I was fat until a few years ago. I enjoyed eating everything and refused nothing. I ate everything, from cakes to soup with a little more fat. I eat something unhealthy before each game—a slice of pizza and popcorn,” he explained.
Jokić noted that last summer was particularly special for him, especially after winning a bronze medal with the Serbian national team in Paris.
“Playing in the Olympic Games did not take anything away from me; I enjoyed representing Serbia, my hometown, my family, and playing with my friends. Anyone who has the opportunity should participate; it’s a new type of competition,” he emphasized.
His journey reflects not only his love for basketball but also his commitment to balancing enjoyment in life with the demands of professional sports.