CRO - A new perspective

ZAGREB (EuroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - For several summers, Slaven Rimac had the privilege of wearing the Croatia shirt in international basketball tournaments.

In 1996, the 1.95m guard experienced the thrill of a lifetime by competing at the Olympics in Atlanta with the likes of Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja and Arijan Komazec.

Now, at 38 years of age, Rimac is getting a taste of national team basketball from a different perspective.

He is on the coaching staff of Jasmin Repesa.

"It is a great honor," he said, "both for me and for everyone who gets a chance to work for the national team.

"This is the highest possible level because I'm working with the best players and staff that exists at this moment in Croatia.

"To see, to learn, to be part of it is a special honor and well, I really think that it's a special feeling for everyone...

"This is my chance for a new life experience."

Rimac is sure to have a lot of advice to offer as Croatia warm up for Group C games at next month's EuroBasket against Spain, Georgia, the Czech Republic, Poland and hosts Slovenia.

The national side will take it one step at a time with the aim to survive and advance, and get better with each game.

If they end up clinching a top finish, a spot in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup would be theirs.

If Spain are in the first seven, then a top seven finish would be enough to seal a place in next year's tournament.

FIBA