Popovic signs as Head of High Performance

Adelaide 36ers are thrilled to announce Nik Popovic as the new Head of High Performance/Strength and Conditioning for the NBL24 season.

Popovic has 25 years of experience in his field at a number of high-profile teams and joins the 36ers after spending over a year at the University of Southern California in the NCAA.

“I’ve known CJ for over two decades and we have always discussed working together again, at some point in time ” Popovic said.

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton said the addition of Popovic to his off-court team is a huge acquisition for the NBL24 season and beyond.

“I’ve known Nik for a long time and I know what he is capable to bring to a club,” Bruton said.

“To have that knowledge and professionalism on board is going to be a great asset for us.”

Adelaide 36ers owner and chairman Grant Kelley said to have someone of the regard of Popovic is a big coup for the club.

“Nik comes in with a tremendous resume and knowledge in this field, I can see him taking us to the next level,” Kelley said.

Popovic said he needed to bring his family back to Australia this year and the 36ers were a perfect fit.

“When CJ found out that I decided to come back home for family reasons, he reached out to gauge if there was interest,” Popovic said.

“We started talking about making it happen and as this is a great opportunity, we made it happen.

“I’m so very grateful to CJ, to Grant (Kelley) and to Nic (Barbato) for giving me this opportunity and I’ll endeavour to put this squad in the best possible physical condition to compete on the court.”

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Popovic started his NBL journey at West Sydney Razorbacks in 1998 and has been part of five NBL championships with the Sydney Kings (2003, 2004, 2005), South Dragons (2009) and Melbourne United (2021).

“It’s great to be back in the NBL and to work with CJ again, it’s a great story to now work with him as a coach after working with him as an athlete,” Popovic said.

As well as a 10-year stint at Chinese Basketball Association club Shenzhen Leopards (2009-2019), Popovic has been the head of High Performance with the Australian Boomers during the 2004 and 2008 Olympic campaigns, the 2006 FIBA World Cup and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

“I was in the league when Adelaide last won a title and I want the club to be at that level again”

“Adelaide is always a tough place to play with the great fan support it has, so I am looking forward to working in that environment”.

Popovic has his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science in 1998 from the University of New South Wales, a Master’s degree in Exercise Science in 2006 from Edith Cowan University and an ASCA Masters Level 3 Strength and Conditioning accreditations.

He also holds the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) RSCC*E designation that signifies a certified strength and conditioning coach has demonstrated experience and knowledge working in team sport or tactical performance units for over 20 years. In addition he hold both the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Performance & Sports Scientist (CPSS) accrediations with the NSCA.

Popovic plans to be in Adelaide by July to start the NBL24 pre-season campaign.

“I want to to get to Adelaide early and get everything started so we can get on the right path for the upcoming season,” he said.