A man among boys

By Rigas Dardalis/ dardalis@eurohoops.net

He is a man among boys. Not only because his talent is exceptional, but also because he is remarkably humble and mature. Another kid in his place, after scoring 44 points while staying in the bench only for a minute, would be in cloud nine. Not Lovro Mazalin…

“I felt that I had to something more in that game, but you know in yesterday’s game (against Spain) we failed. It was not a good result and we missed a lot of shots. Now we have to win the game for the 5th place and go to the world championship next year and that’s it”, the Croatian sensation told “Eurohoops.net” a few moment after his impressive performance against Turkey.

Mazalin will play next season for Cedevita and if we judge by his presence in U16 European Championship of Ukraine, undoubtedly he can compete against men. He, though, likes to be (sincerely) grounded…

-You think that this tournament has helped you become little bit more of a man;

“Yes it helped me. Actually last European championship of under 18, helped me little bit more. You know, I had to be leader here, but I am not satisfied. IT will be better on world championship next season”.

-You think you’re ready, even if you’re so young, to have some minutes with Cedevita;

“Yes of course. I have to work hard and prove my coach that I can play with big players. So I am excited about next season”.

-Which is the player you like to most and your game is after;

“I like Tony Kukoc. I watched him yesterday before the game and today. He is left handed like me and the best Croatian player of all time. So Tony Kukoc.