I have been watching the same videos all day, something about watching him set the oppo so fluidly at that pace from that distance is just so impressive. Generational Talent for sure.
I played against him last summer in the U20 CEV championships. He controlled the game without going past 1st gear. Dude is such a threat when he's front court as well
Honestly is he even going to play for Long Beach for all 4 years? He honestly could have been signed this year instead of playing college i think he just here for a year just for the experience
Can’t say for sure whether or not he will or not. But he is 17 so I don’t think he rushing to go Pro when we clearly know he’s capable of that level. But we’ll see, I think depending on the results of this season he may play for 2 years minimum.
@@mitchsterkenburg With NIL deals being what they are now, he stands to make more than he would on a rookie contract in a pro league. Continues to develop, will attract both European and american sponsors that can support him, gets and opportunity to experience living in American college varsity culture/live in the states in general. That kind of life experience for a 17yo young man can do wonders in developing a more universally cultured human, which maybe something himself, his brother and even parents wish for him. On top of all that, most D1 athletes from big programs get treated better in college than almost any pro club(For sports outside of the big 3). 1 year wont hurt him in the least.
I think the only reason he might stay for more than one year is if there is a potential for development that is better than joining a pro club. There is no reason for him to stay in the US if there is no good competition against him. One reason why he might be different from his brother Alex and stay for longer is that he plays setter, which at the highest level, in general, requires a good amount of experience aside from pure physicality and technique. Also, he has his friend and long-term teammate Lazar Bouchkov on the team at LBSU, which is sure to make him feel more at home.
I don't think it's a strong possibility that he does. But you never know how long he'll decide to play. There's something special about NCAA sports that you don't get at the professional volleyball level
Setting was one of the reason why LBSU struggled in the championship matches for the last couple seasons. OOS setting locations was all over the place, so LBSU getting a massive improvement in setting means they’re going to be dangerous. I wouldn’t be shocked if they win the championship this upcoming season.
He definitely brings a lot of skills to the setter position that haven't been seen by anyone in D1MVB before. We'll see if it's enough to bring home a championship.
Andrew Rowan has been a walking all-american since he stepped onto UCLA's campus. Even will a guy like Jakob Thelle Rowan seemed to run a cleaner offense as a freshman. But with the potency that Nikolov's plays with I think there could be good competition between the two for best setter in the NCAA.
Nikolov is elite but let's remember he's 17, and part of the reason he's in the NCAA is to continue to develop his game to reach that peak level. I think he's clearly heads and shoulders above most in the NCAA already but its a team sport and he's going to have to play some big time programs to win a championship.
Hot Take: This guy can possibly become the next Lebron James but for Volleyball. I mean he’s starting at a very high level for his age. Can have the longevity and is a generational talent for sure. Just only worry is injuries.
To be one of the best in the world at 17... definitely can see the comparison to the KING. But that is a bold statement when it comes to an athlete who's been one of the best players in his sport for 20 years.
I got some hot takes on the subjects pointed out in this video. I personally think Simeon Nikolov is likely going to get player of the year (or something like that) and get tons of offers from big time professional clubs. Keep in mind his brother also plays for the Bulgarian national team. This happened to him and he ended up forfeiting his remaining eligibility to go play at Lube. So I think Simeon is going to be in the NCAA for 1, maybe 2 seasons (he also showed off his skill quite well in the VNL. Professional clubs do watch that). Next hot take is on the number of national team members in your team. Of the 24 players on the Long Beach roster; 10 have represented national teams of their countries. Alan Knipe literally has a full team of starters and then some who have played or are currently playing on one of their respective countries national teams. That's insane! Talk about attracting talent! My hot take is there should be a rule that you can only recruit so many people who have been selected to represent one of their countries national teams. If you recruited them, then they get called up for the first time- after a certain amount of years of play in the NCAA- that's fine in my opinion. But when you get monsters like the Nikolov brothers... I support this rule. Especially since I'm rooting against Long Beach (and UCLA, really anything but another classical matchup in the finals) this coming season.
