By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Igor Kokoskov coached Luka Doncic during Slovenia’s historic EuroBasket title run in 2017. Four years later, they worked together again in Dallas, where Kokoskov spent one season as an assistant to Jason Kidd.
Speaking on the X&O’s CHAT podcast, Kokoskov recalled recognizing Doncic’s talent after only a few practices with the Slovenian national team.
“One thing we will never forget: We were wrapping up the third training session during preparations in Vrnjacka Banja and had just finished the morning practice. The whole group was listening to what my assistants were saying, and as we were walking, Rado Trifunovic told me, ‘Coach, over these last three days, how much do you think we’ve influenced Doncic’s development?’ Then he said, ‘We’ve developed him phenomenally.’”
For Kokoskov, it took only two practices to understand that Doncic was a rare talent.
“It only takes two sessions, two practices with a guy like that, to realize what kind of generational talent you’re working with. His talent was so obvious, and he keeps growing with every passing year. He is a gem, a diamond, a gift from God.”
Doncic was 18 when Slovenia went undefeated at EuroBasket 2017 and defeated Serbia in the final to win its first major title.
Kokoskov reunited with him in 2021 after joining Kidd’s coaching staff in Dallas. His experience with the Mavericks coach, however, was not positive.
“He was one of my favorite players and one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game. I loved the Princeton offense because of Jason Kidd. But Jason Kidd the player and Jason Kidd the coach and person are two completely different stories. I didn’t have a good experience with him, nor do I have a particularly high opinion of him off the court or as a head coach. And it’s fine for people to know that. That’s not just my opinion. He generally led some really gifted teams.”
Kokoskov pointed to the teams Kidd inherited in Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Dallas.
“On the strength of his name and reputation as a legendary player, he landed his first job in Brooklyn with a star-studded group right out of the gate. Then came Milwaukee with Giannis and a roster built to compete for championships, and eventually Dallas with Luka.”
He also described a conversation in which he tried to make it clear that his relationship with Doncic would not affect his loyalty to Kidd.
“So, yeah, I don’t have a particularly high opinion of him. Perhaps the best illustration is that, after working with Jason Kidd for a year, I sat down with him and said: ‘Look, I have a history with Luka Doncic and I know him well. We’ve worked together before, and that can certainly help the team. But I am not here working for Luka Doncic. I am working for you. This is your team.’ However, he could never really get over it. It was something in his head, part of his personal issues, which I didn’t want to get involved in.”
Dallas finished that season with a 52-30 record and reached the Western Conference Finals. Kokoskov left after one year and joined the Brooklyn Nets.
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