News

Teodora Kričković Shines in Hoosiers’ Historic Reverse Sweep Over Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – August 29, 2025

The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers volleyball season opener delivered every ounce of drama fans could ask for—and then some. In front of a charged Miami (Fla.) crowd, the Hoosiers engineered one of the program’s greatest comebacks, rallying from two sets down to secure a reverse sweep (18-25, 17-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-11).

At the center of this stunning turnaround was freshman setter Teodora Kričković, who, in her first-ever collegiate match, demonstrated poise and precision beyond her years. Kričković distributed the offense with tempo and vision, finishing with 39 assists, 6 digs, 3 aces, and 3 blocks—a complete performance that steadied Indiana and ignited the comeback.

A Freshman Debut to Remember

The Hoosiers struggled early against a sharp Miami squad that attacked aggressively from the service line, racking up seven aces in the first two sets. But once Kričković settled into rhythm, the entire Indiana offense came alive.

In the pivotal third set, she racked up 11 assists while guiding IU to an incredible .458 hitting percentage. Her service run late in the set sparked an 8-2 finishing surge, turning the tide of the match. From there, Kričković’s balanced distribution kept three Hoosier pin hitters in double-digit kills, including senior leader Candela Alonso-Corcelles, who tallied 20 kills and surpassed the 1,000 career-kill milestone.

Head coach Steve Aird trusted four freshmen—including Kričković—to start the opener, making IU’s resilience all the more impressive. The Serbian setter’s ability to blend youthful energy with tactical maturity was a clear difference-maker.

The Bigger Picture

Indiana’s comeback not only delivered their first reverse sweep in 10 years, but also extended a string of early-season dominance: five consecutive opening-match wins and four straight victories over Power Four opponents in non-conference play.

For Kričković, the performance underscored why she is one of the most exciting young setters in NCAA volleyball. Beyond the stats, she showed the leadership, composure, and competitive edge that NIL Plus Group values in its athletes—traits that will elevate her both on the court and in future NIL opportunities.

What’s Next

The Hoosiers continue their campaign tomorrow against VCU, looking to carry momentum into what promises to be a memorable 2025 season. For Kričković, this is just the first chapter of a story that combines athletic excellence with brand potential, a journey that NIL Plus Group is proud to guide and represent.

Final Takeaway

When Indiana needed answers, a freshman stepped up.
When the match hung in the balance, Kričković delivered.
And when the season began, she proved she belongs among the best.

by NIL+

Quick Chat: Savo Drezgic – A Rising Star in Georgia Basketball

By John Frierson | December 17, 2024

Georgia men's basketball freshman Savo Drezgic is making waves in Athens after a stellar year of basketball across the globe. At just 6-foot-4, the guard from Belgrade, Serbia, has already showcased his talents on some of the biggest stages and is eager for more.

International Success and Professional Beginnings

Drezgic arrived at the University of Georgia with an impressive resume. He played a pivotal role in leading Serbia to a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 European Championships in Finland, where he averaged an impressive 20.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, he honed his skills at Serbian powerhouse club Partizan, one of Europe’s premier basketball programs, and spent time at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., for his high school years.

Reflecting on his debut with Partizan, Drezgic recalls, “I was 16 playing in front of 20,000 people. It was really amazing—and I also scored 2 points. I was nervous because I was the youngest player to ever play for Partizan.”

A Global Journey

Drezgic has already competed in countries like Finland, Germany, and North Macedonia, along with stints across Florida, California, and Arizona. His basketball journey is now taking him to new places in the U.S., with conference games set in Oxford, Miss.; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Auburn, Ala. However, one place he’s particularly excited to visit is New York City during the winter.

Adjusting to College Life

The transition to college basketball and life in Athens has been smooth for the Serbian guard. “It’s been nice. It’s a nice experience and it’s definitely different, but I like it. I’ve learned a lot of stuff by being here,” he shared.

Drezgic began playing basketball at the age of five and soon realized he had the potential to play at a high level. His hard work has paid off, as evidenced by his rapid rise in both the European and American basketball scenes.