I don't know if calling Simeon Nikolov NPOTY would be a hot take, I think he would be a heavy favorite to win that heading into the season. And you gotta give credit to Alan Knipe! Recruiting is a challenge and he's found a way to make the most of the international market of high level players. Attracting talent and players like the Nikolov brothers, and other fantastic players over the years. I'd like to see some new teams in the mix in the finals four as well but I also love to see the best talent in the finals when its all said and done.
@@SVVolley I do agree, it's super dangerous to not have any rules regarding imports, because once everyone imports, your own country won't ever develop talent. Even though it is dangerous it is really not that hard to counter it. An easy fix for any import/recruit problem that diminishes the risk of loosing homegrown talent would be to have a rule that requires at least 2 or 3 active players from your own country on the field, just like it is required in most European leagues. That differs from country to country tho, some are only allowed to have 2 active foreign players on the court, some require only 2 native players on the court, in some other countries the rule doesn't state they have to be active players. You can try many variations of that rule, would definitely help european talent to spread more around onto other teams as well and not have 1 team monopolizr everything cuz they got money/infrastructure.
@@yashA.456 I don't really see it as dangerous to developing talent in the country (bringing in more competitive players tends to make a league more competitive after all), I'm just frustrated with the amount of national team players on Long Beach's roster, and the fact the NCAA has sorta become more predictable which teams will be in the final four in recent times. Basically I just want the talent spread more around the NCAA vs centralized at a few powerhouse schools (UCLA, Long Beach, Hawaii). So my proposal is a cap on the amount of national team players you can recruit to your team (or even have on your team). Also keep in mind, of the 10 players who have represented their nation on a national team on Long Beach's roster- a significant number of them are Americans.
At first I thought its unfortunate that he's on bulgarian national team because they are not like a France, USA, Poland, Italy, etc But honestly, it's awesome for him because there's a good chance he doesn't get to start and see court time at VNL if he was on a 'bigger' country. Now he's gonna be absolutely unphased playing NCAA, and probably even pro when he switches, because he's already been on the real national stage and was cooking grown men while he's 17. The mentality has gotta be absolutely insane to match the physicality. Kinda crazy how LBSU has had such notable players like Defalco and Tuaniga in the last few years, this guy arguably played on a bigger stage than tuaniga way way earlier in his career
Still don't understand why Bulgaria national team doesn't field both brothers at the same time. Alexandar Nikolov is 100% one of their best spikers in the country no matter the age. Playing in Lube in the matches he did, dude is just 1 or 2 years older than Simeon and already has gathered incredible Pro-Experience alongside people like Ivan Zaytsev, Luciano De Cecco, Juantorena etc.
@@dwexy6940 Oh really? That's so weird I definitely remember seeing him frequently in Serie A and also the Champions League, did he injure himself at the end of the season/over the summer?
The international approach to men's volleyball has a leg up over the U.S. right now. Elevating players to play against grown men if they are able to compete at that level. That's why the transition for Nikolov to play on the Bulgarian National team has felt so smooth. I think he's in a good spot and will take that team to higher highs than they've ever had throughout his career. LBSU does a great job of getting the best international talent and some gems from the U.S. in recent history as well over the several years.
are you sure that simeon is going to do all four years though. I haven't heard his actual words or intents yet so this is speculative, but I have a hunch that there are better opportunities overseas that he might take in the footsteps of his brother.
I'm not sticking to that statement, only saying if he were to stay he would likely be a four year all american. But with his pro prospects I think it's likely he's a one and done.
I dont watch American college VB, so genuine question: would he not be better off polishing his skills at a top European team? I think he is already at a level where he could play in Italy or Poland as a starter and face stronger opposition
Not sure if that's what he wants to do at 17, although I would agree the level would be better, and he might develop with higher level talent. He's 17, and when you have the live and be a grown up at that age it's tough. The NCAA allows you to play with athletes your age, while also increasing your academics as well which I'm sure played a part in his decision to play at LBSU.
@ I mean yeah, in terms of lifestyle its definitely way cooler ahahah In terms of volleyball tho, both regarding development and overall level of play, its probably not optimal
I certainly think that's a realistic possibility. I was just speaking on my thoughts if he happens to stay longer than one year. Which I think is a small possibility.
GCU will barley be competitors if at all, they lost their best player in Nick, and then arguably there 2nd and 3rd best players in their middles, tough to see a world they are close to the same level let alone taking a jump.
Yeah I think you're right about GCU, although I think they'll still be in the top 5 of D1 with the culture of developing talent they've collected along with bringing back Jarrett Anderson one of the best oppos in all of D1. But definitely tough to compete with last year roster on paper.
I’m pretty interested to see how GCU does this year. I also wanted to say that Jesus is the Bridegroom and I (and the Church) are the Bride. Jesus is coming back and not a lot of people are ready because not a lot of people are living for Him. But God is living and merciful and it’s never too late to repent. Please, anyone who sees this, turn back to God. He loves you. Jesus Christ loves everyone and died for all of our sins. Jesus also rose again from the dead three days later, proving everything He said to be true (before He died He said He would rise again from the dead). Everyone has sin and the wages of sin is death. Sin leads to death and death leads to hell (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23) But Jesus died for our sins and paid our debt to sin, so anyone who chooses to believe in Him will be saved from hell and could go to heaven. If you want to make Him your Lord and Savior you could say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for all of my sins, I repent and I turn to You. Please help me to live for You, and I love you. In Jesus name, Amen! If you prayed that, Glory be to God! Please get a Bible, read it every day, pray everyday and please go to church. Jesus loves you!
@@mitchsterkenburg well he would have live in the US for 5 years. Normally it’s 7, but you can be eligible me to play for another country after 5 for sports.
GCU lost their all-American setter, both their outsides, and Cam Thorne. Not on the same level they were, unfortunately. Its UCLA VS long beach once again, hawaii gonna be good though.
Right about GCU, but they still have Jarrett Anderson who I think is going to be one of the best oppos in all of D1 this year. But I expect it to be a rematch between UCLA/LBSU as well.
He's going to come to europe next year for sure, not to be rude but D1MVB will be a joke for him, he has the talent NOW to play un poland, italy or russia, hope he doesnt stay st the states
A lot of other extremely talented international players have followed the same route. Including Simeon's brother who played for Alan Knipe and was player of the year. Why did Messi come to play in the MLS? The US can do a great job of making a superstar and elevating them on another level.
He's still on Bulgaria's national team. He probably just wanted a different experience, and Alex may have been talking it up. Also, I read somewhere that the Nikolov Sr. places a lot of emphasis on academics as well.
Yes I understand that sounds crazy, but returning - Rowan, Robinson, David, Rama, and bringing in Cameron Thorne makes them still very elite. And returns 4/6 starters from last year.
His brother only lasted one year, and this will be no different. Also what's with the clickbait title? Absolutely nothing to do with your video. Fix that up
Yeah I could see him only playing one year. And the connotation of "problem" in the title is valid. "problem" meaning he's going to be really flipping good for LBSU. It's a current interpretation of the word that's popular.
@@mitchsterkenburg yeah I've never seen the word problem used that way. You're not the Onion where every word can be read ironically. If you wanna be taken seriously, be literal. Ydy but that's my feedback, good luck
@@mitchsterkenburg i guess change the "for" in the title to "at" because it is tiny bit confusing that he will be an issue for long beach when hes playing for them 😅
Long Beach are the kings of finding these one off players. Simeon right now, his brother before him, and TJ before that. Simeon has finally made this long beach team balanced, Knipe was fine but lacked height and placement off the net.
LBSU has a great relationship with international students and athletes through some of the summer camps and opportunities that they offer. Knipe has done a great job of scooping up that talent and holding onto it. Aiden was not a bad setter by any means but Nikolov puts this team on another level with his ceiling and playmaking ability.
Appreciate the credit, most ppl don’t do that🙏
Thanks for documenting! You showed a lot of people what this kid can do. And the volleyball community thanks you.
Hi I’m subbed to you and I love watching him play thanks for posting the vids!
I have been watching the same videos all day, something about watching him set the oppo so fluidly at that pace from that distance is just so impressive. Generational Talent for sure.
Elite level comment here.
