By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
In the U19 World Cup in Crete we saw a lot of talents. One of those that impressed us is the 2m.14 tall Croatian Ivica Zubac. In the tournament he tallied 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists with 72.4% in two-point field goals (55/76).
The numbers are important but they don’t automatically presuppose a bright future when we are speaking of a 7footer that is battling it out against players of the same age at 18. But they are the elements that make Zubac a great prospect.
The way in which he runs the court, in which he locks up his opponent in the low post, the moves that he already has, his technique in finishes, the speed with which he moves his body even though we’re talking about an 18-yearold kid who is 2m. 14 tall. If he stays healthy, we are speaking of a center that combines the modern requirements of the position with the elegant moves and elements of former great pivot players.
Eurohoops spoke with him and asked him whether he believes a player of his size will still be able in a few years to play pick and rolls, aside from the scoring he will produce with his back to the basket, in the low post.
“I’m coming back from an injury and I’m still very slow compared to what I’m capable of. I broke my leg and I was out for almost a year. Now I’m coming back, I’m finding my footing and I’m raising the pace of my game. Yes, I believe that I’ll be able to respond to the pick and rolls and keep up with the guards’ pace.”
When did he find enough time to develop such a good game in the post? “It’s natural for me, it comes from inside. I guess I was born that way. I have to work on my body, to get even stronger and get out on the court the game that I’m capable of.”
Croatia has a long tradition of great centers. Who is Ivica Zubac’s idol? “Dino Radja. He’s the player that I like watching. Because he could perform as brilliantly with his back to the basket as he could head-on to the basket!”
What are the goals of the Croatian center, how does he envision his career in the future? “I have a three-year contract with Cibona. My goal, what I think about, is the NBA. I want to play there. It will depend on the extend to which I will have improved within the next three years, whether I’ll be able to make the transition once my contract with Cibona has expired or whether I’ll play for one of the Euroleague clubs first. In order to gain more experience, further improve and better prepare myself for my destination which is definitely the NBA.”