Cultural Connections and Comforts

Though Drezgic is thriving in the U.S., he misses the comforts of home, particularly Serbian cuisine. “I miss my mom’s food,” he said. Traditional dishes like ćevapi, sarma, and börek are among his favorites, and he also appreciates European cuisines like Greek food. “The food here is different. I’m trying to eat as much healthy food as I can, but I like European food way more.”

Inspired by Greatness

Drezgic’s basketball idol is none other than the late Dražen Petrović, the Yugoslav and Croatian legend whose legacy inspires players worldwide. “He was my idol because he was practicing so much. I was trying to practice as much as him. I even met his mom, which was an amazing experience,” Drezgic revealed.

He also takes pride in the accomplishments of Serbian players in the NBA, especially Nikola Jokić. “It’s really amazing to have the best player in the world from Serbia—and Serbia’s a small country. It is really amazing.”

Team Chemistry and Fun

When asked about his new teammates, Drezgic pointed to De’Shayne Montgomery as the funniest guy on the team. “It’s just the way he talks, it’s so funny. And he’s loud, always loud. I like him a lot,” Drezgic said with a smile.

Savo Drezgic’s journey from Belgrade to Athens is just beginning, but his impressive skill set, work ethic, and infectious personality are already leaving a mark. With his international experience and drive, he’s poised to become a standout for Georgia basketball in the years to come.

by NIL+

George Mason Patriots Add Staš Sivka to 2024-25 Roster

FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's basketball team is bolstering its roster with the addition of Slovenian forward Staš Sivka. Head coach Tony Skinn (’06) announced Thursday that Sivka will join the Patriots for the 2024-25 season.

Meet Staš Sivka

Hailing from Celje, Slovenia, Staš Sivka stands at an impressive 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Sivka brings two years of professional basketball experience in the highly competitive Pro-A Slovenian league, where he developed his skills playing for BC Rogaska. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. His 2023-24 campaign was limited due to a shoulder injury.

Known for his fiery demeanor and strong work ethic, Sivka is a versatile player capable of excelling on both ends of the floor. “Staš is a skilled, combo four who can play and defend multiple positions,” said Skinn. “His experience playing in a skilled, physical European league has given him an impressive confidence and demeanor you don’t often see in a freshman.”

A top prospect in Slovenia, Sivka also represented his country in 2023 as a member of the U-20 national team, further showcasing his potential on the international stage.

Patriots on the Rise

Under the leadership of Tony Skinn, the Patriots are building a competitive roster aimed at sustained success. With a mix of promising freshmen, experienced transfers, and returning talent, George Mason is looking to build upon their top-100 national finish last season—their best performance since 2010-11. The addition of Staš Sivka adds depth and international experience to a team hungry for continued growth.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming season as the Patriots aim to make waves in 2024-25.

Source: https://gomason.com/news/2024/6/20/mens-basketball-patriots-add-sta-sivka-to-2024-25-roster.aspx

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Half-Season Review: Olavi Suutela

About Olavi Suutela 

A key player for HBA - Helsinki Basketball Academy, Olavi Suutela has been a cornerstone on both ends of the court. As a versatile forward/center, he combines mobility and speed in transition with a strong defensive presence and relentless effort on the glass. His ability to adapt seamlessly between the 4 and 5 positions makes him an invaluable asset to the team’s system.

Season Update

• Current Record: 5-4, 5th in the league.
• Known for his aggressive defense, Olavi excels in ball screen coverages.
• His playmaking abilities and outside shooting have added new dimensions to his game, with an average of 2.3 three-point attempts per game.

Stats Breakdown (Per Game)

• 18.2 PPG
• 11.3 REB (4.6 OREB)
• 1.5 AST
• 1.8 STL

Highlights:

• 2nd highest scorer among Finnish players (only imports rank higher).
• Best Finnish rebounder in the league.
• Ranks 3rd in offensive rebounding.
• 4th in total rebounding league-wide.
• 8/9 games with a double-double!

The X-Factor

Olavi’s contributions extend far beyond the stat sheet. His leadership, hustle, and consistency make him an essential figure in @hba_marsky’s pursuit of a strong finish to the season. Whether it’s dominating the boards, locking down opponents, or stepping up with key plays, Olavi is proving to be a rising star in Finnish basketball.

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