Its crazy how skilled he is as a setter.. He’s not just amazing because of his height he’s actually got insanely good technique and hands
I agree 100%. He's fluid, makes great decisions, and sets with great speeds. Big upgrade for LBSU.
His dad was Captain of Bulgaria's national team and his brother plays too. Man's bred to play ball. Even one of the LBSU middle is from Bulgaria too
He has phenomenal genes, and the build to be one of the best.
@@mitchsterkenburg Forgot to mention that his brother went to LBSU too
I played against him last summer in the U20 CEV championships. He controlled the game without going past 1st gear. Dude is such a threat when he's front court as well
He's a big time threat, I love the way he uses speed. I don't think we've seen the best out of him yet which is hard to believe.
Honestly is he even going to play for Long Beach for all 4 years? He honestly could have been signed this year instead of playing college i think he just here for a year just for the experience
Id bet my house that he is not
Can’t say for sure whether or not he will or not. But he is 17 so I don’t think he rushing to go Pro when we clearly know he’s capable of that level. But we’ll see, I think depending on the results of this season he may play for 2 years minimum.
@@mitchsterkenburg With NIL deals being what they are now, he stands to make more than he would on a rookie contract in a pro league. Continues to develop, will attract both European and american sponsors that can support him, gets and opportunity to experience living in American college varsity culture/live in the states in general. That kind of life experience for a 17yo young man can do wonders in developing a more universally cultured human, which maybe something himself, his brother and even parents wish for him. On top of all that, most D1 athletes from big programs get treated better in college than almost any pro club(For sports outside of the big 3). 1 year wont hurt him in the least.
I think the only reason he might stay for more than one year is if there is a potential for development that is better than joining a pro club. There is no reason for him to stay in the US if there is no good competition against him. One reason why he might be different from his brother Alex and stay for longer is that he plays setter, which at the highest level, in general, requires a good amount of experience aside from pure physicality and technique. Also, he has his friend and long-term teammate Lazar Bouchkov on the team at LBSU, which is sure to make him feel more at home.
@@mitchsterkenburg it was said he is just waiting to turn 18 and then he is going pro just like his brother, so basically one and done
Watched the same videos, this guy is a beast man
He is a beast and he’s just getting started
He ain’t even trying too
I love your NCAA MVB content and was hoping you’d highlight Nikolov. He’s a cheat code
Appreciate it! Much more to come, will be following him all season
He could probably play in Italy next year, he is a generational talent for sure
Definitely capable of it, we'll see if he decides to follow in his brother's footsteps.
I doubt he plays 4 years. He’s going to go pro after this season similar to what his brother did after his one season at Long Beach
I don't think it's a strong possibility that he does. But you never know how long he'll decide to play. There's something special about NCAA sports that you don't get at the professional volleyball level
Setting was one of the reason why LBSU struggled in the championship matches for the last couple seasons. OOS setting locations was all over the place, so LBSU getting a massive improvement in setting means they’re going to be dangerous. I wouldn’t be shocked if they win the championship this upcoming season.
He definitely brings a lot of skills to the setter position that haven't been seen by anyone in D1MVB before. We'll see if it's enough to bring home a championship.
This is gonna be the first time Andrew Rowan has had any comp in his ncaa career😂
And the first time Nikolov doesn’t have any competition in his career 😂 Rowan is nothing compared to the national setters Nikolov played in VNL.
I think nic slight from GCU was pretty good
Andrew Rowan has been a walking all-american since he stepped onto UCLA's campus. Even will a guy like Jakob Thelle Rowan seemed to run a cleaner offense as a freshman. But with the potency that Nikolov's plays with I think there could be good competition between the two for best setter in the NCAA.
Nikolov is elite but let's remember he's 17, and part of the reason he's in the NCAA is to continue to develop his game to reach that peak level. I think he's clearly heads and shoulders above most in the NCAA already but its a team sport and he's going to have to play some big time programs to win a championship.
He had a great year last year.
Come to Ohio St in may for the ncaa championship tourney, lb will qualify no doubt
I’m planning on it!
Two years in the NCAA. Max.
Likely the scenario.
I already have my season tickets #GoBeach
Wishing I was living in Cali to do the same!
