By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Head coach Josip Sesar called up 17 players, before the training camp for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece.
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The Croatian Basketball Federation confirmed his selections on Wednesday.
The preliminary squad is headlined by Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers), Dario Saric (Golden State Warriors), and Mario Hezonja (Real Madrid).
Per the agreement between FIBA and the NBA regarding international players from the league based in North America, Zubac and Saric will not enter team practices until June 17. Another delayed entry, Hezonja is set to play for Real Madrid in the 2024 ACB Finals over the next week. All remaining players are scheduled to gather in Zagreb on Monday.
Covering the naturalized slot on the roster is Jaleen Smith (Partizan Mozzart Bet). Other selections extend to Danko Brankovic (FC Bayern Munich), Tomislav Buljan (Melilla), Dario Dreznjak (Zadar), Mateo Dreznjak (SC Derby), Goran Filipovic (Igokea m:tel), Borna Kapusta (SC Derby), Filip Kruslin (Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari), Kresimir Ljubicic (Split), Toni Nakic (Rio Breogan), Toni Perkovic (Split), Kresimir Radovcic (Cibona), Boris Tisma (Split), and Ivan Vranes (Uniclub Casino – Juventus).
In Group A of the OQT, Croatia takes on Slovenia and New Zealand on July 2 and 3, respectively. Host Greece, the Dominican Republic, and Egypt were drawn into Group B. Ranking first or second in each group clinches a berth in the Semifinals. The Finals winner moves on to the Olympic Games, joining Group A alongside Australia, Canada, and the winner of the OQT in Spain.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL