CRO - Tomic goes back-to-back

BARCELONA (Euroleague/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Croatia may be a dark horse to reach the podium at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

While they suffered two heavy defeats at the end of EuroBasket 2013 to Lithuania and Spain, the Croatians had an outstanding tournament overall.

The team is young, has continuity with its playing staff and a solid coach in Jasmin Repesa.

And without a doubt, the Croatians have a low-post presence in Ante Tomic, who figures to be far more influential than he was in Slovenia last year.

Tomic is taking his game to new heights with FC Barcelona.

He has just been named Player of the Month in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague for the second consecutive time - something that has never happened before.

In March, Tomic had a dream run.

He made eight of his nine shots inside the arc and scored 19 points in a 93-73 romp over visiting Fenerbahce Ulker.

The 2.17m pivot followed that up with 14 points and 11 rebounds in a 70-58 triumph over two-time defending champions Olympiacos.

Tomic then travelled to Unicaja Malaga and despite playing just 17 minutes 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 77-61 win.

Last week, he capped an impressive March with 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal in an 84-62 win over Panathinaikos.

Barcelona, due in large part to the 27-year-old Tomic, are unbeaten in the Top 16.

They also are poised to make a run at the Spanish title.

Tomic was not at his best last summer at the EuroBasket, averaging 8.1 points and 7.2 rebounds for Croatia.

He especially struggled at the free-throw line, making 54 percent (27 of 50).

If he carries his current form into the World Cup, where Croatia will face Argentina, Greece, Puerto Rico, Senegal and the Philippines in Group B, look for Croatia to be a tough team to beat.

FIBA