Hot Take: This guy can possibly become the next Lebron James but for Volleyball. I mean he’s starting at a very high level for his age. Can have the longevity and is a generational talent for sure. Just only worry is injuries.
To be one of the best in the world at 17... definitely can see the comparison to the KING. But that is a bold statement when it comes to an athlete who's been one of the best players in his sport for 20 years.
LOL love the Victor Wembananas comparison
Right! It's only right, they are both 'aliens' in their respective sports. Never seen anything like them before.
I got some hot takes on the subjects pointed out in this video. I personally think Simeon Nikolov is likely going to get player of the year (or something like that) and get tons of offers from big time professional clubs. Keep in mind his brother also plays for the Bulgarian national team. This happened to him and he ended up forfeiting his remaining eligibility to go play at Lube. So I think Simeon is going to be in the NCAA for 1, maybe 2 seasons (he also showed off his skill quite well in the VNL. Professional clubs do watch that).
Next hot take is on the number of national team members in your team. Of the 24 players on the Long Beach roster; 10 have represented national teams of their countries. Alan Knipe literally has a full team of starters and then some who have played or are currently playing on one of their respective countries national teams. That's insane! Talk about attracting talent! My hot take is there should be a rule that you can only recruit so many people who have been selected to represent one of their countries national teams. If you recruited them, then they get called up for the first time- after a certain amount of years of play in the NCAA- that's fine in my opinion. But when you get monsters like the Nikolov brothers... I support this rule. Especially since I'm rooting against Long Beach (and UCLA, really anything but another classical matchup in the finals) this coming season.
I don't know if calling Simeon Nikolov NPOTY would be a hot take, I think he would be a heavy favorite to win that heading into the season.
And you gotta give credit to Alan Knipe! Recruiting is a challenge and he's found a way to make the most of the international market of high level players. Attracting talent and players like the Nikolov brothers, and other fantastic players over the years.
I'd like to see some new teams in the mix in the finals four as well but I also love to see the best talent in the finals when its all said and done.
@@SVVolley I do agree, it's super dangerous to not have any rules regarding imports, because once everyone imports, your own country won't ever develop talent. Even though it is dangerous it is really not that hard to counter it.
An easy fix for any import/recruit problem that diminishes the risk of loosing homegrown talent would be to have a rule that requires at least 2 or 3 active players from your own country on the field, just like it is required in most European leagues. That differs from country to country tho, some are only allowed to have 2 active foreign players on the court, some require only 2 native players on the court, in some other countries the rule doesn't state they have to be active players.
You can try many variations of that rule, would definitely help european talent to spread more around onto other teams as well and not have 1 team monopolizr everything cuz they got money/infrastructure.
@@yashA.456 I don't really see it as dangerous to developing talent in the country (bringing in more competitive players tends to make a league more competitive after all), I'm just frustrated with the amount of national team players on Long Beach's roster, and the fact the NCAA has sorta become more predictable which teams will be in the final four in recent times. Basically I just want the talent spread more around the NCAA vs centralized at a few powerhouse schools (UCLA, Long Beach, Hawaii). So my proposal is a cap on the amount of national team players you can recruit to your team (or even have on your team). Also keep in mind, of the 10 players who have represented their nation on a national team on Long Beach's roster- a significant number of them are Americans.
At first I thought its unfortunate that he's on bulgarian national team because they are not like a France, USA, Poland, Italy, etc But honestly, it's awesome for him because there's a good chance he doesn't get to start and see court time at VNL if he was on a 'bigger' country. Now he's gonna be absolutely unphased playing NCAA, and probably even pro when he switches, because he's already been on the real national stage and was cooking grown men while he's 17. The mentality has gotta be absolutely insane to match the physicality.
Kinda crazy how LBSU has had such notable players like Defalco and Tuaniga in the last few years, this guy arguably played on a bigger stage than tuaniga way way earlier in his career
Still don't understand why Bulgaria national team doesn't field both brothers at the same time. Alexandar Nikolov is 100% one of their best spikers in the country no matter the age. Playing in Lube in the matches he did, dude is just 1 or 2 years older than Simeon and already has gathered incredible Pro-Experience alongside people like Ivan Zaytsev, Luciano De Cecco, Juantorena etc.
