By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Croatia got the golden ticket for Rio after defeating Italy in the Olympic Qualifier and Dario Saric was named MVP of the tournament. A well deserved individual honor which accompanies a magnificent accomplishment for his country’s national team.
Saric averaged a double-double of 14 points plus 10 rebounds in four games (vs Tunisia, Italy, Greece and then Italy again), while dishing 2.2 assists per game. In the Final, he dropped 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds immensely boosting Croatia’s efforts. But his MVP value goes beyond numbers.
Perhaps the most notable aspects in the Croatian power forward’s performances were the leadership skills he displayed. He was sublime in crunch moments of each match when the ball was sizzling hot, showing great maturity in his decisions and actions.
He was clutch, when the need of his team called for points, in the perfect positions when some board control was required, protecting his territory on defense and rushing to give all kinds of help to his teammates. A team player, that’s what he was, with the benefit of the whole holding a priority in the mindset that dictated each and every of his moves.
And if his game wasn’t sensational enough, the 22-year old Croatian star also broke some exciting news after the game. “I am going back home and then to USA for the 76ers”, Saric said, putting an end to rumors claiming that he might stay in Europe and postpone becoming an NBA player for next year.
Here is what he also told about the upcoming Olympic Games and the success of Croatia in achieving its big goal.