@@yashA.456 Nikolov was injured majority of last year and has only just returned for lube so should start to see them both field now for Bulgaria
@@dwexy6940 Oh really? That's so weird I definitely remember seeing him frequently in Serie A and also the Champions League, did he injure himself at the end of the season/over the summer?
@ it was just before playoffs last season so he played majority that’s why he wasn’t available much during playoffs
The international approach to men's volleyball has a leg up over the U.S. right now. Elevating players to play against grown men if they are able to compete at that level. That's why the transition for Nikolov to play on the Bulgarian National team has felt so smooth. I think he's in a good spot and will take that team to higher highs than they've ever had throughout his career. LBSU does a great job of getting the best international talent and some gems from the U.S. in recent history as well over the several years.
I'm from Italy, I would see nikolov play but I don't know where, does anyone know where I can see lbsu matches?
are you sure that simeon is going to do all four years though. I haven't heard his actual words or intents yet so this is speculative, but I have a hunch that there are better opportunities overseas that he might take in the footsteps of his brother.
there is 0 percent chance he does all 4, and very low chance he even comes back for his second year
I'm not sticking to that statement, only saying if he were to stay he would likely be a four year all american. But with his pro prospects I think it's likely he's a one and done.
crazy crazy player super excited about this season. I’m going to watch Alex Nikolov this weekend really looking forward to it
Should be a really fun one. Alex is also really exciting to watch
I dont watch American college VB, so genuine question: would he not be better off polishing his skills at a top European team? I think he is already at a level where he could play in Italy or Poland as a starter and face stronger opposition
Not sure if that's what he wants to do at 17, although I would agree the level would be better, and he might develop with higher level talent. He's 17, and when you have the live and be a grown up at that age it's tough. The NCAA allows you to play with athletes your age, while also increasing your academics as well which I'm sure played a part in his decision to play at LBSU.
@ I mean yeah, in terms of lifestyle its definitely way cooler ahahah In terms of volleyball tho, both regarding development and overall level of play, its probably not optimal
Yeah, but will he be a 1 year and done player like his brother. They play 1 year and when they get 18 yrs old, they go pro.
I certainly think that's a realistic possibility. I was just speaking on my thoughts if he happens to stay longer than one year. Which I think is a small possibility.
Next stop LUBE!
3:53 cap
Not cap, but more of a credit to UCLA than anything.
GCU will barley be competitors if at all, they lost their best player in Nick, and then arguably there 2nd and 3rd best players in their middles, tough to see a world they are close to the same level let alone taking a jump.
gutted, i was a GCU fan last season, hope they will recruit talented players, mind me asking, where those players go...
Yeah I think you're right about GCU, although I think they'll still be in the top 5 of D1 with the culture of developing talent they've collected along with bringing back Jarrett Anderson one of the best oppos in all of D1. But definitely tough to compete with last year roster on paper.
@@PaulTaka123Nick is playing pro with the Grizzlies, one middle went to UCLA and the other graduated
I’m pretty interested to see how GCU does this year.
I also wanted to say that Jesus is the Bridegroom and I (and the Church) are the Bride. Jesus is coming back and not a lot of people are ready because not a lot of people are living for Him. But God is living and merciful and it’s never too late to repent.
Please, anyone who sees this, turn back to God. He loves you.
Jesus Christ loves everyone and died for all of our sins. Jesus also rose again from the dead three days later, proving everything He said to be true (before He died He said He would rise again from the dead). Everyone has sin and the wages of sin is death. Sin leads to death and death leads to hell (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23) But Jesus died for our sins and paid our debt to sin, so anyone who chooses to believe in Him will be saved from hell and could go to heaven. If you want to make Him your Lord and Savior you could say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for all of my sins, I repent and I turn to You. Please help me to live for You, and I love you. In Jesus name, Amen!
If you prayed that, Glory be to God! Please get a Bible, read it every day, pray everyday and please go to church. Jesus loves you!
He can be the best setter in the world before he is 25.
The trajectory certainly indicates that as a realistic possibility.
Imagine he has aspirations of playing FOR the US.
Not sure if that's possible.
@@mitchsterkenburg well he would have live in the US for 5 years. Normally it’s 7, but you can be eligible me to play for another country after 5 for sports.
Ultimate glaze 🤑. Nah fr tho he is actually really talented
A little glaze here for sure but when you’re as good as he is it’s tough not to
imagine being 6'9 at 17... im 5'11 and im almost 16
Phenomenal genetics
does he have a multi year contract or how are the regulations in the league? Otherwise i do not think he will stay that long
I'm not sure, I think there's a chance he gets a taste of NCAA volleyball and might want to come back depending on the results of this year.
GCU lost their all-American setter, both their outsides, and Cam Thorne. Not on the same level they were, unfortunately. Its UCLA VS long beach once again, hawaii gonna be good though.
Right about GCU, but they still have Jarrett Anderson who I think is going to be one of the best oppos in all of D1 this year. But I expect it to be a rematch between UCLA/LBSU as well.
@@mitchsterkenburg agree jarrett anderson is so fkin underrated hes so consistent
Idk if he stays all 4 years
He's going to come to europe next year for sure, not to be rude but D1MVB will be a joke for him, he has the talent NOW to play un poland, italy or russia, hope he doesnt stay st the states
We'll see!
Why would anyone ever leave playing for their national team to go play ncaa volleyball?
A lot of other extremely talented international players have followed the same route. Including Simeon's brother who played for Alan Knipe and was player of the year.
Why did Messi come to play in the MLS? The US can do a great job of making a superstar and elevating them on another level.
@ isn’t the US one of the worst soccer teams and comes nowhere near as good as European and Brazilian teams?
He's still on Bulgaria's national team. He probably just wanted a different experience, and Alex may have been talking it up. Also, I read somewhere that the Nikolov Sr. places a lot of emphasis on academics as well.
IS THAT KAGEYAMA
Basically yes
"ONLY" losing champlin mchenry and knight
Yes I understand that sounds crazy, but returning - Rowan, Robinson, David, Rama, and bringing in Cameron Thorne makes them still very elite. And returns 4/6 starters from last year.
He is gonna play for 1 year and then go pro
That's what his brother did, and he said it was an extremely tough decision to do so, we'll see if he makes the same choice.
His brother only lasted one year, and this will be no different.
Also what's with the clickbait title? Absolutely nothing to do with your video. Fix that up
Yeah I could see him only playing one year. And the connotation of "problem" in the title is valid. "problem" meaning he's going to be really flipping good for LBSU. It's a current interpretation of the word that's popular.
@@mitchsterkenburg yeah I've never seen the word problem used that way. You're not the Onion where every word can be read ironically. If you wanna be taken seriously, be literal. Ydy but that's my feedback, good luck
@ I changed the word choice for you, but yes now you know how this word can be used
@@mitchsterkenburg lol okay, I'll continue not using it that way because it's silly
They should have him do a clinic with kids in high school. They wouldn't believe that Nikolov is only 18. lol
6'9 at 17 is truly hard to believe.
This guy is just kageyama
he really might be
Watch them choke again in the finals. 😂
We'll see what happens.
I think the title should say NCAA instead of long beach
When I say “problem” here I mean he’s going to do really flipping good so that’s why I said LBSU
@@mitchsterkenburg i guess change the "for" in the title to "at" because it is tiny bit confusing that he will be an issue for long beach when hes playing for them 😅
Andrew Rowen still better
Bold one
Long Beach are the kings of finding these one off players. Simeon right now, his brother before him, and TJ before that. Simeon has finally made this long beach team balanced, Knipe was fine but lacked height and placement off the net.
LBSU has a great relationship with international students and athletes through some of the summer camps and opportunities that they offer. Knipe has done a great job of scooping up that talent and holding onto it.
Aiden was not a bad setter by any means but Nikolov puts this team on another level with his ceiling and playmaking ability.
I mean hes p much just koganegawa from date tech 😂
he really might be
A setter like that makes a hitters job so much easier.
When the setter is the biggest threat on the team you put a ton of pressure on the opposition.